Pediatric Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness After Temporal Bone Fracture

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neurosurgery
• Pediatric Audiology

Background:

• Single-sided deafness (SSD) in pediatric patients can result from temporal bone fractures.
• Cochlear implantation (CI) is a potential treatment for SSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of CI in pediatric patients with SSD caused by temporal bone fractures.
• To identify factors influencing CI outcomes in this population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review at two academic centers.
• Inclusion of pediatric patients (<18 years) with SSD from temporal bone fractures undergoing CI (2012-2022).
• Analysis of postoperative audiometric testing and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Seven pediatric subjects with SSD post-temporal bone fracture received CI.
• Median time to CI was 7 months; 85% had otic capsule involvement.
• Variable speech perception outcomes were observed; 4/7 achieved open/closed set, 3/7 achieved sound awareness only. No complications occurred.

Conclusions:

• CI is a feasible treatment for pediatric SSD post-temporal bone fracture, though results are inconsistent.
• Timely CI, ideally within 6 months, may enhance outcomes.
• Cochlear ossification, from fracture or meningitis, can negatively impact CI results.