MISDIAGNOSIS OF HEARING-LOSS DUE TO EAR CANAL COLLAPSE - A REPORT OF 2 CASES

Collapse of the external auditory meatus during audiometry can lead to spuriously increased hearing thresholds : being obtained, particularl y at high frequencies, and may simulate conditions such as noise-induc ed hearing loss, presbyacusis and retrocochlear pathology. Consequentl y, inappropriate investigations and management may be undertaken. Two patients with elevated thresholds secondary to ear canal collapse are described. The implications of initially failing to identify the true nature of their 'hearing losses' are highlighted and strategies to avo id such pitfalls are discussed.