PP1606 - The Audiologist's Role In Determining Cochlear Function After Gunshot Injury to the Temporal Bone

Abstract: Damage to the external, middle, and inner ear is widespread in patients with gunshot wounds to the temporal bone. Improving these patients' outcomes and providing the best care possible for them is an achievable goal that can be met through interprofessional collaboration. This presentation will illustrate three rare and unique cases of gunshot wounds to the temporal bone. These cases demonstrate the impact of gunshot-related temporal bone trauma on hearing as well as the value of audiologic evaluation as part of the interdisciplinary preoperative workup.

Summary: The incidence of gunshot injuries to the temporal bone in the US has increased (Haberkamp et al., 1995). Between 20% and 50% of head injuries caused by gunshot wounds involve the temporal bone and may damage vital structures such as the facial nerve and the external, middle, and inner ears (Corte et al., 2018). Damage to these structures may result in lifelong impairments such as permanent hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction and can significantly impact various aspects of patients' lives (Nayak et al., 2015).
Hearing impairment that results from gunshot wound to the temporal bone may be conductive, mixed, or sensorineural in nature and may range from mild to profound in severity (Nayak et al., 2015). Accurate, comprehensive, and timely diagnostic audiological evaluation can provide valuable information to the surgeon and interdisciplinary team. This information is of utmost importance for surgical interventions and care plan. Collaborative teamwork between the surgeon, managing physician, and audiologist will lead to the most successful outcome for the patient and thus improve quality healthcare (Corte et al., 2018).
Improving these patients' outcomes and providing the best care possible for them is an achievable goal that can be met through interprofessional collaboration (Corte et al., 2018). The three unique case studies presented highlight different audiometric methods for obtaining critical diagnostic information to guide medical management and surgical approach. The purpose of these case studies is to explain the importance of audiological evaluation to determine cochlear function in the management of temporal bone trauma, describe various tools for the assessment of each unique case, describe the various degrees, types, and configurations of hearing impairment that may result from gunshot wound, and to note the vital role of audiology in the management of penetrating head injuries. These cases will also reinforce the importance of the role of the audiologist as a critical interdisciplinary team member in the management of patients with penetrating head injuries.