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Rupture of the round window membrane
Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Rupture of the round window membrane in divers can occur due to increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. Surgical repair can restore hearing, and maintaining normal nasal function is key to prevention.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Diving Medicine
- Inner Ear Physiology
Background:
- Round window membrane (RWM) rupture is a rare inner ear condition.
- It can be caused by increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure transmitted via the cochlear aqueduct.
- Diving activities pose a risk due to pressure changes.
Observation:
- Two cases of RWM rupture in divers are presented.
- One diver experienced bilateral RWM rupture after difficulty with autoinflation.
- The other diver presented with acute vertigo and normal hearing after unilateral RWM rupture.
Findings:
- Surgical repair successfully restored hearing in the diver with bilateral ruptures.
- Surgical repair preserved normal hearing in the diver with unilateral rupture.
- RWM rupture shares similarities with post-stapedectomy fistula, suggesting potential for spontaneous healing.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention is effective for RWM rupture in divers.
- Normal nasal function is crucial for divers to prevent inner ear barotrauma.
- Understanding RWM rupture mechanisms aids in prevention and treatment strategies for divers.