Phase Audiometry in Neuroaudiological Practice

Abstract

Six groups of subjects, altogether 107 in number, were studied with phase audiometry. Three control groups were studied (normal-hearing healthy controls, persons with cochlear hearing losses, and patients with neurological disease not affecting the auditory system), and three patient groups were studied (patients with cerebellopontine angle tumours, with brainstem lesions, and with temporal lobe lesions). Two phase audiometers were used. The sensitivity was 85 % for patients with cerebellopontine angle tumours, 71 % for patients with brainstem lesions, and 69 % for patients with temporal lobe lesions. There was good agreement between the phase audiometers, though one of them (BIAB Phase Audiometer) had better results for two of the patient groups. Phase audiometry can be recommended in neuroaudiological practice.

Key Words:

• directional hearing
• cerebellopontine angle tumours
• brainstem lesions
• temporal lobe lesions