Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
04:32
Sound Source Localization Testing in Single-sided Deafness Following Bone Conduction Intervention
Published on: December 20, 2024
Contralateral deafness post head injury without temporal bone fractures
Alex Toh1, Eu Chin Ho, Nick Turner
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Manor Hospital NHS Trust, Walsall, UK. alextoh@doctors.org.uk
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|December 1, 2009
Summary
A head injury can cause contralateral deafness, affecting the ear opposite the injury site. This rare case highlights hearing loss without temporal bone fractures after blunt force trauma.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Trauma Medicine
Background:
- Head injuries are a common cause of auditory complications.
- Contralateral deafness following head trauma is exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old male experienced profound right-sided sensorineural deafness after a left-sided blunt head injury.
- Symptoms included dysequilibrium and vertigo, with hearing loss persisting despite dysequilibrium improvement.
Findings:
- High-definition computed tomography revealed no fractures or fistulas.
- Audiometry confirmed total sensorineural deafness in the affected ear.
Implications:
- This case suggests non-fracture related mechanisms for contralateral deafness post-head injury.
- Further research into the pathophysiology of such injuries is warranted.
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual presentations in audiological assessments after trauma.
