English

Abstract

BACKGROUND : Decreased hearing after various procedures involving opening of the dura mater resulting in leakage of cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) has been reported previously. We conducted this study as very few studies have explored the hypothesis that patient age may affect hearing loss after subarachnoid block. OBJECTIVE : To compare difference in hearing loss after spinal anaesthesia between young and elderly patients. METHODS : Prospective study conducted on 90 patients of either gender, ASA 1 or 2 scheduled for elective surgery under spinal anaesthesia. The group allocation was as follows: group Y: 30 patients aged ≤ 30 years; group M: 30 patients aged 31-60 years and group E: 30 patients ≥ 61 years. All subjects underwent clinical oto-laryngological examination and pure tone audiometry ( PTA) in both ears under standardized conditions on the day prior to surgery (control value) and on the 2 nd post spinal day. Significant hearing loss was defined as difference of > 15 dB between the pre operative and post spinal PTA values. Statistical analysis included the one way ANOVA, two way ANOVA and Chi-square tests. RESULTS : The overall incidence of significant hearing loss in the study was 7.7%. The percentage of patients developing significant hearing loss in groups Y, M & E were 6.6%, 13.3% and 3.3% respectively. Only one patient in group M (3.3%) complained of mild post dural puncture headache (PDPH). The incidence of significant hearing loss in patients below 60 years was more compared with patients >60 years. CONCLUSION : Minor change in hearing threshold may occur after spinal anaesthesia and younger patients are more prone to it.