ABSTRACT
Introduction: This study investigates the role of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), tympanometry, and acoustic stapedial reflex testing (ASR) and their combined potential utility in the setting of replacing classic automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) testing in newborns with referred hearing screens. This was done to determine whether these tests could be used in isolation so to reduce the follow-up burden on families and improve compliance with our screening protocols by replacing the need for additional tests, especially in a health care system with limited resources and with current travel and visitor restrictions. Method(s): Data were prospectively collected on new clinic patients with the following inclusion criteria: children 0 to 6 months old with referred newborn hearing screens via AABR from August 2020 to October 2020 at Children's Hospital of Michigan. All patients were initially rescreened with repeat AABR. ASR, DPOAE, and tympanometry data from selected patients were collected. Patients were noted to have either normal or abnormal responses from each test using preset parameters. Screening methods were then compared. Result(s): Thirty-eight children were recruited in the study including 76 ears. On repeat AABR, 13% of children and 6% of ears were referred again. Of those that failed the second AABR, 40% had abnormal tympanometry compared with 6% of those that passed. The DPOAE results correlated with AABR findings in all but 1 patient. Acoustic reflex testing was abnormal in 2.6% of patients, which all correlated with referred AABRs. Further statistical analysis is being done to evaluate for significant correlations. Conclusion(s): AABR revealed equivocal results when compared with results of DPOAE, ASR, and tympanometry. This study was limited by the number of patients included, given the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many sites lack AABR capabilities, and given our findings, these alternative auditory tests can be considered in health care settings with limited resources. With further research and greater sample size, these readily available audiologic tests may be considered as simple, reproducible, and sensitive screening alternatives.
ABSTRACT
Introduction Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is defined as a hearing loss occurred within 3 days with decreasing of hearing level at least 30 dB in as a minimum three frequencies. The exact etiology and pathology of SSNHL is still unknown and the causes can be identified in only 10 to 15 percent of diagnosed cases. Methods Goal: To study the correlation of SSNHL and Covid-19 infections. We selected 10 patients who came to our clinic with SSNHL and who recently recovered from Covid-19 infection. They were admitted to clinic on 20-25th days of their COVID-19 infection, all selected patients were received remdesivir, intravenous steroids and plasma exchange to treat their COVID-19 infection and clinically improved. During 1-3 weeks of the treatment their noticed left-sided tinnitus and SSNHL. They all had no previous ear pathology. Results On ear examination external auditory canal canals and tympanic membranes are normal, were found negative Rinne's test on left side and Weber's test lateralising to the opposite side, tympanogram type A, no acoustic reflexes on left ear. When performed laboratory tests after 2 months of post-onset of SSNHL in all patients were found a positive COVID-19 IgG antibodies which showing initial time of SSNHL incidence. Such as, was not found any other risk factors for evolving SSNHL except Covid-19, so we came to conclusion, that the patient's SSNHL is complication of COVID-19 infection and probably this infection can cause unilateral intralabyrinthine or intracochlear hemorrhage, damages the inner ear's delicate hair cells and/or the blood supply.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, can result in persistent loss of taste and smell. This study was performed to assess acoustic reflex threshold (ART) in patients with taste disorders caused by SARS-CoV-2. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 11 patients (9 men, 2 women; average age = 22.3 years) with a history of COVID-19 and had complaints of taste disorder and sensitivity to loud sounds. The control group consisted of 13 healthy participants (10 men, 3 women; average age = 23.4 years). Anamnesis, neuro-otological, ear, nose and throat, and eye examinations, as well as a taste test, pure tone audiometry, speech discrimination test, and impedance audiometry were performed in all participants. RESULTS: All participants in the study group had a negative taste test result. In addition, ART values were significantly higher in the study group than the control group at all frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 could be a neurotropic virus that can cause facial nerve neuropathy.