THE BATTERY of audiological tests, sometimes referred to as "site of lesion" tests, has reached a point of sophistication that makes it possible for the audiologist to indicate whether the lesion is in the cochlear or retrocochlear portion of the auditory pathways. Caution must be exercised in the interpretation of the tests and in the opinion expressed.
There are many causes of retrocochlear hearing impairment other than acoustic neurinomas. Audiological findings should be stated in terms of an area in the auditory system where the lesion occurs rather than in terms of a specific type of lesion. The present case illustrates an example in which retrocochlear audiological findings were misinterpreted as indicating the presence of an acoustic neurinoma.
A 69-year-old white male was referred by Seaview Hospital because of an inflammation of the left eye. Findings on admission were as follows: left corneal ulceration of three months' duration; progressive weakness