Malformation of Ossicular Chain

Introduction: Hearing loss is the most common clinical findings in cases of malformations of the ear and the type and degree of loss is related to the affected site. Malformations of the external ear are usually associated with middle ear, since they have the same embryological origin. Ossicular chain malformations are rare and very variable and may occur alone or associated with other malformations. It is important to classify the earliest possible hearing loss in order to define the approach. Treatment options for these malformations include the adaptation of hearing aids by air or bone conduction, the adaptation of implantable hearing devices.

Objective: The study aims to report a case of malformation of the ossicular chain.

Case Report: A 9-year-old patient (L.S.R.), looking for ear, nose, and throat (ENT) care because of bad school performance associated with a bilateral progressive hearing loss, worse on the right, in the last 6 months. No changes were observed on physical examination so audiometry was requested, which showed bilateral hearing loss and mixed right and left mild conductive moderate, both with bow B. Due to amendment in right ear, asked for CT of the temporal bones, which showed bilateral mastoideopatia malformation in stirrup. For placement of tympanostomy, ventilation tube was held in the left ear due to box secretory otitis media and hearing aids indicated in the right ear.

Conclusion: Every hearing loss should be well investigated with clinical and audiological tests and where appropriate history, with complementary imaging methods, so as to adopt compatible therapeutic method.