The temporal bones are located on the sides of the head, just above/behind the outer ear and at the temple. It forms our lateral skull base, on which the brain rests. Temporal bone trauma can be blunt or penetrating. Blunt trauma involves a closed injury to the head, such as a motor vehicle accident or falls. Penetrating trauma involves actual puncture to the temporal bone (e.g., a gunshot wound). The level of trauma experienced varies greatly depending on the extent of the injury. Temporal bone trauma may cause problems with hearing, balance or facial nerve function. Hearing loss may be conductive or sensorineural depending on the location of the fracture.
Temporal bone trauma is typically experienced with a number of other injuries, some life-threatening. When determining a course of treatment, prioritizing the severity of other injuries is of primary importance. Once the patient is stabilized, the patient may be referred to Dr. Jacob for evaluation and treatment of otological and/or facial nerve symptoms. A hearing test and CT/MRI scans help determine the extent of injury. If there is evidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, perilymph fistula, ossicular chain discontinuity (middle ear bones are not aligned properly), tympanic membrane perforation (insert link) or cholesteatoma, surgery may be indicated. Dizziness is commonly experienced following temporal bone trauma and may be due to inner ear concussion or fracture of the otic capsule (inner ear). Typically, no treatment is required, as the brain usually learns to compensate over time. In some patients, however, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or Meniere’s syndrome may occur.
Why Choose Us
- Dr. Abraham Jacob, Medical Director for Ear & Hearing (E&H) at the Center for Neurosciences (CNS), is fellowship trained in Otology, Neurotology, and Cranial Base Surgery. He is the first and most experienced Neurotologist in Tucson.
- Dr. Jacob was a founding member of the University of Arizona (UA) Department of Otolaryngology prior to his departure and transition to CNS. At UA, he was Vice Chair of ENT and held the rank of full Professor with Tenure. He has an international reputation as an expert for treating ear diseases.
- Dr. Jacob transitioned his practice to the Center for Neurosciences in early 2017 as he felt that the new environment helped him to optimize delivery of personalized ear and lateral skull base care for his patients.
- Dr. Jacob offers state-of-the-art medical and surgical care for patients with all types of ear and lateral skull base disorders. As the most experienced ear surgeon in Tucson, Dr. Jacob’s practice at the Center for Neurosciences offers comprehensive audiologic/vestibular testing as well as thorough Neuroradiology evaluation. Should surgery be required, Dr. Jacob’s training and clinical practice as a Cranial Base Surgeon makes him uniquely qualified to operate within and around the temporal bone.
Ear & Hearing Appointments
Our Otologist/Neurotologist specializes in the medical and surgical care of patients with disorders of the ear and lateral skull base. Otology/Neurotology and Audiology work together to offer complete hearing health solutions.
To schedule an appointment with our Ear & Hearing department, please call us at (520) 795-7750.
Our Physicians’ Goal
Our physicians’ goal is to provide the highest-quality neurological care– the same level of care we would want for ourselves or our loved ones.
We will help our patients to understand their condition, listen to their concerns, answer their questions, and provide the best clinical treatment available.