Imaging techniques in diagnosing sensorineural hearing loss

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2025, 61(1), 33-36.

K. Georgiev, G. Valchev, V. Kirilova, V. Terzi, Z. Stoyanova

MHAT Varna MMA

Abstract. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the contribution of Computed To- mography (CT) scanning in the diagnostics of Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Methods: The readings of 714 cranial CT scans, conducted in MHAT Varna MMA in the period 01.01.2019 and 01.10.2023, have been retrospectively analyzed. Our results show that in nearly half of the examinations no pathologic findings were detected, while in the majority of the other half the findings were either unrelated to the primary disease, clinically insignificant, or expected for the age of the patient. In several cases we have discovered for the first time a finding that is helpful for a more precise diagnosis or alerts to a more serious disease. Conclusions: Therefore we consider that cranial CT should not be a mandatory examination in diagnosing hearing loss, but should rather be prescribed by the practitioner on a case-by-case basis.

Key words: computed tomography, sensorineural hearing loss

Address for correspondence: K. Georgiev, MD, e-mail: drkgeorgiev@abv.bg