What Researchers Did
Researchers presented two case reports detailing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in a patient following lumbar spine surgery and in the patient's surgeon, both treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and steroids.
What They Found
The operative surgeon, who developed SSNHL from presumed viral pathology, received hyperbaric oxygen therapy and transtympanic steroids 10 days earlier than the patient and showed a better treatment response. The patient developed acute idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) after lumbar spine surgery, a rare event with only seven documented cases previously, none of which used hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing sudden sensorineural hearing loss, particularly after spine surgery, should seek prompt medical evaluation as early initiation of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and steroids may improve outcomes. However, the use of systemic steroids in postoperative patients requires careful consideration due to concerns about pseudarthrosis.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a case report, this study's findings are limited by its small sample size and cannot be generalized to a broader patient population.