Correlation of otologic complaints in soldiers with speech disorders after traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To determine the prevalence of otologic complaints in subjects with dysphonia and traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a sample population of the US Army.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

METHODS: A total of 292 subjects were identified with a new diagnosis of voice disorder during a 3.5-year period at three large military medical centers. Of them, 70 subjects were also identified with TBI and had no history of dysphonia before this time period. In those with voice disorders and TBI, documentation of hearing complaints, hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo was recorded. Time to visit an otolaryngologist and audiologist were also recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 70 soldiers were identified with a diagnosis of a voice disorder and TBI. Of these soldiers, 83% had at least one otologic complaint and 50% had more than one. Approximately 60%, 39%, and 44% of the subjects reported tinnitus, hearing loss, or vertigo, respectively. A total of 62% of the subjects with otologic complaints, TBI, and dysphonia were seen by an otolaryngologist. Time until an otolaryngologist evaluated these soldiers varied widely, with an average of 17 months and standard deviation of 12.5 months.

CONCLUSIONS: Otologic manifestations are common in soldiers with dysphonia and TBI. Careful consideration of communication impairment from otologic dysfunction in those with speech disorders after TBI is warranted.