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Penetrating middle ear trauma: a report of 2 cases

Michael C Neuenschwander1, Ellen S Deutsch, Anthony Cornetta

  • 1Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Children's Clinic, 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington, DE 19899, USA.

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|March 4, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Penetrating middle ear trauma from common objects can cause hearing loss and vertigo. Prompt surgical repair of ossicular chain injuries is crucial for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Otology

Background:

  • Penetrating middle ear trauma can lead to significant complications including hearing loss, vertigo, and facial nerve injury.
  • Common household items like cotton-tipped swabs and matchsticks can cause such injuries in children.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of penetrating right ear trauma are presented.
  • Injuries involved ossicular chain disruption, tympanic membrane perforation, and symptoms like hearing loss, otalgia, ataxia, and vertigo.

Findings:

  • Audiometry revealed moderate conductive hearing loss in one child and mild sensorineural hearing loss in the other.
  • Both children required middle ear exploration and surgical reduction of a subluxed stapes.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are essential for managing penetrating middle ear trauma.
  • Surgeons need versatile techniques to repair ossicular chain disruptions and minimize long-term morbidity.

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