Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Pull-out section
w w w. a u s t r a l i a n d o c t o r. c o m . a u
inside
Assessment Common causes of hearing loss in adults Treatment options Case studies
The authors
HEARING LOSS
Background
DR A SIMON CARNEY, senior lecturer and head of ENT unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, SA.
in ADULTS
bers) who are experiencing hearing difficulties. In most instances hearing loss will have a simple aetiology. However, there are a few important conditions in which hearing loss is a sign of more serious and possibly malignant disease. For some patients their hearing loss may be untreatable, but others may benefit from early diagnosis and referral to an otolaryngologist. This article aims to assist GPs in improving their otological examination skills and interpretation of tympanometry tests and audiograms, as well as reviewing some of the more recent advances in treating hearing loss in adults.
HEARING impairment is a common and often under-diagnosed condition affecting almost one in five people aged over 15 in Australia. This figure increases to almost 40% in people aged over 55, with men more likely to be affected than women, particularly in the older age groups. While it is often thought of as inevitable and part of the ageing process, hearing loss can cause significant disability with regard to a persons employment prospects, social interactions and, consequently, overall psychological wellbeing. GPs are often the first port of call for patients (or frustrated family mem-
Sensorineural hearing loss results from conditions affecting the inner ear or the central auditory pathway of the eighth cranial nerve and may be further subdivided into sensory (cochlear) and neural (auditory nerve and pathway) causes. Sensorineural hearing loss may occasionally be due to associated pre-existing medical conditions and may improve with control of the underlying disease process, but in most instances is not amenable to surgery. In such cases hearing devices may be of benefit. Mixed hearing loss is due to a combination of conductive and sensorineural processes.
31 August 2007 | Australian Doctor |
29
Figure 4A: Rinnes test. Holding the tuning fork on the mastoid process.
Figure 4B: Rinnes test. Correct technique holding the tines of the fork parallel to the ear and (below) incorrect technique.
Loop diuretics
Frusemide
Cisplatin
Aspirin
Chemicals
Solvents
Phenytoin, beta blockers, quinine Arsenic, cobolt, lead, lithium, mercury, thorium Cyanide, benzene, May be ototoxic aniline dyes, iodine, carbon tetrachloride Toluene, styrene May be ototoxic
Bone conduction correct Figure 6: Air conduction masking with Barany box.
30
either in the midline, or left or right ear. Webers test detects the betterhearing cochlea, so it is heard in the midline in a patient with normal hearing. In the presence of a conductive defect it localises towards the affected ear, and away from an ear with a sensorineural deficit. The exception to this is the patient who has a severe sensorineural hearing loss in one ear. While Webers test correctly localises to the betterhearing cochlea, there is a false-negative result for Rinnes test on the affected side because of bone conduction across the skull to the better hearing ear. Masking the tuning fork with a Barany box (figure 6) will detect such a false-negative Rinnes test. A Barany box is placed next to the nontest ear, and produces a broadband noise with a sound output of about 90dB, which will effectively mask most ears. A simpler method of masking can be achieved by either rubbing the tragus of the non-test ear, or rubbing a piece of paper between the thumb and index finger. Tragal rubbing will mask noises up to 70dB, which should be sufficiently loud enough for most patients. Imaging studies are generally not required in the workup of patients with hearing loss. The exception to this rule is in patients with a unilateral sensorineural hearing loss or severe unilateral tinnitus. These patients should have an MRI to exclude the presence of an acoustic neuroma, although this remains an extremely rare diagnosis. Audiometry and tympanometry Pure-tone audiometry testing is used to measure a patients threshold for hearing. Sound stimuli of varying intensity (dB) and across various frequencies (Hz) are delivered to the patient and the results recorded in graphical form (the audiogram). A standard scale called decibel hearing level is used in an audiogram. This scale is based on average patients, so some individuals may have hearing better than zero. If there is a possibility of a con-
C: Presbyacusis. C
-10 250 0 10 20 dBHL (re AS1269) dBHL (re AS1269) 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
30 40 50 60 70 80 90
30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
Figure 8: Normal (type A) tympanogram. Flat (type B) tympanogram indicating middle-ear effusion. Left-shifted (type C) tympanogram, indicating eustachian tube dysfunction.
