Hemangiomas of the temporal bone are uncommon benign tumours, occurring most frequently at two sites: the internal auditory meatus (IAM) and the geniculate ganglion. In this paper the authors discuss the pathology, clinical onset and features, and the therapeutic management of two of these lesions. A review of the literature is also presented, paying attention to the controversy regarding the origin, pathogenesis and histologic classification of this rare lesion of the temporal bone.