Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita associated with conductive hearing loss

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia is a disorder characterized by abnormalities of growth. Previous studies of this disorder have identified a significant incidence of associated hearing loss. Hearing loss has been reported to occur in 25 to 30% of affected patients. To date, all reports of associated hearing loss have indicated the presence of a sensorineural component. In this article, we report the case of a child who was diagnosed with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita and who was found to have a significant conductive hearing loss with a Carhart's notch, indicating the likely presence of stapes footplate fixation. We also review the diagnosis of this condition and the literature associated with hearing loss as it occurs with this disorder.