The Importance of Detailed Audio-Vestibular Monitoring in Familial Non-Syndromic Hearing Losses: A Longitudinal Study
Audio-Vestibular Monitoring in Non-Syndromic Hearing Losses
Keywords:
hearing loss, vestibular, genetic, gene mutation, early intervention, computerized dynamic posturographyAbstract
Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the audiological and vestibular findings of two family members with progressive sensorineural type hearing loss at high frequencies according to years.
Methods: The pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and immittancemetry tests were performed for the audiological evaluation of the two families participating in the study. In vestibular evaluation, videonystagmography was performed to rule out neurological diseases, and computerized dynamic posturography was performed to evaluate postural control. Audiovestibular findings were recorded according to years and analyzed with the SPSS v.24 program.
Results: The sensorineural-type hearing loss, evident at high frequencies, was detected in all family members. A significant progressive deterioration was observed in the family members' hearing thresholds and computerized dynamic posturography results over the years.
Conclusion: The present study revealed that audiovestibular follow-ups are essential in genetic hearing loss. It has demonstrated the importance of follow-up and genetic counseling in terms of progressive hearing loss, even if the newborn undergoes hearing screening.