Sudden Sensorineural Deafness after Unilateral Total Knee Replacement

We present a report of an individual who sustained a sudden onset of sensorineural hearing loss following a unilateral total knee replacement. Phillips et al reported a case in 2003 from the same hospital, following bilateral simultaneous knee replacements.(1) It was previously concluded that the most probable cause of the hearing loss was fat embolism.This is the first recorded case of a sudden bilateral hearing loss following a unilateral knee replacement. We conclude that a prospective investigation of the incidence of hearing loss after joint replacement is may be warranted.