Hearing decrease and Ringing in left Ear after neck lift. What went wrong?

Thank you for your question.It is very rare to have permanent damage to hearing after a facelift and necklift, even with general anesthesia.That being said, a small amount of blood can sometimes drip into the ear canal and give you the feeling of 'blocked' ear for a few weeks post surgery (as when going up in altitude or deep into the ocean).  It usually subsides over a few weeks with full recovery.  Most of us do put little sterile earplugs during the surgery to minimize this incident.Now the fact you can restore your hearing with some breathing manoeuvers is encouraging.I would consult with an ENT for a full hearing examination (audiogram) as to rule out other causes.Best of luck,Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPéré, Toronto aesthetic plastic surgeon and facialist.

It is a temporal coincidence that you are experiencing tinnitus after your neck lift.  It is recommended that you have a hearing test to make sure you are not experiencing hearing loss which is a common cause for tinnitus.

Thank you for the question. If your hearing is noticeably different on one side, you need a hearing test (audiogram). There are reports of hearing loss after anesthesia and it would be better to know for sure.

At this point, and in view of the normal exam from an ENT specialist, it is unlikely that the facelift had anything to do with your hearing loss.  Ringning and hearling loss can occur right after a lift due to occlusion of the ear canal by wax and blood.  In this case, the problem is solved by cleaning the ear canal.  You do not have this condition based upon your ENT examination.  I would suggest an audiogram and follow up with your ENT.  I believe that this is coincidental; however, it should be investigated.  One sided hearing loss has many etiologies which could be serious.

If you feel the hearing is decreased, make sure you see a qualified otolaryngologist and have an audiogram (hearing test) performed to evaluate your hearing.  There may be various treatments available depending on the type of hearing loss present.Generally speaking tinnitus (ringing) is a side effect of hearing loss and damage to the inner ear.  There is not likely a good medical explanation as to why you have experienced this after your neck lift.  When you are evaluated by your doctor, make sure to mention this course of events.Best Wishes

Thanks for the question. Hearing changes can happen or be noticed after surgery. In your case after neck surgery with a normal physical exam, it is very unlikely that the surgery had to do anything with your apparent hearing loss.An important test that you failed to mention if it was done is a formal hearing test. You need to consult with your ENT/Otolaryngologist to have a hearing test done as you mentioned that you believe that you hear 50% less.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

It is very unlikely that your neck lift caused your hearing and ear ringing problems.  I would check back with an ENT physician and ask they perform a hearing test, as well.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.