Central Hearing Loss in a Pediatric Patient

Laryngoscope. 2025 Jan;135(1):452-456. doi: 10.1002/lary.31742. Epub 2024 Sep 26.

Abstract

Sensorineural hearing loss is typically caused by dysfunction of the inner ear or auditory nerve. In pediatric patients diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss, work-up often includes genetic testing and imaging studies of the auditory pathway. Here, we report a case of a pediatric patient with a history of sensorineural hearing loss following cisplatin and radiation therapy for brainstem medulloblastoma, developing symptoms and signs of central hearing loss based on audiometric and MRI/diffusion tensor imaging studies. Though rare, central hearing loss should be considered among the causes of sensorineural hearing loss in children. Laryngoscope, 135:452-456, 2025.

Keywords: auditory pathway; central hearing loss; diffusion tensor imaging; inferior colliculus; pediatric.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / complications
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Child
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Diffusion Tensor Imaging
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Central / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss, Central / etiology
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* / diagnosis
  • Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* / etiology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma* / complications
  • Medulloblastoma* / radiotherapy
  • Medulloblastoma* / therapy

Substances

  • Cisplatin