Hearing Outcomes Following Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Placement: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Audiology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement impacts cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics.
• Pressure transmission via the cochlear aqueduct may link VPS to hearing alterations.
• Hearing changes post-VPS are not well-understood despite frequent procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and characterize evidence on hearing outcomes after VPS placement.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding hearing function following VPS surgery.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Literature search of PubMed (1980-2026) for studies on hearing outcomes post-VPS.
• Inclusion of case reports, case series, and observational cohorts; critical appraisal using Joanna Briggs tools.

Main Results:

• Nineteen studies with ~200 patients were included.
• Hearing deterioration, improvement, and mixed outcomes were reported across studies.
• Hearing changes occurred acutely (within 48h) or delayed; overall evidence quality was low.

Conclusions:

• VPS placement is an underrecognized factor in hearing changes.
• Heterogeneous, low-quality evidence necessitates prospective studies with standardized audiology.
• Consider preoperative audiograms and prompt audiology referral for postoperative hearing concerns.