Sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is a rare phenomenon that is thought to occur when reduced cerebrospinal fluid pressure is transmitted to the inner ear through an enlarged cochlear aqueduct.

This study presents two cases of sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section as well as presenting results of a systemic review of the available literature using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text articles from Medline, PubMed and Embase were used, as well as associated reference lists. Risk factors associated with poorer outcomes and an approach to management of this rare condition are also discussed.

Twenty-one cases were identified. The literature was systematically reviewed showing presentations, investigations performed, treatments offered and outcomes.

Sensorineural hearing loss following spinal anaesthesia, epidural anaesthesia or lumbar puncture is a rare occurrence that requires a high degree of clinical suspicion and prompt investigation and treatment.