Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 3, 2026
A Low Cost Setup for Behavioral Audiometry in Rodents
Published on: October 16, 2012
Cost effective use of audiograms after pediatric temporal bone fractures
Julia L Frisenda1, James W Schroeder2, Maura E Ryan3
1University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1855 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
Insights
Pediatric temporal bone fractures involving the otic capsule increase the risk of sensorineural hearing loss. Targeted audiometric testing for high-risk children with temporal bone fractures can improve outcomes and potentially reduce costs.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Temporal bone fractures are a significant concern in pediatric head injuries.
- Understanding the relationship between fracture type and hearing deficits is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between pediatric temporal bone fractures and the incidence/type of hearing loss.
- To evaluate the optimal timing and effectiveness of audiometric testing in these children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 50 pediatric patients with temporal bone fractures.
- Statistical analysis to identify predictors of post-fracture hearing loss.
Main Results:
- Otic capsule violating fractures were strongly linked to sensorineural hearing loss (p=0.002).
- Ossicular dislocation in otic capsule sparing fractures correlated with mixed/conductive hearing loss.
- Children with otic capsule violating fractures had a higher likelihood of persistent hearing loss (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with otic capsule violating fractures or ossicular disruption face elevated risks of persistent hearing loss.
- Selective audiometric testing for high-risk pediatric patients may offer cost savings and efficient care.
Objective:
To identify the relationship of pediatric temporal fractures to the incidence and type of hearing loss present. To analyze the timing and utility of audiometric testing in children with temporal bone fractures.
Methods:
Retrospective case series of 50 pediatric patients with temporal bone fractures who were treated at an urban, tertiary care children's hospital from 2008 to 2014. A statistical analysis of predictors of hearing loss after temporal bone fracture was performed.
Results:
Fifty-three fractures (69.7%) in 50 patients involved the petrous portion of the temporal bone. The mean age of patients was 7.13 years, and 39 (73.6%) were male. A fall was the most common mechanism of injury in 28 (52.8%) patients, followed by crush injury (n=14, 26.2%), and vehicular trauma (n=10, 18.9%). All otic capsule violating fractures were associated with a sensorineural hearing loss (n=4, 7.5%, p=0.002). Three of four otic capsule sparing fractures were associated with ossicular dislocation, with a corresponding mixed or conductive hearing loss on follow up audiometric testing. The majority of otic capsule sparing fracture patients (n=19/43, 44.2%) who had follow up audiograms had normal hearing, and those with otic capsule violating fractures were statistically more likely to have persistent hearing loss than those with otic capsule sparing fractures (p=0.01).
Conclusions:
Patients with otic capsule violating fractures or those with ossicular disruption are at higher risk for persistent hearing loss. Cost-saving may be accrued by selecting only those patients at high risk for persistent hearing loss for audiometric testing after temporal bone fractures.
More Related Videos
03:49Author Spotlight: Optimizing EAS with Long Electrodes for Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation
Published on: October 11, 2024
06:59Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation
Published on: February 29, 2020