Auditory response to a photic stimulus.

Background: The photic sneeze response is a well-established clinical phenomenon in which patients respond by sneezing in an uncontrolled manner. This paroxysm of sneezing is evoked by a sudden exposure to an intense or bright light source. The pathogenesis of this response is apparently quite complex. Sudden exposure to bright light involves the optic, oculomotor, and trigeminal nerves, the autonomic nervous system and central brainstem functions. Anecdotal reports have suggested the photic sneezing response may occur as an autosomal dominantly inherited condition. However, such a familial pattern is not always present.

Methods: This article presents a descriptive report of a case in which a patient sought comprehensive eye care and, during the course of the examination, reported a relationship between light and a predictable auditory response. The mechanism for this involuntary auditory response to a bright light may be similar to that involved with photic sneeze response.

Results: This patient's history, specific features of the auditory response, and ophthalmic findings as a result of the comprehensive eye examination are reported.

Conclusion: The photic sneeze response is not an uncommon phenomenon. A similar mechanism may explain the auditory response to a photic stimulus reported in this article.