Cookie Bite Audiogram

What is Cookie Bite Audiogram?

A cookie bite audiogram is a description of the graph of an individual’s hearing thresholds in which the middle frequencies are noticeably poorer than the low and high frequencies. The pattern resembles a cookie bite, hence the name.

Cookie bite pattern is seen in a variety of conditions, including:

  • Genetic hearing loss. Some genetic hearing loss conditions, such as Usher syndrome and Pendred syndrome, can cause a cookie bite pattern.
  • Ear infections. Ear infections can sometimes damage the middle ear bones, which can lead to a cookie bite pattern.
  • Trauma. Head injuries can sometimes damage the inner ear, which can lead to a cookie bite pattern.
  • Noise exposure. Long-term exposure to loud noise can damage the inner ear, which can lead to a cookie bite pattern.

The gene that causes cookie bite hearing loss varies depending on the condition. For example, the gene that causes Usher syndrome is USH1C. The gene that causes Pendred syndrome is SLC26A4.

The prevalence of cookie bite hearing loss varies depending on the condition. For example, Usher syndrome is estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 people. Pendred syndrome is estimated to affect 1 in 30,000 people.

Cookie bite hearing loss can be diagnosed with a hearing test, also known as an audiogram. An audiogram is a graph that shows how well a person can hear different frequencies of sound. In a cookie bite audiogram, the middle frequencies (around 1,000 Hz) will be much lower than the low (250 Hz) and high (8,000 Hz) frequencies.

The treatment for cookie bite hearing loss will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, there is no treatment available. In other cases, treatment may include:

  • Hearing aids. Hearing aids can amplify sound waves and help people with cookie bite hearing loss hear better.
  • Cochlear implants. Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear. They work by bypassing the damaged parts of the ear and sending electrical signals directly to the brain.
  • Speech and language therapy. Speech and language therapy can help people with cookie bite hearing loss develop communication skills.

Early intervention is important for children with cookie bite hearing loss. Early intervention can help children develop language and communication skills. Early intervention services may include:

  • Hearing assessments
  • Hearing aid fitting
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Parent education
  • Social-emotional support

 

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