Childhood psychogenic hearing loss: Identification and diagnosis

Abstract

Psychogenic hearing loss, formerly known as functional or non-organic hearing loss, is a classic cause of consultation in infantile audiology. Risk factors include female gender, and age 8 or 12 years. Onset is relatively sudden, without impact on schooling or voice quality. Audiometric signs comprise non-superimposable audiometric thresholds (variable audiometric results), bilaterality, flat mean audiometric curve, and discrepancy between pure-tone and speech audiometry. The child needs reassuring during audiometric examination: attention–diversion techniques may be effective. Objective audiometry allows positive diagnosis, followed by rehabilitation and psychological care.