Sudden sensorineural hearing loss after spinal surgery under general anesthesia

Two patients, ages 72 and 71, who underwent lumbar decompressive surgery fo r spinal stenosis, were evaluated for postoperative sudden sensorineural he aring loss (SSHL). After two uncomplicated spinal procedures, both patients developed SSHL immediately after surgery. Hearing loss was moderate to pro found in these two patients. None of the patients had a significant otologi c history. Nitrous oxide administration, Valsalva maneuvers during general anesthesia, and transient drops in cerebrospinal fluid pressure stemming fr om spinal decompression may, in some combination, lead to an implosive forc e on the inner ear, causing SSHL. Further causes of postlumbar surgery SSHL may include microemboli or viral infections. SSHL is a rare but possible c omplication after nonotologic, noncardiac bypass surgery; only 26 cases of SSHL after this surgery have been reported. We encourage the continued repo rting of sudden sensorineural hearing loss after spinal surgery.