CONGENITAL CHOANAL ATRESIA AND NERVE DEAFNESS

Four cases of bilateral congenital choanal atresia are presented. Three of them (75 per cent) were shown by Electric Response Audiometry (ERA) tests to have, in addition, congenital nerve deafness; and two had other congenital anomalies. Thus, congenital nerve deafness should be considered as a possible congenital anomaly associated with choanal atresia. Early diagnosis and treatment of congenital choanal atresia can prevent death from asphyxia during the neonatal period, but after surgical correction of the atresia the possible existence of additional anomalies has to be determined and treated. By the use of electric response audiometry the authors are able to detect sensorineural hearing loss during the neonatal period and can plan the rehabilitation of deaf infants.