Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) following a local anesthetic dental procedure

Abstract Acute sensorineural hearing loss is an uncommon phenomenon in dentistry. We describe the case of a 79-year-old male who presented with acute sensorineural hearing loss occurring 2 days after a tooth extraction procedure under local anesthesia. Possible mechanisms are discussed. He was treated with vasodilators (Ginaton and Alprostadil Injection) and Mecobalamin injection with benefit. High dose oral steroids (1 mg/kg) and low molecular weight dextran were used.