Auditory Findings Related to Compression of the 7th and 8th Cranial Nerves Following Microvascular Decompression: A Case Report

Year 2026, Volume: 12 Issue: 1, 89 - 91, 20.01.2026

Mehmet Aktoklu , Ali Samet Topsakal , Mustafa Kiziltaş , Mehmet Orbay Bıyık

https://doi.org/10.30934/kusbed.1781756

Abstract

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a proven effective method for treating trigeminal neuralgia. However, compression of the 7th and 8th cranial nerves by vascular structures during surgery can lead to variable outcomes in auditory function. This case report presents a rare case suggesting that progressive hearing loss in the right ear may be primarily due to compression of the 7th and 8th nerves. A 53-year-old male patient with a history of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss presented with progressive hearing loss in the right ear. Imaging and examination revealed a vascular structure compressing the 7th and 8th cranial nerves at the cerebellopontine angle. Therefore, MVD was performed on the right side. In the postoperative period, the patient reported a marked improvement in hearing in his right ear. However, audiological examinations performed in the first week and first month postoperatively revealed objective deterioration in pure tone thresholds and a predominance of the sensorineural component. This case demonstrates that compression of the 7th and 8th cranial nerves may play a critical role in progressive hearing loss. It also highlights the need to include tinnitus scales, speech intelligibility, and quality of life parameters in the assessment, not just pure-tone audiometry findings, after MVD.

Keywords

Microvascular Decompression , Auditory Morbidity , Neurosurgery , Audiology , cranial nerve compression , trigeminal neuralgia , hearing loss

Ethical Statement

Written informed consent was obtained from the relevant patient for this study, and the consent form has been uploaded to the system. All stages of the research process were conducted in accordance with international ethical standards.

Supporting Institution

No support has been received.

Project Number

-

Thanks

Not applicable

Mikrovasküler Dekompresyon Sonrası 7. ve 8. Kranial Sinirlerin Sıkışmasına İlişkin İşitsel Bulgular: Bir Olgu Sunumu

Abstract

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a proven effective method for treating trigeminal neuralgia. However, compression of the 7th and 8th cranial nerves by vascular structures during surgery can lead to variable outcomes in auditory function. This case report presents a rare case suggesting that progressive hearing loss in the right ear may be primarily due to compression of the 7th and 8th nerves. A 53-year-old male patient with a history of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss presented with progressive hearing loss in the right ear. Imaging and examination revealed a vascular structure compressing the 7th and 8th cranial nerves at the cerebellopontine angle. Therefore, MVD was performed on the right side. In the postoperative period, the patient reported a marked improvement in hearing in his right ear. However, audiological examinations performed in the first week and first month postoperatively revealed objective deterioration in pure tone thresholds and a predominance of the sensorineural component. This case demonstrates that compression of the 7th and 8th cranial nerves may play a critical role in progressive hearing loss. It also highlights the need to include tinnitus scales, speech intelligibility, and quality of life parameters in the assessment, not just pure-tone audiometry findings, after MVD.

Keywords

Mikrovasküler Dekompresyon , İşitsel Morbidite , Nöroşirürji , Beyin ve Sinir Cerrahi , Odyoloji , kraniyal sinir basısı , trigeminal nevralji , işitme kaybı

Ethical Statement

Bu araştırmada etik ilkelere uygun davranılmıştır.

Supporting Institution

Herhangi bir destek alınmamıştır.

Project Number

-

Thanks

Uygulanmaz

References

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