Peripheral hearing loss following head trauma in children
W D Zimmerman1, T M Ganzel, I M Windmill
1Department of Surgery, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202.
The Laryngoscope
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Head injuries in children can cause significant hearing loss. This study found a 32% incidence of conductive hearing loss and 16% sensorineural hearing loss, highlighting the need for audiology follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Neurotrauma Research
- Audiology
Background:
- Head injuries are common in children.
- Hearing loss can be a consequence of head trauma.
- Early detection and management are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and types of hearing loss in pediatric patients following head injuries.
- To identify potential correlations between injury characteristics and hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 50 children admitted for head trauma.
- Comprehensive neurologic, otologic, and audiologic evaluations.
- Diagnostic imaging including skull roentgenograms and CT scans.
Main Results:
- 32% incidence of conductive hearing loss.
- 16% incidence of high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss.
- Temporal bone fractures correlated with conductive hearing loss, but skull vault fractures did not.
Conclusions:
- Significant rates of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss were observed.
- No correlation found between injury cause, loss of consciousness, or Glasgow Coma Scale scores and hearing loss.
- Close audiology and otology follow-up is essential for all pediatric head injury patients.
