Objectives: To investigate the effect of myelogram on hearing. Pre and post procedure audiograms were compared.
Research Designs This descriptive, comparative design explored hearing loss after myelogram. Audiologists assessed subjects' hearing pre and post myelogram, in both ears, at six standard frequencies, 250 Hz through 8000 Hz. Decibel differences between pre and post myelogram were compared.
Population/Sample/Setting: A convenience sample of neurosurgical outpatients (N=27) was recruited from the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee.
Concept or Variables Studied Together: This study investigated the relationship between dural puncture and sensorineural hearing loss.
Methods: In this one-tail study hearing assessments were obtained before and after myelograms. Descriptive and graphical analyses illustrate differences across six frequencies. T-tests were used to determine differences. Hearing assessments were obtained 3 hours before and 22 hours after myelogram.
Findings: Audiogram decibel differences, both gains and losses were found post myelogram; however, results were neither clinically nor statistically significant. No study participant reported any perceived hearing change. One participant experienced perceived hearing loss, aural fullness, and severe headache 53 hours post myelogram.
Conclusions: This study did not support previous findings that show sensorineural hearing loss post myelogram.
Implications: The implication that any dural puncture procedure can result in some degree of hearing loss is significant. Most information implies that this relationship is related due to endolymphatic hydrops, which results from CSF leak. This is potentially meaningful due to the volume of dural punctures, including spinal anesthesia, lumbar puncture and myelogram. Any relationship between dural puncture procedures and hearing loss will have an impact on professional and patient education and informed consent.
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