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Misdiagnosis of hearing loss due to ear canal collapse: a report of two cases

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

Cliodna F. O Mahoney  and
Linda M. Luxon
Cliodna F. O Mahoney*
Affiliation:
Department of Audiological Medicine, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK.
Linda M. Luxon
Affiliation:
Department of Audiological Medicine, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK.
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Cliodna F. O Mahoney, Dept of Audiological Medicine, Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, 330 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DA.
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Abstract

Collapse of the external auditory meatus during audiometry can lead to spuriously increased hearing thresholds being obtained, particularly at high frequencies, and may simulate conditions such as noise-induced hearing loss, presbyacusis and retrocochlear pathology. Consequently, inappropriate investigations and management may be undertaken. Two patients with elevated thresholds secondary to ear canal collapse are described. The implications of initially failing to identify the true nature of their ‘hearing losses’ are highlighted and strategies to avoid such pitfalls are discussed.

Keywords

Ear canalAudiometrycomplications
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 110 , Issue 6 , June 1996 , pp. 561 - 566
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1996

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