Fluctuating hearing loss associated with Halo vest application

Abstract

We report the unique case of a 16-year-old man presenting with sudden and profound left-sided hearing loss following application of a Halo vest. Case report and review of the world literature concerning spinal realignment procedures, spinal manipulation and Halo vest application. A 16-year-old man presented to the ENT clinic with sudden and profound left-sided hearing loss after undergoing posterior release of a fixed flexion extension deformity of the cervical spine and Halo vest application. The hearing loss slowly improved until the patient disrupted the Halo vest while boarding a bus. Regular audiometry documented the progress of the patient's hearing loss. Procedures that significantly alter the established bony anatomy of the neck can be associated with profound audiological deficit through disturbance of the vertebrobasilar arterial system. Such a phenomenon may be associated with application or disruption of a Halo vest.