Pseudohypacusis: the most frequent etiology of sudden hearing loss in children

Sudden hearing loss is a rare pathology in children. Several factors may be responsible for it although the exact etiology remains frequently undiagnosed. Among them, pseudohypacusis has been reported. However, the extent to which this pathology contributes to sudden hearing loss in children is unknown. This study evaluates the incidence of pseudohypacusis in children presented with sudden hearing loss. The medical records of 48 children presented to our department because of sudden hearing loss from 2002 to 2007 were reviewed. Diagnostic process included both subjective and objective audiological tests while organic hearing losses were further subjected to proper evaluation and treatment. 26 cases (54%) of pseudohypacusis and 22 cases (46%) of organic sudden hearing loss were diagnosed. In the pseudohypacustic group, girls outnumbered boys (16:10) and their mean age was 10.5 years. Pseudohypacusis represents the most frequent etiology of sudden hearing loss in children. Its detection is relatively simple using conventional audiological tests though in some cases even experienced clinicians may come to incorrect diagnosis.