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Fluctuating hearing loss associated with Halo vest application

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

C R Davies-Husband ,
J S Phillips  and
A J Innes
C R Davies-Husband
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
J S Phillips*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
A J Innes
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr John S Phillips, Paddock House, The Common, Mellis IP23 8EF, UK E-mail: john.phillips@mac.com
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Abstract

Objective:

We report the unique case of a 16-year-old man presenting with sudden and profound left-sided hearing loss following application of a Halo vest.

Methods:

Case report and review of the world literature concerning spinal realignment procedures, spinal manipulation and Halo vest application.

Results:

A 16-year-old man presented to the ENT clinic with sudden and profound left-sided hearing loss after undergoing posterior release of a fixed flexion extension deformity of the cervical spine and Halo vest application. The hearing loss slowly improved until the patient disrupted the Halo vest while boarding a bus. Regular audiometry documented the progress of the patient's hearing loss.

Conclusion:

Procedures that significantly alter the established bony anatomy of the neck can be associated with profound audiological deficit through disturbance of the vertebrobasilar arterial system. Such a phenomenon may be associated with application or disruption of a Halo vest.

Keywords

Sensorineural DeafnessCervical VertebraeTraction

Information

Type
Online Only Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 1 , January 2009 , e5
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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