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Vestibular involvement in myringitis bullosa
Ron Eliashar1, Menachem Gross, Daniel Saah
1Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. ron@eliashar.com
Acta Oto-Laryngologica
|May 15, 2004
Summary
Myringitis bullosa (MB) frequently affects the inner ear, causing both hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. This study found that vestibular symptoms, like vertigo, are common in MB patients and often correlate with abnormal electronystagmography results.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
Background:
- Myringitis bullosa (MB) is associated with cochlear involvement, leading to sensorineural or mixed-type hearing loss (HL) in 30-67% of cases.
- The extent of vestibular system involvement in MB remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of vestibular dysfunction in adult patients diagnosed with MB.
- To determine the relationship between MB, hearing loss, and vestibular abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Adult patients with MB were evaluated for inner ear involvement using audiometry, tympanometry, and electronystagmography (ENG) within 48 hours of presentation.
- Audiometric studies were repeated regularly, and a detailed questionnaire and physical examination were used to assess vestibular function.
Main Results:
- Thirteen patients (17 ears) with MB were studied, all reporting hearing loss.
- Vestibular symptoms, such as vertigo, were reported by 54% of patients.
- Hearing loss patterns included sensorineural (2 ears), mixed-type (12 ears), and conductive (3 ears).
- Electronystagmography (ENG) was abnormal in most patients, including those without reported vestibular symptoms.
- All patients who reported vertigo had abnormal ENG results and fully recovered after treatment.
Conclusions:
- Myringitis bullosa affects both the cochlear and vestibular components of the inner ear.
- Sensorineural hearing loss and vestibular abnormalities are significant manifestations of MB and should be considered in its diagnosis and management.