Type A
Type B
Type C
+100 +200
+100 +200
+100 +200
ductive loss, bone conduction thresholds can also be tested. Masking is sometimes applied to the contralateral ear to give a more accurate result in the test ear. All this information is recorded on the audiogram and is important in interpreting the results of the hearing test. Standard symbols are used in audiology and are shown in figure 7. To be able to discriminate speech, people need to be able to hear sounds in the 500Hz to 3kHz frequency range. A person is considered to have normal hearing if they can detect sounds of <20dB across a range of frequencies when tested by pure-tone audiometry.
Speech audiometery can also be performed. This is an alternative method of measuring hearing sensitivity. The patient is asked to identify monosyllabic words that are presented by the audiologist to the patient at supra-threshold (or at a comfortable hearing) level. Again this information is often presented in a graphical form or may be recorded as a percentage of words correctly identified. If there is an airbone gap (figure 7B), the patient has a conductive hearing loss. It is important also to consider the severity of the hearing loss, as this can predict whether a patient is likely to benefit from treatment. Patients with a moderate hearing loss may
not notice much improvement in their hearing, compared with someone with a severe or profound hearing loss after treatment or aiding. The pattern of hearing loss on audiological testing can help determine the underlying cause of hearing loss. Presbyacusis, the progressive hearing loss associated with age, has a downwards-sloping line across the higher frequencies (figure 7C). Noise-induced hearing loss also shows a characteristic pattern of impaired hearing across the 4-6kHz range, recovering to a variable degree at 8kHz (figure 7D). Serial audiograms may be used to monitor the progression of hearing impairment in patients with potentially reversible causes of conductive hearing loss, who are not keen for surgical intervention. Tympanometry is often also performed as part of audiometry testing, to measure the compliance of the tympanic membrane and give an indication of the condition of the tympanic membrane and middle-ear cleft. A normal tympanogram is shown in figure 8A. Patients with middleear effusions have flat (type B) tympanograms (figure 8B), while those with eustachian tube dysfunction have a curve that is shifted to the left (type C tympanogram, figure 8C).
NOISE-induced hearing loss due to exposure at work, recreation or in the home is one of the most common causes of hearing impairment worldwide. Although not all people exposed to loud noise develop noise-induced hearing loss, there is a strong correlation between prolonged exposure to noises >85dB and hearing loss. People employed in industrial workplaces and wearing no hearing protection are exposed to noises in the 90100+ dB range, with some hand-operated machinery producing noise up to 120dB. The effect of such daily exposure over several years is cumulative and can result in permanent damage to the
auditory nerve. It can be avoided by use of well-fitting earmuffs or earplugs, which reduce the sound intensity levels by 15-25dB on average, usually bringing the noise thresholds back to an acceptable 85dB. As a rule, for every 3dB increase over 85dB, the maximum acceptable time to be exposed to the noise decreases by half. For example, in an 88dB environment a worker has a maximum exposure time of four hours, and two hours in a 91dB environment. Physical examination of the patient with noiseinduced hearing loss is unremarkable, and the audiogram has a characteristic appearance (figure 7D). Hearing aids may be of benefit in correcting the hearing loss. Patients should
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
-10 250 0 10 20 30 dBHL (re AS1269) 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
also be advised that their ears have been shown to be susceptible to noise damage and that they should wear ear protection in other noisy environments, such as motor racing or rock concerts. Cotton wool placed in the ear is no substitute for quality, well-fitting, personal protective equipment that complies with Australian Safety Standards. If noise-induced hearing loss is due to occupational factors, patients may wish to obtain legal advice as to their possible entitlement to compensation, although this is not always easy to prove.
Modality Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked Masked
Right
Left
Presbyacusis
Presbyacusis is the progressive, symmetrical high-frequency hearing loss that occurs with age. It is not clear why some people develop presbyacusis while
others retain normal hearing, and we cannot predict who will be affected. Patients often complain of reduced speech discrimination, particularly in noisy environments, in addition to deafness itself. Presbyacusis is sensorineural in origin, and its audiogram is diagnostic (figure 7C). Patients with presbyacusis benefit from hearing aids. In particular, older patients who have not done well with conventional analogue hearing aids should be encouraged to be reassessed for digital hearing aids, which can be individually programmed and generally give better patient satisfaction rates.
