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Facial Nerve Anomalies as an Obscure Co-occurrence With External Ear Malformations: A Case Report
Subhashini Dhandayutham1, Nitin K Damam1, Tessy Henry Gomez1
1Hearing Studies/ Audiology, Dr. S. R. Chandrasekhar Institute Of Speech And Hearing, Bengaluru, IND.
Insights
This case study details a rare triad of congenital facial palsy, bilateral aural atresia, and middle ear malformations in an infant. Comprehensive audiological evaluations identified this obscure co-occurrence, emphasizing vigilance for facial nerve anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Clinical Genetics
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital anomalies of the ear and facial nerve present diagnostic challenges, particularly in infants.
- Bilateral aural atresia and middle ear malformations are known conditions, but their association with congenital facial palsy is rare.
- Early identification of complex congenital syndromes is crucial for timely intervention and management.
Abstract:
This study reports an infant with a rare triad of congenital facial palsy, bilateral aural atresia, and middle ear malformations. We highlight the audiological test battery in detail that led to identifying this obscure co-occurrence in a 6-month-old infant. The challenges associated with identifying such rare conditions, especially in infants, can be overcome only by incorporating a meticulous and vigilant approach. The infant was subjected to a series of subjective and objective audiological evaluations, through which rare asymmetric facial grimaces were vigilantly observed. This observation warranted radiologic investigation, which confirmed the suspicion that the anomaly may not be restricted to auditory structures alone. As facial nerve anomalies were confirmed, diversified recommendations, including speech, language, and swallow evaluation, were made apart from the auditory management. Hence in cases of external ear anomalies, although rare, it is essential to rule out facial nerve abnormalities as they can be a concealed problem.
