Sudden sensorineural hearing loss following manipulation of the cervical spine

Review of the otolaryngologic literature reveals no reports of sudden sensorineural hearing loss resulting from manipulation of the cervical spine. Indeed, in previously reported cases of vertebrobasilar artery injury following spinal manipulation, hearing loss has received little attention. Two patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss following cervical spine manipulation are presented. The audiologic findings and cerebral arteriograms are reviewed and treatment is discussed. A review of the anatomy and pathophysiology is also included, and a possible mechanism of injury to the vertebral artery is proposed.