< [
> ]
32
www.australiandoctor.com.au
abrupt or rapidly progressive hearing loss of at least 30dB in three contiguous frequencies (figure 9). It is usually unilateral and may be associated with tinnitus. Sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss is believed to be viral in origin; however, it may occasionally be due to vascular disease, autoimmune disease or neurodegenerative diseases. Physical examination is unremarkable. Traditionally, high-dose oral steroids (prednisolone 1mg/kg for five days in patients with no contraindications to steroids) have been given to speed up recovery. More aggressive treatment, such as the intra-tympanic injection of steroids, is advocated by a minority of otologists but is not standard practice. Studies suggest that 5065% of people will spontaneously recover without any treatment and, despite numerous studies and a Cochrane review, there is no conclusive evidence to prove that steroids improve the outcome. Despite this, because of the devastating effect of a persistent loss, most otologists still recommend a short course of steroids. In patients for whom steroids are not contraindicated and who have presented promptly for assessment (ideally within the first 24-48 hours), an oral course of prednisolone is recommended, and a phone call for urgent review and audiological testing made to the nearest ENT unit.
Figure 13: A: Chronic suppurative otitis media. B: Chronic dry otitis media. A
Acoustic neuroma
Acoustic neuromas are rare, benign slow-growing tumours of the auditory nerve that most commonly present with a unilateral hearing loss. They are often asymptomatic but if large enough they may present with imbalance or facial weakness due to compression of the facial or vestibular nerve within the internal auditory canal. All patients with a unilateral sensorineural hearing loss on audiological testing must be referred to an ENT surgeon for review to exclude an acoustic neuroma. Convincing, unilateral persistent tinnitus is also a rare indication for an acoustic neuroma screen. Most acoustic neuromas are identified while still small and asymptomatic and are monitored with MRI scans on a yearly basis. Active treatment is either stereotactic radiosurgery or surgical removal.
adult patients do present with reduced hearing and on examination may be found to have an effusion (figure 10) Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as a persistent effusion lasting more than 12 weeks. In most patients (children and adults alike) the effusion will improve and disappear completely with time. In adults OME is most likely to be due to associated rhinosinusitis or other nasal pathology leading to secondary eustachian tube dysfunction. Barotrauma caused by diving or air travel may also precipitate OME.
Resolution of OME secondary to rhinosinusitis or other nasal pathology can be hastened by use of topical nasal corticosteroids (eg, mometosome, budesonide) to control the underlying disease process. Topical decongestants should be avoided or at least limited to a short course (maximum three days) to avoid rebound nasal congestion and exacerbation of symptoms. In addition, the patient can be taught the Valsalva or Frenzel manoeuvres, which help to open the nasopharyngeal opening of the eustachian tube and assist with drainage of middle-ear fluid. The Frenzel manoeuvre is a modification of the Valsalva, in which the patient swallows while simultaneously performing the Valsalva manoeuvre. Adults with a middle-ear effusion lasting more than 12 weeks must be referred to an otolaryngologist for review to exclude a nasopharyngeal tumour obstructing the eustachian tube orifice. For a persisting effusion (with or without eustachian tube dysfunction) the patient may be offered a myringotomy and grommet insertion to restore middle-ear ventilation, improve hearing and promote resolution of the effusion. Patients with OME who fly are at risk of barotrauma. This risk tends to be less in patients whose middle ears are completely filled with fluid (as there is no room for gases to expand or contract), compared with those who have evidence of air-fluid levels or air bubbles in the middle ear. Ideally patients with an URTI and evidence of an effusion should be advised not to travel because of the risk of barotrauma. However, there are some simple preventive measures patients can take such as: Chewing gum or yawning on descent. Valsalva and Frenzel manoeuvres. Topical nasal decongestants just before take-off and five minutes before decent begins. Use of specialised occlusive ear plugs that allow for the slow equalisation of pressure between the external environment and middle ear. Patients who travel frequently and experience repeated bouts of barotrauma may benefit from myringotomy and grommet insertion.
