Analysis of hearing loss after shunt placement in patients with normal-pressure hydrocephalus.

van Veelen-Vincent, M L; Delwel, E J; Teeuw, R; Kurt, E; de Jong, D A; Brocaar, M P; Pauw, B K; Avezaat, C J et al. · J Neurosurg · 2001

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Following shunt placement for treatment of normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), several patients suffered hearing loss. The authors undertook a study to analyze this outcome. Sixteen patients in whom NPH was diagnosed were treated by placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Their hearing was assessed pre- and postoperatively by using pure tone audiometry. Two thirds of the ears tested showed a postoperative hearing loss of more than 10 dB. Recovery of the hearing loss occurred 6 to 12 weeks after shunt placement in 75% of the ears examined. Although shunt insertion for treatment of NPH results in a decrease in hearing, most of the loss can be recovered.

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