ABSTRACT

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is defined as 30 dB or more SHL over at least three consequent audiometric frequencies occurring within three days or less. Excessive upper airway pressure during the induction phase of general anesthesia, Valsalva maneuvers, nitrous oxide administration, microemboli, and variations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure are the suggested underlying mechanisms of postoperative SSHL. We report a case of unilateral SSHL after nasal surgery combined with reduction mammoplasty, with a history of a single dose of intravenous gentamicin administration intraoperatively. Despite the early detection, intense follow-up and treatment regimens, satisfactory improvement could not be achieved in the patient’s hearing level. SSHL is a possible complication after otologic and cardiac surgeries. SSHL after non-otologic non-cardiac surgery is uncommon. There is no previous SSHL report in the literature associated with combined nasal and breast surgery.

Keywords: Sudden hearing loss