bination of factors, including tympanic membrane retraction due to eustachian tube dysfunction, and chronic inflammation of the middle ear. Cholesteatomas are most commonly found in the superior part of the tympanic membrane (pars flaccida), although the pars tensa may occasionally be involved. A patient with a cholesteatoma presents with hearing loss and often recurrent purulent ottorrhoea. There may also be associated tinnitus. If the cholesteatoma is extensive it may also produce imbalance due to labyrinthine erosion, or a facial nerve palsy from inflammation or compression of the nerve. On otoscopy a cholesteatoma is characterised by a retracted pocket of tympanic membrane filled with squamous epithelium, which often has a pearly appearance (figure 11). The cholesteatoma may be hidden behind a wax plug on the tympanic membrane, which requires gentle ear toilet to remove. This may need to be performed under direct vision with a microscope and suction equipment by an otolaryngologist. Left untreated, cholesteatomas continue to grow and invade the middle-ear structures and can lead to bony erosion of the ossicular chain, intracranial extension, abscess formation or cranial nerve defects. The risk of these potentially life-threatening complications means that all patients with suspected cholesteatoma must be referred to an otolaryngologist for assessment and discussion of surgical (or occasionally conservative) treatment options.
weeks, it is unlikely to close spontaneously. Patients with a long or recurrent history of middleear infections may have chronic tympanic membrane perforations associated with a conductive hearing deficit. There may also be a history of recurrent purulent discharge from the affected ear (active chronic otitis media [figure 13A]) or the ear may be dry (inactive chronic otitis media [figure 13B]). These patients will also benefit from referral to an otolaryngologist to discuss surgical options to close the perforation.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis tends to affect people at an earlier age than presbyacusis. It is more common in women and its typical onset is during the third or fourth decade. It presents as a slowly progressive hearing loss that may be unilateral or bilateral. Bilateral losses are often asymmetrical. There may be a positive family history of otosclerosis, and women may find that the hearing loss worsens when they are pregnant or using oestrogen therapy (eg, the oral contraceptive pill). The underlying pathological process is restricted to the otitic capsule and results in fixation of the stapes footplate, leading to a conductive deafness. Otoscopic examination is normal, and serial audiograms show a progressive hearing loss. Patients with otosclerosis should also be referred to an ENT surgeon for consideration of a stapedectomy to treat the hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is defined as the presence of squamous epithelium in the middle ear or mastoid cavity. It is thought to arise from a com-
www.australiandoctor.com.au
33
Summary
Hearing loss is common and often goes undiagnosed or untreated. Screening for risk factors for hearing loss may allow early intervention and prevent further impairment (avoiding certain medications, noise exposure, etc). Otoscopy is an important part of the assessment of hearing loss and often leads to the correct diagnosis. Appropriately performed and interpreted tuning fork tests are useful in identifying the underlying type of hearing loss in the absence of easily assessable audiology. Audiometry identifies type and degree of hearing loss and helps determine the most appropriate treatment (observation, aiding or surgery). The most common causes of hearing loss in Australia are noise induced and presbyacusis both are amenable to hearing aids. Consider referral to an otolaryngologist when a patient presents with hearing loss and there are unusual features on the history or examination findings.
ing loss receive the greatest quality-of-life benefit from hearing aids, although music lovers with high-tone losses also benefit. The circumstances of each individual patient need to be assessed before a decision on a hearing aid trial.
Surgery
Depending on the underlying aetiology, the degree of
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
C
-10 250 500
Audiogram
Frequency in Hz
1000 2000 4000 8000
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
Modality Right Air conduction - Earphones Unmasked Masked Binaural - Sound field Bone Conduction - Mastoid Unmasked < [ Masked
Left
> ]
ness. She is wondering what the cause is and if anything can be done about it. Physical examination, including otoscopy was unremarkable. A pure-tone audiogram was obtained (figure 14A) and showed a bilateral, asymmetrical, moderate to severe conductive hearing loss, which was worse on the left. A diagnosis of otosclerosis was made and the pathogenesis and likely outcome of the condition discussed with HN. Treatment options were also discussed, including observation, hearing aids and surgical correction by stapedectomy. Given her age, degree of hearing impairment and desire to avoid the use of hearing aids if possible, the decision was made to proceed with surgery on the left ear (figure 14B). Postoperatively the patient reported a marked improvement in hearing with the left ear, which was confirmed on audiological testing (figure 14C).
