Temporal bone computed tomography findings in bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

AIM—To examine theyield of computed tomography (CT) of the temporal bones wheninvestigating sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to identify factorsassociated with CT findings.
METHODS—Retrospectiveanalysis of 116 consecutively investigated children with bilateral SNHLat the audiology department of Great Ormond Street Hospital, London.Main outcome measures were CT results, hearing loss parameters,history, and clinical examination.
RESULTS—A total of 33 (28.4%) CT scans were identified as abnormal. Children with profoundand/or progressive hearing loss and/or craniofacial abnormalities weremore likely to have an abnormal CT scan and together accounted for 25 abnormal CT scans. Sex, consanguineous parents, or family history ofSNHL were not associated with CT findings. Dilated vestibular aqueductwas significantly correlated with the presence of progressive SNHL.
CONCLUSIONS—Allchildren with SNHL should undergo radiological investigation of thepetrous bones/inner ear; abnormalities are more likely to be found incases with craniofacial abnormalities, or profound or progressivehearing loss. The decision whether to perform a CT or magneticresonance imaging will depend on scanner availability, expertise, andmanagement considerations, but cochlear implant candidates willrequire both.