Post-traumatic Ossifying Labyrinthitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

TL;DR

A 22-year-old man developed irreversible hearing loss after a car accident due to a rare inner ear condition called labyrinthitis ossificans.

Contribution

This case emphasizes the need for early radiologic evaluation to improve cochlear implant outcomes in post-traumatic hearing loss.

Findings

Ossification within the membranous labyrinth was confirmed via high-resolution CT and MRI.

Early diagnosis is crucial for preserving auditory function in patients with severe inner ear damage.

The case underscores the importance of timely intervention for cochlear implantation.

Abstract

Labyrinthitis ossificans is a rare but serious complication that can occur following inner ear trauma, often resulting in irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. We present the case of a 22-year-old male who developed progressive sensorineural hearing loss after a motor vehicle accident. High-resolution CT and MRI revealed ossification within the membranous labyrinth, consistent with labyrinthitis ossificans. This case highlights the importance of early radiologic assessment in post-traumatic hearing loss, as timely diagnosis is essential for optimizing cochlear implantation outcomes and preserving auditory function in patients with severe inner ear damage.

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