Audiological Outcomes following Middle Cranial Fossa Repair of Spontaneous CSF Leaks

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate hearing outcomes in patients who have undergone CSF leak repair via a middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach, and to identify any variables that influence postoperative hearing outcomes. Methods: This is a multi-centre study. 65 patients who underwent 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 (9.2%) had an encephalocele confirmed on MR imaging, while the remaining patients had biochemically confirmed, beta trace protein positive CSF leaks. Postoperatively, 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.