Introduction:
Aim of the study was the evaluation of cochlea fibrosis, after temporal bone fracture, resulting in consecutive deafness, as well as the related difficulties in cochlear implantation (CI).
Methods:
Five patients, 6, 25, 28, 60 and 72 years of age, with unilateral temporal bone fracture and consecutive deafness were evaluated for CI. Besides audiological testing (Freiburger monosyllable test; pure-tone audiometry; BERA; functional test of the auditory nerve), each patient received CT and MRI investigation.
Results:
In four patients a complete electrode insertion was successful 4 – 179 month after fracture. Within these patients, in three cases a partly obliteration of the basal cochlea was present. In one case (14 month after trauma) a CI was not possible, due to extensive fibrosis of the cochlea, despite a residual liquid-signal in the MRI, resulting in apportion of the procedure. After satisfying implantation, these patients could be audiological rehabilitated successfully.
Conclusion:
Cochlear implantation is suitable for patients with temporal bone fracture and consecutive deafness for binaural hearing rehabilitation. There is a high risk for cochlea fibrosis after temporal bone fracture. Thus cochlear implantation should be performed soon after occurring trauma.
