Pseudohypacusis: Audiometric progression, psychological and speech therapy assessment. Toward multidisciplinary management? A cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

Pseudohypacusis (PHA), or non-organic hearing loss, is still poorly understood and often underdiagnosed. The primary objective of this study was to determine its audiometric characteristics and evolution. The secondary objective was to gather evidence for possible associated auditory processing disorders, learning difficulties or psychiatric conditions, with the aim of establishing a diagnostic and management algorithm.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A single-center retrospective cohort study included all patients presenting PHA. Clinical, medical, psychological and speech therapy data were collected, along with subjective audiometric assessments (pure-tone and speech audiometry in quiet and in noise, central auditory processing assessment), objective audiometric tests, and radiological examinations.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (57 ears) were included: 11 males and 19 females. Hearing loss was sensorineural in 61% of cases. Speech audiometry was consistent in 52% of cases. Speech therapy and/or psychological assessment was performed in 28 patients (93%). Audiometric follow-up showed normalization in 45% of cases, with a mean recovery time of 7.2months. Speech-in-noise audiometry alone was performed in 7 patients, and was impaired in 5 of these. Two patients underwent central auditory processing assessment, which revealed auditory processing disorders.

CONCLUSION

PHA is an auditory symptom that usually reflects an underlying disorder, which needs to be managed. It requires multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment.