Rare case of aberrant course of facial nerve traversing above oval window

Abstract

This research presents a unique observation of congenital conductive hearing loss linked to an atypical pathway of the facial nerve covering the oval window—a condition first reported by Henner. We explore the case of a 13-year-old boy suffering from lifelong bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Diagnostic imaging via high-resolution computed tomography of the temporal bone disclosed the unusual positioning of the facial nerves bilaterally, emphasizing the role of precise imaging in identifying uncommon anatomical deviations that impact clinical decisions.

Keywords

• Aberrant facial nerve
• Oval window
• Middle ear surgery
• Conductive hearing loss
• Facial nerve anomaly
• HRCT