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Audiometric changes following spinal anaesthesia
S Haleem1, M M Ansari, A Shakoor
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, India.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Spinal anesthesia with larger gauge needles (20-22) can cause temporary hearing changes. Smaller gauge needles (24-25) showed no significant impact on audiometric values post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Audiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Spinal anesthesia is a common procedure.
- Potential side effects include neurological and sensory changes.
- The impact of spinal needle gauge on hearing is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate audiometric changes after spinal anesthesia using different spinal needle gauges.
- To determine if needle gauge influences the incidence or severity of hearing alterations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 125 patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.
- Patients were randomized into five groups (20, 22, 23, 24, and 25 gauge needles).
- Audiometric values were assessed on the first and fifth postoperative days.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in audiometric values (250-500 Hz) were observed on postoperative day 1 with 20-gauge (12%) and 22-gauge (8%) needles (P < 0.001).
- A statistically significant decrease (8%) was noted with 23-gauge needles (P < 0.05).
- No significant audiometric changes occurred with 24-gauge and 25-gauge needles.
Conclusions:
- Larger gauge spinal needles (20-22) are associated with temporary, significant audiometric changes.
- Smaller gauge needles (24-25) appear safer regarding hearing function post-spinal anesthesia.
- These findings suggest needle selection may mitigate auditory side effects.