Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Patients with Asymmetric Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Evaluation of the Clinical Features of Patients with Abnormal Imaging: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction

This study aims to review the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in cases with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) and to evaluate the clinical features in cases with abnormal findings in MRI that could act as the clinical predictors for intracranial pathology.

Methods

This study was conducted at the Department of ENT-HNS, T.U. Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A review of prospectively recorded data from five years (October 2019 to October 2024) on MRI findings and clinical features of cases presenting with ASNHL loss was done.

Results

A total of 47 cases met the inclusion criteria. Most cases had sudden sensorineural hearing loss (35), while the rest (12) had progressive hearing loss. Seven cases had abnormal MRI findings with vestibular schwannoma being the commonest pathological finding. Symptoms such as tinnitus, imbalance, headache, and tingling sensation in one half of the face had a statistically significant association with the detection of pathological findings in MRI.

Conclusion

MRI of the brain focusing on the CPA should be advised in all cases with asymmetric hearing loss. However, in scenarios where ordering an MRI is not feasible or can add much more financial burden to the patients, clinical features like tinnitus, headache, imbalance, and symptoms resulting from nerve compression such as tingling sensation in one half of the face can be taken into consideration to selectively scrutinize the patients with MRI.