[Progression of early childhood sensorineural hearing damage].

44 patients with early childhood sensorineural hearing impairments were assessed. Hearing ability appeared definitely assessable from the fifth year onwards. The average observation time was 6 years. In one third of our 44 cases, a progressive sensorineural hearing impairment on both ears could be determined. In two thirds of the cases no sound threshold shift was found. It appears that the female sex is slightly more prone to gradual hearing impairment. Finally, differential diagnostic questions (fluctuating hearing, impediment caused by artificial hearing aids) and therapeutical possibilities (genetic advice, microcirculatory impediments, autoimmune diseases, and operative possibilities) are discussed.