PP1514 - Pre- and Post-operative Audio-Vestibular Findings in a Patient with a Glomus Tympanicum Tumor

Abstract: Due to the rarity of glomus tympanicum tumors, there is a paucity of data documenting audio-vestibular diagnostic results pre- and post-operatively and there are no known studies documenting pre- and post-operative vestibular function evaluation findings. In this case study, the patient's pre-operative audiological results deviate from what has been documented in the literature as this patient had a bilateral, symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss. This is the first case documenting pre- and post-surgical videonystagmography results revealing an alteration to the specific heat capacitance of the middle ear system pre-operatively, with resolution post-operatively.

Summary:

Purpose: This is the first study to document pre- and post-operative vestibular function testing findings in a glomus tympanicum tumor patient. Pre- and post-operative audiological thresholds are also reported, revealing the possibility of glomus tympanicum tumor patients having sensorineural hearing loss in the effected ear. 

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted where pre- and post-operative audiological and vestibular function testing results were analyzed. 
Results and Conclusion: This case study shows that it is possible for patients with glomus tympanicum tumors to have symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and that pre-operative vestibular function testing may result in a significant alteration to caloric results due to alteration of the specific heat capacity of the middle ear system. Pre-operative caloric testing may not be reliable in this patient population.