Hello, My 9yr old daughter has a high frequency hearing loss in
her left ear. She had numerous ear infections starting at age
6 mos. to age 3yrs. She had tubes put in at age 22mos. She
undergoes yearly ear exams and hearing tests by an ENT office.
Should I request more extensive testing? It was recommended that
she have preferential seating in school, which has been done.
Any thoughts?
Reply -----------------------
I assume the primary nature of the high frequency hearing loss in your child is neurosensory (so-called "nerve" hearing loss). The most common cause of a one-sided neurosensory hearing loss in children or adults is felt to be related to viral infection such as mumps. It is also possible that chronic or recurrent bacterial infections or chronic middle ear fluid, all of which might lead to the need for tubes, could also explain a loss such as you describe. As to the need for more extensive testing, I assume that at least a comprehensive audiometric study has been performed which would include air and bone thresholds and possibly speech testing. A more sophisticated audiometric study that is frequently recommended particularly in adults who present with a new one-sided neurosensory hearing loss, is known as brain stem auditory response testing (BAER). This latter test can effectively screen for more complex or serious causes of such types of hearing loss. In certain cases, radiographic examinations are recommended such as a CT scan or MRI scan to study the inner ear structures as well as the nerve to the inner ear. The need for these additional tests in a child would be best answered by your otolaryngologist who has the best understanding of your childs history and ear exam findings over the years. I would recommend at the very least semi-annual or annual audiograms for a while, possibly up to a few years, to make sure there isn't a progressive hearing loss present. I would certainly concur with preferential seating in school, up front with best ear toward the teacher.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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