The abnormal temporal bone in the "normal" deaf

This study is concerned with the incidence and type of temporal bone anomalies that might be present in persons who, apart from their deafness, are normal. It also attempts to correlate demonstrated abnormalities with the etiology of deafness. Review of the results will permit a reassessment of the value of roentgenographic studies in the routine evaluation of deaf children. One hundred and four deaf students, 3 to 21 years of age, were studied by physical examination, audiometry, and temporal bone tomography. A pertinent history was requested, and appropriate medical records were obtained. Roentgenographically demonstrable abnormalities of the temporal bones were present in 19 students (18%) or 28 temporal bones (13%). Meningitis was the only entity to which a specific pathologic change could be ascribed. The number of abnormalities found in this population was significant and should re-emphasize the importance of temporal bone tomography in the total evaluation of deaf children.