Importance of early objective auditory testing in the presentation of sudden sensorineural hearing loss in children.

BACKGROUND: Functional hearing loss can be due to an auditory manifestation of functional neurological disorder, previously known as conversion disorder.

METHODS: This is a case series of 3 pediatric patients with a diagnosis of idiopathic SSNHL who ultimately were found to have functional neurological disorder.

RESULTS: Average age was 12.7 years at presentation (range 10-14 years). All three patients underwent invasive interventions prior to their initial clinic visit. All patients demonstrated profound SNHL on behavioural audiogram, but normal otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response testing. With counselling, both patients demonstrated significant hearing improvement.

CONCLUSIONS: Early use of OAE's in the workup of SSNHL can avoid unnecessary and potentially harmful therapies and expedite access to counselling services which may help lead to symptom resolution.