A patient presents with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Audiometry shows a characteristic 'cookie-bite' (mid-frequency dip) pattern. The most likely aetiology is:
- A Noise-induced hearing loss
- B Genetic (autosomal dominant) hereditary hearing loss ✓
- C Presbycusis
- D Meniere's disease
Correct answer: B. Genetic (autosomal dominant) hereditary hearing loss
Explanation
The 'cookie-bite' audiogram pattern, with greatest hearing loss at mid-frequencies (1–2 kHz) and relative preservation at high and low frequencies, is characteristic of certain autosomal dominant hereditary sensorineural hearing losses. In contrast, noise-induced and presbycusis typically show a high-frequency (4 kHz notch or sloping) loss, and Meniere's disease classically shows low-frequency SNHL.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.