Correlation of central auditory processing deficits and vascular loop syndrome

We report a case involving a 49-year-old woman with vascular loop syndrome. The patient was evaluated because of complaints of decreased hearing sensitivity in her right ear. Central auditory tests were performed. The patient was found to have an asymmetry on pure-tone audiometry and an auditory processing deficit, suggesting central pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed central involvement, revealing a vascular loop extending into the right internal auditory canal. This case report demonstrates that auditory deficits may result from vascular loop compression and that these deficits may benefit from a battery of tests to help identify and localize the pathology.