Centres/Radiology/CT scan/Temporal bone CT

CT scan of the temporal bones (ear CT)

Temporal bone CT in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Temporal bone CT scan in Tunis: fine imaging of the middle and inner ear bones (chronic otitis, cholesteatoma, hearing loss, before surgery or implant).

Request a quote +216 36 402 036

What is it?

The temporal bone is the skull bone that contains the middle ear (with the ossicles, which transmit sound) and the inner ear (the organ of hearing and balance). A temporal bone CT scan gives very fine images of it, in slices a few tenths of a millimetre thick. It is requested by the ENT doctor for chronic ear infection, suspected cholesteatoma (a lesion that can damage the ear bones), hearing loss caused by a problem with sound transmission, or before ear surgery or a hearing implant. It is usually done without an injection. It can be combined with a brain CT scan in the same session. To study the hearing nerve itself, an MRI is usually preferred: the two tests are complementary.

When is it indicated?

Chronic ear infection

It shows the extent of inflammation in the middle ear and the condition of the ossicles.

Suspected cholesteatoma

It looks for this lesion and checks whether it has damaged the ear bones, before possible surgery.

Conductive hearing loss

It examines the chain of ossicles when sound does not reach the inner ear properly.

Before ear surgery or a hearing implant

It gives the surgeon a precise map of the ear structures.

Preparation

1Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be: a CT scan uses X-rays

2Remove hearing aids, earrings, hair clips and glasses

3If an injection is planned, tell us about any allergy (especially to an iodinated contrast agent), kidney disease, diabetes or myeloma; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested

4No fasting is usually needed

5Bring your hearing test (audiogram) and any previous ear examinations

Procedure

You lie on your back, with your head firmly supported

You lie on a table that slides slowly through a wide, open ring: it is not a closed tunnel

You need to keep completely still during the pass, as the images are very fine

The radiographer can see and hear you at all times from the next room

You can then return to your usual activities; after an injection, drink plenty of fluids during the day (unless your doctor advises otherwise) to help clear the contrast agent

Duration

About 5 to 15 minutes in total

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

A CT scan uses X-rays: the dose is set as low as possible while still giving useful images, and the examination is only done when it is justified

Pregnancy: a relative contraindication; a CT scan is only performed if it is essential, after medical advice

Allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast agent (if injected): rare and usually mild (redness, itching); serious reactions are exceptional and the team is trained to manage them

In case of kidney failure, the iodinated injection can strain the kidneys: the doctor avoids or adjusts it

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.