Temporal Bone High-Resolution Computed Tomography in Non-Syndromic Unilateral Hearing Loss in Children

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to disclose possible inner ear abnormalities/pathologies by means of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone (TBHRCT) in children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL). Methods: Retrospective review of audiological evaluation and TBHRCT in 22 children with UHL. Results: Two thirds of the children showed profound hearing loss. Review of HRCT scans identified inner ear malformations/pathologies in 9 (41%) cases and a high jugular bulb (HJB), always dehiscent with the vestibular aqueduct, in another 5 (22%). Inner ear malformations included enlarged vestibular aqueduct, common cavity and cochleovestibular hypoplasia, while labyrinthine ossification was the detected pathology. In 1 child, the common cavity of the right ear was associated with congenital melanocytic naevus of the left eyelid and lipomeningocele. To the best of our knowledge, this condition has never been described. Conclusions: The aetiology of UHL may be revealed in more than half of patients by means of TBHRCT. Besides common inner ear abnormalities, TBHRCT should be evaluated carefully to rule out HJB, dehiscences, diverticulum or erosion of inner ear structures.

Evaluation of the Vestibular System and Etiology in Children with Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

“…It should be noted that both the child and parents were informed that it was necessary to avoid contact sports and be careful to avoid head trauma to preserve the unaffected ear. The gold standard methods for detectinginner ear anomalies and mass lesions are CT and MRI [20][21][22][23] . It is necessary to perform imaging procedures on children who have USNHL to relieve the anxiety of their families and to eliminate the possibility of unknown pathologies that could affect the healthy ear.…”

Diagnostic Yield of Computed Tomography Scan for Pediatric Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review

“…The 50 criteria-meeting studies relevant to the diagnostic yield of CT scans for temporal bone anomalies included a total of 5757 subjects. 27,28,36-82 Forty-one studies were retrospective case series. The remaining studies included prospective case series, 36,37,56,57 1 prospective cohort study, 55 1 case-control study, 48 1 cross-sectional study, 27 1 study with both prospectively and retrospectively recruited patients, 83 and 1 historical inception study.…”

Change to Hearing Loss–Related Risks and Screening in Preterm Infants

“…Unilateral HL is often underestimated, mainly because most neonatal hearing screening programs are aimed at newborns who fail both ears, although noncongenital HL may affect only one ear. 80 However, even mild unilateral HL, regardless of type, can adversely affect the development of children. A small proportion of children who are initially diagnosed with unilateral sensorineural HL may develop bilateral HL.…”

“…85 Temporal bone HRCT (TBHRCT) can reveal internal ear malformations, vascular dysplasia, and labyrinthitis ossificans, thus revealing the underlying etiology of unilateral HL. 80 MRI can detect pathological changes of the bony labyrinth, assess the auditory nerves, brain and auditory center, and show the inner chamber of the bony labyrinth, which contains fluid. With MRI water imaging, it is possible to visually display the fine structure of the inner ear membranous labyrinth.…”