Cochlear Implantation after Bilateral Otic Capsule-Violating Temporal Bone Fractures

Temporal bone fractures through the otic capsule can cause profound sensorineural hearing loss. Patients deafened by bilateral temporal bone fractures may benefit from cochlear implantation. We report a case of a 56-year-old man with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss caused by otic capsule-violating bilateral temporal bone fractures due to severe head injury. The patient achieved satisfactory auditory rehabilitation after cochlear implantation. Imaging studies before cochlear implantation provided important information to enable the decision for the surgery and to determine the side. Through careful evaluation of the imaging studies, we believe cochlear implantation in such a patient can be a very effective method for auditory rehabilitation. The safe time period for ossification of the cochlea will be discussed. The benefit of preoperative repeated magnetic resonance imaging is highlighted. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2017;28:90-93)