Rate of Initial Hearing Loss during Early Observation Predicts Time to Non-Serviceable Hearing in Patients with Conservatively Managed Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma

Matthew L. Carlson, Eric M. Dowling, Christine M. Lohse, Brendan P. O'Connell, Colin L.W. Driscoll, David S. Haynes, Michael J. Link, Jacob B. Hunter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective:To date, prediction models for estimating risk of acquiring non-serviceable hearing in subjects with observed vestibular schwannoma (VS) have evaluated outcomes primarily based on features at initial diagnosis. Herein, we evaluate the association of rate of hearing decline during the initial period of observation with time to non-serviceable hearing. If significant, rate of hearing decline may inform decision making after an introductory period of observation.Setting:Two tertiary care centers.Patients:VS patients with serviceable hearing who underwent at least three audiograms and two magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies before intervention or being lost to follow-up. The rate of change in pure-tone average (PTA) and word recognition score (WRS) was calculated as the score from the second audiogram minus the score from the first audiogram, divided by the duration in months between the two.Main Outcome Measure(s):Serviceable hearing, defined as PTA ≤50dB HL and WRS ≥50%.Results:Among 266 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 52 developed non-serviceable hearing at last follow-up. Kaplan-Meier estimated rates of maintaining serviceable hearing (95% CI; number still at risk) at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 years were 97% (95-100; 206), 78% (72-85; 98), 68% (60-77; 39), 60% (50-73; 17), and 44% (29-67; 2), respectively. In a univariable setting, each 1dB increase per month in the rate of initial PTA change was associated with a 96% increased likelihood of acquiring non-serviceable hearing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.96; 95% CI 1.44-2.68; p<0.001). Each 1% increase per month in the rate of initial WRS change was associated with a decreased likelihood of acquiring non-serviceable hearing (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.94; p=0.009). After multivariable adjustment, both rate of PTA change (HR 2.42; 95% CI 1.72-3.41; p<0.001) and rate of WRS change (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.99; p=0.043) remained statistically significantly associated with time to non-serviceable hearing.Conclusion:Rate of early PTA and WRS decline during the initial period of observation are significantly associated with time to development of non-serviceable hearing. This information may facilitate accurate patient counseling and inform decision-making regarding prospective disease management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)E1012-E1017
JournalOtology and Neurotology
Volume40
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2019

Keywords

  • Acoustic neuroma
  • Hearing preservation
  • Natural history
  • Neurotology
  • Skull base
  • Vestibular schwannoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Clinical Neurology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rate of Initial Hearing Loss during Early Observation Predicts Time to Non-Serviceable Hearing in Patients with Conservatively Managed Sporadic Vestibular Schwannoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this