Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 7/12/2008

Question
Hi Doctor,
I recently went to a ear specialist. My family doctor thought I had a inner ear infection. After 2 antibiotics and no relief. He sent me to a specialist. I have really bad humming in my left ear.  He did a hearing test and it showed the low and high pitches were not normal. The part of the test were you repeat the words said to you that was normal. He said he was concerned about that. I'am going for an ABR but with this test I have to eat a lite breakfast 2 hrs before and I need a driver. Does this test make you feel sick or real dizzy. Is there another test they add to it. My research showed the ABR is simple. I'am a stresser when it comes to tests.  A reply would be appreciated.   Also I'am a diabetic.

Answer
Hi Georgia,
I can understand your concern.  Any "noise" - technically called tinnitus - in the ear has to be investigated to rule out a serious medical condition.  One of those conditions is an acoustic neuroma, a benign growth on the eighth (auditory) nerve.  An Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test is a very simple test that measures the integrity of this nerve.  I do it all the time and have never instructed the patient to have a light breakfast or have a driver.  There are no ill effects from this test, other than maybe a little redness where the electrodes are placed.  Is it possible that the doctor also ordered an Electronystagmography (ENG) evaluation?  For THAT test, you need a light meal and a driver.  The ENG is a test of the vestibular (balance) portion of the eighth nerve.  In this test we do induce vertigo so there may be some aftereffects.  BTW, diabetes can cause damage to the ear and result in humming.
HJope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology