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Sudden hearing loss and pregnancy: a review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 February 2012

A Y Goh  and
S S M Hussain
A Y Goh
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and University of Dundee Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
S S M Hussain*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Ninewells Hospital and University of Dundee Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr S S Musheer Hussain, Consultant Otolaryngologist, Honorary Reader, Ward 26, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK Fax: +44 (0)1382 632 816, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Acute hearing loss is a distressing albeit rare occurrence in pregnancy. Due to its infrequent presentation, little is known of its cause, and the best management is unclear.

Objective:

To present a summary of current knowledge regarding sudden hearing loss in pregnancy and its management, by reviewing the published literature.

Data sources:

The following electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Ovid (MEDLINE), all EBM Reviews (Cochrane DSR, ACP Journal Club, DARE and CCTR) and Embase; plus a hand search of reference lists of retrieved papers.

Study selection and data extraction:

All papers retrieved using key word searches for ‘sudden hearing loss and pregnancy’ and ‘sudden deafness and pregnancy’ were reviewed. Due to the scarcity of literature, all studies identified were included in this review.

Data synthesis and conclusions:

All retrieved papers were reviewed. Sudden hearing loss is a rare occurrence during pregnancy, leading to a dearth of literature due to limited clinical experience. Audiological investigation findings for such patients remain equivocal. Recovery can be spontaneous during the postpartum period. In patients who require medical treatment, a dextran 40 infusion can be employed. There remains scope for further research, in the form of larger studies, to ascertain the best management option for this clinical problem.

Keywords

Hearing LossPregnancyNeuroma, Acoustic
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 126 , Issue 4 , April 2012 , pp. 337 - 339
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2012

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