The effect of jugular bulb-vestibular aqueduct dehiscence on hearing and balance.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that jugular bulb-vestibular aqueduct dehiscence (JBVAD) does not affect the hearing or balance functions of the inner ear.

OBJECTIVES

Since JBVAD may cause impairment of the inner ear and induce hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, this study was to investigate the effect of JBVAD on hearing and balance.

METHOD: Patients undergoing temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) scans from May 2013 to December 2013 at a tertiary referral hospital were reviewed. The topographic relationship between the jugular bulb (JB) and the vestibular aqueduct was assessed. The findings were classified as normal when there was always a bony structure between the two structures and as dehiscent when the bony coverage separating the two structures was absent. Clinical data were collected via electronic records and clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 1313 out of 8325 patients were diagnosed with a HJB. Forty-six patients showed JBVAD. The prevalence of dehiscence was 0.6% in patients undergoing temporal bone CT scans and 3.5% in patients with HJB. Of the 46 patients with JBVAD, 23 (50%) had sensorineural hearing loss, three (6.5%) had tinnitus, and two (4.3%) had vertigo. The correlation between JBVAD and these clinical symptoms did not achieve statistical significance.