Inner ear malformation

Abstract

Inner ear malformation comprises a broad group of disorders, the main symptom of which is hearing loss. The disorder occurs during the embryonic development of the auditory system. Only about 20 % of malformations can be diagnosed radiologically. Hearing impairment is sensorineural and can be of a mild degree, e.g. in the case of an enlarged vestibular aqueduct. However, more often, severe hearing loss is found. Hearing correction depends on the severity of the child's hearing impairment. Cochlear implantation in children with congenital profound hearing loss is optimal at the age of 12 to 24 months.

Keywords

• inner ear
• cochlea
• hearing loss
• cochlear implant