Differential diagnostic potential of otoacoustic emissions: a case study.

An 11-year-old boy was identified as having a profound sensorineural hearing loss accompanied by clear click-evoked otoacoustic emissions. Further diagnostic testing by means of electrocochleography and auditory brainstem responses indicated a predominantly retrocochlear disorder with good cochlear function. However, radiological investigation ruled out the presence of any material space-occupying lesion. This case illustrates the contribution that can be made by otoacoustic emission testing to differential diagnosis.