■ OBJECTIVES: Different methods for hearing classification in patients with a vestibular schwannoma are being used in the literature. This makes it difficult to compare the various studies. Also the frequencies used for pure tone average (PTA) vary. The variation of frequencies in PTA influences the outcome of the level of hearing preservation after surgery considerably. The aim of this study is to show the long-term audiologic results of hearing preservation after vestibular schwannoma removal and to compare these results with literature.

■ METHODS: From 1980-2002, 392 patients were treated for a vestibular schwannoma in our department. Of this group, 44 patients with a class A or B hearing (AAO-HNS classification) were operated with the intention to preserve hearing.This is a retrospective study and literature review in a tertiary referral medical center.

■ RESULTS: Hearing class A and B were preserved in 13 cases (30%).Eight years postop hearing class A and B was found in 5 (11%).These results were compared with results in the literature after surgical therapy as well as after radiotherapy, but comparison was difficult because of the use of different audiologic criteria.

■ CONCLUSIONS: A standard classification system for the evaluation of hearing preservation is essential for the comparability in reporting outcomes. The probability of lasting hearing preservation after surgical removal of a vestibular schwannoma in suitable candidates seems to be low. *Contact person email: k.h.pauw@erasmusmc.nl