Unilateral Conductive Hearing Loss Secondary to a High Jugular Bulb in a Pediatric Patient

Abstract

A high jugular bulb is not an uncommon otologic anomaly. It may be noted as an incidental finding on physical exam, middle ear surgery, or computed tomography of the temporal bones. Frequently the patient is asymptomatic, but a high jugular bulb can occasionally cause tinnitus or conductive hearing loss. The case of a seven-year-old black male with unilateral conductive hearing loss secondary to a high jugular bulb is presented. The diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and management of a conductive hearing loss associated with a high jugular bulb are discussed.