Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate hearing outcomes in patients who have undergone cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair via a middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach and to identify any variables that influence post-operative hearing outcomes. METHODS: This is a multi-centre study. A total of 65 patients who underwent an MCF approach CSF leak repair were included. Retrospective case review was conducted to collect patient demographic and clinical data including pre- and post-operative audiometry. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were included: 9 patients (9.2per cent) had an encephalocele confirmed on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, whilst the remaining patients had biochemically confirmed, beta-trace protein positive CSF leaks. Post-operatively, there was a statistically significant improvement in both bone conduction (Z = -3.71, p < 0.001) and air conduction thresholds (Z = -5.82, p < 0.001). None of the studied variables were found to be associated with the degree of hearing improvement. CONCLUSION: The MCF approach for CSF leak repair yields favorable audiological outcomes.