Assessment of changes in cochlear function with pneumolabyrinth after middle ear trauma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of pneumolabyrinth secondary to tympanic membrane/ossicular trauma and the subsequent recovery of sensorineural hearing loss managed with conservative measures.


METHODS
A 15-year-old boy presented to an outside hospital with signs and symptoms of acute hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus after penetrating injury to his right tympanic membrane. In addition, computed tomography demonstrated air density within the vestibule.


METHODS
The patient was managed conservatively with bed rest, avoidance of straining, corticosteroids, and antibiotics.


METHODS
Computed tomography, audiologic testing.


RESULTS
Patient recovered near-normal hearing subjectively. There was closure of the air-bone gap (<or=20 dB) along with resolution of air within vestibule.


CONCLUSIONS
We presented a case of a patient with pneumolabyrinth secondary to penetrating trauma to his tympanic membrane. With supportive treatment, air within the labyrinth resorbed, and the patient recovered sensorineural function. Comparing with the mixed successes of surgical repairs, we propose that initial management for traumatic pneumolabyrinth should be first treated conservatively in the absence of worsening symptoms.
Lao
William W
WW
Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-0910, USA.
Niparko
John K
JK
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001299:Audiometry; D003051:Cochlea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007759:Labyrinth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D018058:Tympanic Membrane Perforation / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents