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Frequent association of cochlear nerve canal stenosis with pediatric sensorineural hearing loss.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To examine the association between cochlear nerve canal (CNC) dimensions and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
DESIGN
Retrospective review.
SETTING
Tertiary pediatric hospital.
PATIENTS
Children with SNHL and CNC stenosis.
INTERVENTION
The CNCs measured in axial and 45° oblique planes on temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) in children with SNHL were compared with TBCT from children with normal hearing and 100 normal temporal bone specimens. Additional inner ear abnormalities were recorded. Hearing was measured using 4 frequency pure-tone averages (PTAs).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
The degree of CNC stenosis related to the degree of SNHL.
RESULTS
Fifty-three patients (32 female) with SNHL had CNC stenosis in 85 ears (32 bilateral, 21 unilateral). The mean (SD) axial CNC measurement for 85 ears was 0.98 (0.57) mm (range, 0-1.75 mm). The mean (SD) Poschl CNC measurement was 1.30 (0.69) mm (range, 0-2.80 mm). Of 85 ears, 64 had at least 1 additional inner ear abnormality. The mean (SD) PTA was 56.2 (40.8) dB. For each ear separately axial and Poschl plane CNC measurements were highly correlated (P < .001). The degree of CNC stenosis was significantly (P = .02) related to degree of hearing loss, and PTA decreased in the CNC stenosis population by 1.4 dB per year (P = .054). In addition, PTA and additional inner ear abnormalities were found to be significantly correlated (P = .002).
CONCLUSIONS
Cochlear nerve canal stenosis is associated with SNHL, and the degree of stenosis predicted the degree of SNHL. In addition, the presence of CNC stenosis with additional inner ear abnormalities may affect the severity of SNHL.

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  • Publisher Full Text

    • Authors

    Wilkins A, Prabhu SP, Huang L, Ogando PB, Kenna MA

    Institution

    Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Enhancement, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, LO-367, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

    Source

    Archives of otolaryngology--head & neck surgery 138:4 2012 Apr pg 383-8

    MeSH

    Adolescent
    Child
    Child, Preschool
    Cochlear Nerve
    Constriction, Pathologic
    Female
    Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
    Humans
    Infant
    Infant, Newborn
    Male
    Retrospective Studies
    Temporal Bone
    Tomography, X-Ray Computed

    Pub Type(s)

    Journal Article

    Language

    eng

    PubMed ID

    22508622