Cochlear implantation in posttraumatic bilateral temporal bone fracture.
Temporal bone (TB) fractures can cause loss of audiovestibular function. Four cases of profound hearing impairment following bilateral TB fracture are presented in this report. All patients received a cochlear implant. All 4 patients became regular users of their implants. None of the patients experienced facial nerve stimulation. Implant-aided audiometry demonstrated a hearing threshold of 28 dB HL. The performance in speech understanding was comparable to standard postlingual adult patients implanted. We believe that cochlear implantation in patients suffering from profound sensorineural hearing losses secondary to TB fractures can be an effective tool for rehabilitation.
University Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Ghent, University of Ghent, Belgium. katrien.vermeire@uzgent.be
K
K
Vermeire
J P L
JP
Brokx
I
I
Dhooge
P H
PH
Van de Heyning
D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D013067:Speech Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D013701:Temporal Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult