Application of auditory brainstem response and pure tone audiometry in early diagnosis of acoustic neuroma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical application value of using auditory brainstem response and pure tone audiometry for early diagnosis of acoustic neuroma. Methods The clinical data, the results of pure tone audiometry, auditory brainstem response, and enhanced MRI in 111 patients with acoustic neuroma were analyzed retrospectively. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between the mean value of pure tone audiometry and the neuroma volume or course of disease. Chi-squared test was used to analyze the whether there were differences in the different neuroma volumes on the incidence of abnormal auditory brainstem response. Results Acoustic neuroma caused sensorineural deafness. There was a significant correlation between the mean value of pure tone audiometry and the course of disease (P=0.000). The sensitivity and specificity of auditory brainstem response for the diagnosis of acoustic neuroma were 98.2% and 93.6% respectively. The maximum diameters of neuromas were divided into 2 groups: >3 cm or ≤3 cm. There were significant differences on the abnormal incidence of the Ⅲ to Ⅴ wave intervals of the ipsilateral and contralateral ears (P=0.038 and 0.045 respectively). Conclusion Auditory brainstem response in combination with pure tone audiometry is the effective method for early diagnosis of acoustic neuroma. Key words: Neuroma, acoustic; Audiometry, pure-tone; Auditory threshold; Evoked potentials, auditory, brain stem; Diagnosis