Labyrinthine membrane rupture caused by elevated intratympanic pressure during general anesthesia.
General anesthesia is not considered as a potential cause of hearing loss. However, three patients who sustained sensorineural hearing loss due to labyrinthine membrane rupture following general anesthesia with nitrous oxide have come to the authors' attention. These cases are presented and the mechanism causing labyrinthine membrane rupture is discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D003051:Cochlea / Q000293:injuries*; D003638:Deafness / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009609:Nitrous Oxide; D010046:Oval Window, Ear / Q000293:injuries*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012405:Round Window, Ear / Q000293:injuries*; D012422:Rupture, Spontaneous; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth / Q000293:injuries*
D009609:Nitrous Oxide