Auditory rehabilitation via cochlea implant after temporal bone fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Temporal bone fractures can cause a loss of audiovestibular function. In cases of single sided deafness, auditory rehabilitation with a cochlear implant can be an option. Here we performed a systematic review of patients in our clinic, who received a cochlear implant after hearing loss due to temporal bone fracture. Methods: Systematic evaluation of the results of 6 cochlear implantations, which were performed in 5 patient cases. Postoperative hearing results were analysed with regard to possbible prognostic parameters. For example: period between onset of deafness and implantation, results of preoperative promontorial test or signs for obliteration in MRI scan. Results: The average duration between hearing loss and implantation was 33,6 (± 20,40) months. At the time of implantation, mean age of patients was 43,8 (± 3,17) years. Mean speech perception outcomes were 50% (SD 34,93) after 6 months and 67% (SD 22,95) after 12 months at 65dB on the monosyllabic test. The patients with the shortest period between trauma and implantation (2 months) had the best speech perception results. None of the patients showed signs for a fibrosis of the cochlea in preoperative MR image. Conclusion: Postoperative hearing results on the one hand and subjective gain for the daily life on the other hand, suggest that a cochlear implant can be a good therapeutic option for patients who suffer from a hearing loss due to temporal bone fracture.