Transient hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Anesthesiology
• Urology

Background:

• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a common urological procedure.
• Anesthesia choices may impact patient outcomes, including sensory functions.
• Potential effects of spinal anesthesia on hearing require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of spinal anesthesia during TURP on auditory function.
• To compare hearing changes between spinal and epidural anesthesia for TURP.

Main Methods:

• Pre- and post-operative audiograms were conducted on 14 patients undergoing TURP under spinal anesthesia.
• Hearing was reassessed 2 days post-surgery and at follow-up (1-7 months).
• A control group of 12 patients receiving epidural anesthesia for TURP was also evaluated.

Main Results:

• Six out of 14 patients (43%) experienced a minor, temporary reduction in low-frequency hearing post-spinal anesthesia.
• Full hearing recovery was observed in all affected patients within 1-7 months.
• No significant hearing loss was detected in the 12 patients who received epidural anesthesia.

Conclusions:

• Spinal anesthesia for TURP can be associated with transient, low-frequency hearing deficits.
• Hearing function generally recovers spontaneously after spinal anesthesia.
• Epidural anesthesia appears to be a safer alternative regarding auditory function during TURP.