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Dynamics of sensorineural hearing loss after head trauma
Samuel Segal1, Ephraim Eviatar, Leonard Berenholz
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel 70300. samuels@asaf.health.gov.il
Objective:
To estimate the temporal endpoint of permanent sensorineural hearing loss after head trauma.
Study Design:
Retrospective observational case study.
Patients:
In patients with sensorineural hearing loss caused by head trauma, 1,741 ears were studied.
Main Outcome Measure:
A follow-up survey of audiograms in patients with sensorineural hearing loss after head trauma was performed for up to 4 years from the date of injury. Each patient's audiograms were compared according to a severity score that specifically classified hearing loss that was associated with acoustic trauma.
Results:
Either improvement or deterioration of the early posttrauma hearing loss occurred during the first year after head trauma. Thereafter, hearing levels could be expected to remain stationary.
Conclusion:
Fluctuation in hearing after head trauma may take place within the first year after trauma, after which the associated hearing loss should be considered to be stabilized.