Radiographic Evaluation of Children with Hearing Loss.

Computed tomography (CT) and MRI have become an integral part of the evaluation of children with hearing loss. Abnormalities on CT or MRI are found in 20% to 50% of children with sensorineural hearing loss and correlate with the degree of hearing loss. CT and MRI have distinct advantages and disadvantages in imaging the middle and inner ear. The timing of radiographic imaging is an important consideration. This article reviews radiographic abnormalities associated with sensorineural, mixed, and conductive hearing losses in children and offers guidance about the proper utilization of imaging studies.