Ossicular fixation or discontinuity can occur at any point along the ossicular chain and is estimated to cause conductive hearing loss (CHL) in approximately 55% of patients. Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the temporal bone identifies bony pathologies that contribute to CHL, guiding decision-making and surgical management. This is an excellent article that delineates up-to-date best practices and information on available imaging modalities for various CHL case scenarios. In this article, the authors describe normal CT scan findings of middle ear ossicles. This is followed by a comprehensive discussion of imaging in congenital (syndromic or non-syndromic) and acquired causes of ossicular chain anomalies. The various aetiologies of CHL are discussed in detail with excellent illustrative images. The authors also describe radiological evaluation of the vestibular organs, including the semicircular canals and the vestibular aqueduct, to rule out non-middle ear causes of CHL, with additional information on MRI as a useful tool for identifying and differentiating soft tissue lesions. Certainly a must-read article for ENT trainees and otologists. The article is comprehensive and very informative.
Conductive hearing loss – when and why to scan
Reviewed by Sangeeta Maini and Bhaskar Ram
Imaging for Ossiculoplasty.
CONTRIBUTOR
Sangeeta Maini
FRCS ORL-HNS, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Forresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZN.
View Full Profile
