Edward Garcia
California State University, USA
Title: Handheld tympanometry in the diagnosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Biography
Biography: Edward Garcia
Abstract
Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is an urgent condition for which immediate treatment is of paramount importance. Because, patients often seek initial treatment and evaluation in urgent care or primary care settings, an immediate audiological assessment may not be available. As such, handheld tympanometry may have the potential to assist with triage and appropriate management of sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss. Primary care providers usually have first contact with these individuals and a prompt referral to an otolaryngologist (ENT) or an audiologist is critical. I have designed a flowchart that can be used by these providers. A patient complaining of a single-sided hearing loss can be referred appropriately by following the flowchart and using an otoscope and a handheld tympanometer.