Deafness—A Complication of Nasopharyngeal Airways

Abstract

We report a patient who developed temporary deafness secondary to oedema of the uvula and soft palate following prolonged continuous positive airway pressure via a nasopharyngeal airway.

Peri-Operative Hearing Impairment

“…Also, during N 2 O elimination, Eustachian tube obstruction can result in significant negative middle ear pressure and tympanic perforation [8]. Uvular oedema and subsequent blocked Eustachian tube can also result in hearing loss after prolonged intubation or the use of oral or nasopharyngeal airways [9]. A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used in our patient for a very short duration and throat examination on the following day did not reveal any oedema or trauma to the uvula or posterior nasal space.…”