Extended Endoscopic Medial Maxillectomy and Removal of an Infratemporal Fossa Neurofibroma Presenting with Tinnitus and Aural Fullness

Tinnitus is a common presenting complaint that frequently becomes a chronic, debilitating problem for as many as 50 million Americans. It is often irreversible and without a clear underlying etiology, making tinnitus challenging to treat. Herein, we present the case of a previously healthy 54-year-old woman who developed several weeks of unilateral tinnitus and aural fullness before an MRI revealed a mass lesion in the infratemporal fossa (ITF). The tumor was removed through an endoscopic transnasal ITF approach resulting in complete resolution of her tinnitus and aural fullness. Consideration for imaging studies may allow for identification of an underlying etiology in patients with abrupt onset, unilateral, severe tinnitus. Surgical management of ITF tumors resulting in this clinical presentation may significantly alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.