Can a fracture of the temporal bone affect one's hearing?

Answer 1

Fracture of the temporal bone causes bleeding which can be medial to an intact tympanic membrane, from the middle ear through a rupture of the tympanic membrane, or from a fracture line in the ear canal. Hemotympanum gives the tympanic membrane a blue-black color. Usually, there is a communication with the subarachnoid space through the fracture line. Often, there is cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea. Most of the fractures of the temporal bone are longitudinal (80%)to the long axis of the petrous pyramid, only 20% are transverse. Longitudinal fractures usually extend through the middle ear into the ear canal, causing rupture of the tympanic membrane. Approximately 35% of logitudinal fractures produce a sensorineural hearing loss, and approximately 15% produce facial parlysis. Transverse fractures extend across the cochlea and fallopian canal, causing a profound permanent sensorineural hearing loss and a facial paralysis. These fractures are usually well demonstrated with CT.

Answer 2

Yes, a fracture of the temporal bone can affect hearing by damaging the structures responsible for conducting sound to the inner ear. This can result in temporary or permanent hearing loss depending on the severity of the fracture and the specific structures involved.