Management of Sensorineural Deafness in Temporal Bone Trauma: A Report of 23 Cases

objectified Abstract Introduction: Temporal bone fractures often lead to loss of audio-vestibular function. Otic capsule violating fractures are associated with higher incidence of Sensorineural hearing loss than otic capsule sparing fractures. Material and methods: Prospective study conducted at the Mohammed VI University Hospital center of Marrakech, from January 2013 to June 2017, covering 23 cases of sensorineural hearing loss in the context of Temporal bone trauma. Results: The mean age was 31 years (4-56 years), with a clear male predominance (sex ratio 21/2). Clinical symptomatology was characterized by hearing loss in all our patients, otorrhagia in 20 cases, vertigo in 13 cases, facial paralysis in 10 cases, and otoliquorrhea in 5 cases. 96% of patients presented with labyrinthine fractures. Two cases of pneumolabyrinth and one case of bilateral temporal bone fracture were noted. The audiometry showed sensorineural hearing loss in 9 cases and mixed in 14 cases. In one case the hearing loss was bilateral with severe sensorineural hearing loss on one side and moderate on the other side. Conclusion: Temporal bone fracture is one of the most common traumatic injuries that can cause loss of auditory and vestibular function. The diagnosis must be made within a few hours after the trauma, as the auditory prognosis depends on the earliness of the management. Auditory sequelae can go as far as complete hearing loss, on the affected side.