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Early alterations of cochlear function in experimental perilymph fistulas
1ENT Department, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.
The Laryngoscope
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Perforating the round window membrane in guinea pigs caused delayed hearing loss and worsened suprathreshold responses, suggesting inner ear damage in perilymphatic fistulas.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Experimental Otology
Background:
- Perilymphatic fistulas can cause hearing loss.
- Identifying sensitive audiometric parameters for perilymphatic fistulas is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cochlear function alterations following round window membrane perforation in guinea pigs.
- To identify potential audiometric indicators for perilymphatic fistulas.
Main Methods:
- Guinea pigs underwent round window membrane perforation.
- Acoustic compound action potential thresholds and suprathreshold responses were measured.
Main Results:
- Round window membrane perforation resulted in delayed, possibly conductive, hearing loss.
- Evoked suprathreshold responses deteriorated progressively, independent of action potential threshold changes.
- These findings suggest inner ear damage secondary to perilymphatic fistula.
Conclusions:
- A sudden conductive hearing loss coupled with poor suprathreshold response indicates potential inner ear damage from a perilymphatic fistula.
- Audiometric evaluation of both threshold and suprathreshold responses is important for diagnosing inner ear damage.