Document Type

Capstone Project

Publication Date

Fall 10-2021

First Advisor

Antony Joseph, MA., Au.D., Ph.D., ABAC, CCC-A, CPS/A, F-NAP

Keywords

Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct, Meniere's Disease, Hearing Loss

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Vestibular aqueducts follow a route through the inner ear that terminates within the skull and, in most circumstances, aqueducts are narrow and bony. An enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is most commonly caused by a mutation in the SLC26A4 gene. There are other unidentified environmental and genetic causes that produce EVA as well. At the time this case was reported, no surgeries or treatments existed that could repair an EVA. Case presentation: A bilingual male child presented with congenital bilateral EVAs. His EVAs were accompanied by sensorineural hearing loss and language delay. Discussion: Enlarged vestibular aqueducts can affect language learning during the early acquisition stages. Most notably, some cultural groups may not readily accept amplification for treatment. Conclusion: It is important to provide children who have EVAs with access to developmental language opportunities. Families of children with hearing loss may need additional language support and therapy if amplification is not adopted.

Introduction: The presence of Meniere’s disease is associated with an increased volume of inner- ear endolymphatic fluid and distention of the endolymphatic space. The root cause of change in endolymph, also known as cochlear hydrops, is indefinite. There is no surgical procedure or treatment that completely eliminates effects of Meniere’s disease. Case presentation: An adult male presented to the clinic with Meniere’s disease, accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss that affected his social, occupational and personal life. The patient presented to the clinic for a cochlear implant candidacy evaluation. It was determined that he was unqualified for cochlear implant surgery, so hearing aid selection was conducted. Discussion: Amplification for patients with Meniere’s disease may be challenging due to fluctuating hearing loss. Audiologic rehabilitation is an important step in the dispensing process in order to address all aspects of the fluctuating nature of Meniere’s disease.

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