and has not been exposed to ototoxic medications in the past. HN was aware that her hearing was not as good as her peers, and she now reports that the hearing loss is worsening and has started to become intrusive. She finds it difficult to hear in noisy environments, which is starting to interfere with her ability to work, and her family members have also started to complain about her deafwww.australiandoctor.com.au
Online resources
34
DR ANN PARKER
Bowral, NSW
Case study
JR, 51, presented with a history of sudden onset of hearing loss in the early hours of that morning. She had woken with vertigo while lying still and loud tinnitus. Over subsequent hours the tinnitus had persisted and her hearing was poor on the left side. She had no further vertigo but felt fuzzy in the left side of her head and unable to think clearly. She had no history of any other hearing problem, head injury or neurological symptom. Her work is office based and she had had no real exposure to loud noises.
INSTRUCTIONS
Complete this quiz to earn 2 CPD points and/or 1 PDP point by marking the correct answer(s) with an X on this form. Fill in your contact details and return to us by fax or free post.
FREE POST How to Treat quiz Reply Paid 60416 Chatswood DC NSW 2067
difficulty hearing you and she says she has been aware of reduced hearing for several years. Which THREE factors in the history would you consider as possibly related to her deafness? a) She suffers from Pagets disease b) She was given aminoglycoside antibiotics for a septic episode four years ago c) Her brother has kidney failure and deafness d) She takes regular NSAIDs for osteoarthritis 7. Roman, 52, presents complaining of reduced hearing and a smelly discharge from his right ear. The clinical examination suggests Roman has a cholesteatoma. Which THREE statements about this condition are correct? a) Typical otoscopy findings include a retraction pocket in the superior tympanic membrane, filled with pearly-looking material b) As cholesteatoma is a slow-growing tumour and complications are rare, referral is not necessary c) Eustachian tube dysfunction is thought to be one of the factors involved in formation of cholesteatoma d) Cholesteatoma causes a conductive hearing loss, which may be associated with tinnitus 8. Elsa, 40, presents with a blocked feeling and reduced hearing in her left ear for the past two weeks. On examination she has a middle-ear effusion. Which TWO statements
about middle-ear effusion in adults are correct? a) Effusions in adults are unlikely to resolve on their own, so patients should be promptly referred for myringotomy b) Barotrauma from diving or air travel can precipitate an effusion c) Regular use of decongestant nasal sprays is the best treatment for middle-ear effusion d) Patients with evidence of an air-fluid level on otoscopy should be counselled against flying 9. Which TWO conditions cause a conductive hearing loss? a) Acoustic neuroma b) Otosclerosis c) Tympanic membrane perforation d) Hearing loss due to high-dose salicylates 10. Which THREE statements about the timing of, and reasons for, referral to an otolaryngologist are correct? a) Adults with chronic otitis media with effusion should be referred if the problem has not resolved after 12 weeks b) Patients with sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss should be seen within two weeks c) Patients with a unilateral sensorineural hearing loss should be referred to exclude acoustic neuroma d) Patients with a conductive hearing loss and a normal otoscopic examination should be referred for investigation of otosclerosis
CONTACT DETAILS
Dr: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-mail: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RACGP QA & CPD No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .and /or ACRRM membership No: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Postcode: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HOW TO TREAT Editor: Dr Marcela Cox Co-ordinator: Julian McAllan Quiz: Dr Marcela Cox
The mark required to obtain points is 80%. Please note that some questions have more than one correct answer. Your CPD activity will be updated on your RACGP records every January, April, July and October.
NEXT WEEK The next How to Treat, on adolescent gynaecology, aims to help GPs differentiate normal variations of puberty from true gynaecological problems, so appropriate advice can be given to young
women and their families, and referral for endocrine or gynaecological assessment can occur when needed. The author is Professor Jenny A Batch, director of endocrinology and diabetes, Royal Childrens Hospital, Herston, Queensland.
36
www.australiandoctor.com.au