[Resection of the semicircular canal system with preserved hearing--an animal experiment study]

In a previous investigation we selectively resected the lateral semicircular canal of the rabbit, preserving the hearing in 67% of the animals. We now report an attempt to remove all three canals in one step with a microsurgical technique using fibrin glue and bone chips. Brain-stem auditory potentials were recorded at intervals up to 3 months after operation. Residual hearing could be recorded in 50% of rabbits. These animals regularly showed a 30-40 dB deterioration of hearing.