A Case of Bilateral Hearing Loss Following External Ventricular Drainage

The sensorineural hearing loss following extraventricular drainage (EVD) is perhaps an underestimated complication rather than an uncommon event. Changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure may lead to endolymphatic hydrops through the patent cochlear aqueduct resulting in sensorineural hearing loss. We describe the case of a 9-year-old child suffering from meduloblastoma. Bilateral hearing loss, especially at low frequency was found after emergent extraventricular drainage. At 2 months of treatment, hearing loss improved a little, but not restored to a serviceable hearing. Our experience and a review of articles indicate that early detection and awareness of hearing loss after EVD are important for treatment strategy. �