Assessment of Hearing in Patients with Head Injury: A Prospective Study

Background Hearing impairment is a well-known outcome of head trauma. The most prevalent site of injury is the peripheral structures. Hearing loss dissipates in most cases but can continue in some cases and may improve in some. Objectives To evaluate the incidence of hearing loss and ascertain its type and degree in patients with head injury. To estimate the progression or regression of hearing loss in head injury patients during follow-up. Material and Methods 60 patients with head injuries with any ear symptoms were included in the study. The severity of head injury is graded according to the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Patients were subjected to High Resolution Computed Tomogram (HRCT) temporal bone, and Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) was performed within 24 h of presenting. PTA repeated after 3 months. The degree of hearing loss and its progression or regression were assessed. Results Of the 60 patients, 56 (93.3%) had hearing loss on PTA. 50 Cases (83.3%) showed conductive hearing loss (CHL). 6 (10%) had mixed hearing loss (MHL). 4 cases with MHL had a transverse temporal bone fracture on radiological evaluation. 41 (68.3%) had mild CHL, 4 (6.7%) had moderate MHL, and 2 (3.3%) had moderately severe MHL. PTA values reduced significantly from 1st to 2nd visit in both ears. Conclusion In our study, there was significant improvement in hearing during follow-up, after 3 months of head injury indicating improvement in hearing. The improvement in hearing was noticed in all cases except for one case with transverse temporal bone fracture and moderately severe hearing loss. Routine otological examination should be considered in all patients with head injuries. Meticulous and timely management of these cases can significantly reduce morbidity in the patient.