Acoustic neuroma diagnosis.

Pure tone audiometry, PTA, has been regarded as an initial step when starting acoustic neuroma, AN, diagnostic service. If observing unilateral/asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss, electronystagmography, ENG, and registration of auditory brainstem responses, ABRs, are instructed to perform. The measures of the methods are listed appearing particularly effective for AN detecting. Efficacy of ENG and ABR approaches in verification of ANs of even initial stages has been stated to reach the absolute identification score, 100%. In tinnitus and/or vertigo complaints, ENG and ABR examinations are recommended to utilize under normal PTA even. The positive evidence of ANs via ENG and ABR has to validate by contrasting magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, while MRI data are advised to utilize for assessment of concrete strategy of surgical intervention. Under negative ENG and ABR outcomes, on the other hand, MRI is considered as a hardly urgent procedure.

Does vitamin E prevent gentamicin-induced ototoxicity?

A randomized double-blind study was performed to check the protective efficacy of vitamin E against aminoglycoside ototoxicity. 52 patients scheduled for gentamicin therapy because of acute pulmonary infections have been tested. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive additionally either vitamin E or placebo. The daily dosage of gentamicin amounted to 240 mg and that of vitamin E to 2800 mg. The treatment lasted 7 days. Hearing function was assessed before the start of medication and at the follow-up visit 6 to 8 weeks afterwards. Elevation of auditory thresholds occurred in similar number of patients in the vitamin-E and placebo groups and no statistically significant differences were found between. Vitamin E has been not confirmed thus to possess any protective action against gentamicin-induced ototoxicity.