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Hearing and Mortality Outcomes following Temporal Bone Fractures
Adam Honeybrook1, Aniruddha Patki1, Nikita Chapurin1
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction
|November 8, 2017
Summary
Temporal bone fractures can cause significant hearing loss, with conductive hearing loss averaging 18-32 dB. Older patients (over 60) face a higher mortality risk from these injuries.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Trauma Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Temporal bone fractures are complex injuries with potential for hearing impairment and mortality.
- Understanding fracture patterns and their correlation with outcomes is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine hearing and mortality outcomes in patients with temporal bone fractures.
- To analyze correlations between fracture patterns, hearing loss, and mortality.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 152 patients with temporal bone fractures over 10 years.
- Classification of fractures using CT scans and analysis of audiograms.
- Statistical analysis (chi-squared tests) to correlate fracture patterns with outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ossicular chain disruption occurred in 11.8% and otic capsule violation in 5.9% of patients.
- Conductive hearing loss averaged 18-32 dB; profound sensorineural hearing loss was linked to otic capsule violation.
- Fracture classification did not predict hearing loss, but longitudinal fractures correlated with ossicular disruption (p < 0.01).
- Patients over 60 had a 3.15-fold increased risk of death.
Conclusions:
- Temporal bone fractures can lead to significant conductive hearing loss.
- While fracture patterns may associate with specific injuries like ossicular disruption, they don't predict overall hearing loss.
- Older age is a risk factor for mortality; audiological monitoring is vital for preventing long-term hearing impairment.
