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Audiologist-led screening of acoustic neuromas in patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus: our experience in 1126 patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 September 2018

Y Abbas ,
G Smith  and
A Trinidade
Y Abbas
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK
G Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK
A Trinidade*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Westcliff-on-Sea, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mr Aaron Trinidade, Otolaryngology Department, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Prittlewell Chase, Westcliff-on-Sea SS0 0RY, UK E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)1702 385 145
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Abstract

Objective

To determine whether patients within an otolaryngology department presenting with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus can be safely and cost-efficiently screened for acoustic neuroma by audiologists as a first or only point of contact.

Methods

A prospective case series and cost analysis were conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Between April 2013 and March 2017, 1126 adult patients presented to the audiology department with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus. All were screened for acoustic neuroma with magnetic resonance imaging, based on pre-determined criteria. The main outcome measure was the presence of acoustic neuroma or other pathology on magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Twenty-five patients (2.22 per cent) were found to have an acoustic neuroma (size range: 3–20 mm) and were referred to the otolaryngologist for further assessment. The remaining patients were appropriately managed and discharged by the audiologists without ENT input. This resulted in an overall cost saving of £164 850.

Conclusion

Patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus can be safely screened for acoustic neuroma and independently managed by audiologists as a first or only point of contact, resulting in considerable departmental cost savings.

Keywords

AudiologyMass ScreeningNeuroma, AcousticCosts and Cost AnalysisTinnitus
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 132 , Issue 9 , September 2018 , pp. 786 - 789
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2018 

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Footnotes

Mr A Trinidade takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

References

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