Peripheral auditory dysfunction secondary to traumatic brain injury: A systematic review of literature

Primary objective: To understand the effects of non-blast-related TBI on peripheral auditory function in adults, as measured through basic and advanced audiological assessments. Background: Despite numerous studies demonstrating hearing loss post TBI there has been no systematic investigation of the prevalence, nature and severity of peripheral hearing loss. Data identification: An English-language systematic search using MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, PubMed and hand-searching of reference lists was conducted from 1 January 1990 to 31 October 2016. Study selection: After independent review by the authors, 20 of 281 originally identified articles were retained. Data extraction: Audiological findings were extracted and synthesized across studies. Results: Using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine levels of evidence (2009), 3b was the highest level of evidence within the review. Sensorineural hearing loss was the most consistent auditory deficit reported post TBI. Conclusion: The range and frequency of auditory dysfunction in patients with TBI remain unclear. Future research should focus on understanding the nature, frequency and change of auditory deficits over time following TBI. Knowledge in this area will provide crucial information for clinicians and facilitate the development of diagnostic and best practice guidelines which currently are lacking for the management of this patient population.