Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome

Vestibular aqueduct syndrome, also known as VAS or large vestibular aqueduct syndrome, is a form of hearing loss. This syndrome is caused by growth of the vestibular aqueduct within the internal ear. VAS is one of the most familiar inner ear defects that cause hearing loss at some point in childhood. The vestibular aqueduct is a tiny canal that runs along the vestibule and is secured by the temporal bone.

Significance

• VAS is a set of defects that is caused by the delay or irregular growth of the internal ear. VAS is not inherited, but it is believed to be associated with irregular postnatal development. Individuals who suffer from VAS are not born with hearing loss; they are just subject to the progression of hearing loss.

Diagnosis

• This syndrome may result in unexpected hearing loss. VAS is detected by an enlarged vestibular canal on a CT scan. Reliable CT scans provide the physicians a way to test for VAS. Therefore, the parents may be told in advance that their child's hearing will abruptly decline. This gives the parents an opportunity to formulate reasonable educational choices.

Causes

• There is so much to discover about what causes VAS because it is a fairly recent condition. Nevertheless, medical professionals believe that the syndrome begins in childhood while the internal ear structures are forming which makes the ear more susceptible to injuries or disease. Another likely cause of this condition is damage resulting from a head injury.

Symptoms

• The loss of hearing will generally bring vestibular aqueduct syndrome to the awareness of the doctor. Generally, this condition can happen after air pressure impact, a respiratory illness or head injury. While symptoms are complicated for a child to explain and therefore may not be taken in account, this condition may cause issues with balance. Some symptoms can involve unsteadiness and vertigo, along with others.

Treatment

• Shield the head from any kind of trauma that can lead to the development of severe symptoms. Individuals with VAS are directed to stay away from contact sports and blows to the head. There is no type of treatment that will prevent or reverse the advancement of hearing loss from this syndrome.

Considerations

• Hearing loss from vestibular aqueduct syndrome is similar to other causes of hearing loss. It is vital for a young child to receive speech therapy throughout the language learning years so that they can develop good language skills and oral speech. Additionally, adults and children with failing hearing loss may experience emotional distress such as anger, frustration and depression. If this happens, you will need to seek out proper assistance for your child.