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Rupture of the round window membrane.
The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology
|January 1, 1976
Summary
Sudden deafness can result from round window membrane rupture, often linked to physical exertion or barotrauma. Delayed surgical intervention for this ear injury allows for potential spontaneous healing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Sudden deafness is a critical otological emergency.
- Rupture of the round window membrane is a rare cause of sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
- Previous literature reports nineteen cases of round window membrane rupture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of sudden deafness due to round window membrane rupture.
- To review previously reported cases to identify common etiologies and clinical features.
- To establish optimal management guidelines for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of sudden deafness.
- Literature review of twenty patients with round window membrane rupture.
- Analysis of patient history for precipitating factors like physical effort or barotrauma.
- Surgical findings regarding the visibility of the rupture and potential oval window leaks.
Main Results:
- Eighteen of twenty patients reported concurrent physical effort or barotrauma.
- This suggests pressure changes are a primary cause, acting via the cochlear aqueduct or middle ear.
- Ruptures can be subtle during surgery, and oval window leaks may coexist.
Conclusions:
- Sudden deafness from round window membrane rupture is strongly associated with pressure-related events.
- Surgical intervention should be delayed for one week to allow for spontaneous fistula healing.
- If no improvement occurs after one week, tympanotomy is recommended within the following week.