Exploratory tympanotomy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss for the identification of a perilymphatic fistula - retrospective analysis and review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: The diagnostic value of exploratory tympanotomy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss remains controversial. This study and review were performed to identify the incidence of perilymphatic fistula in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The effectiveness of tympanotomy for sealing of the cochlear windows in cases with perilymphatic fistula was evaluated.

Methods: A search in common databases was performed. Overall, 5034 studies were retrieved. Further, a retrospective analysis on 90 patients was performed.

Results: Eight publications dealing with tympanotomy in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss were identified. In 90 patients diagnosed with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and undergoing exploratory tympanotomy, 10 patients (11 per cent) were identified with a perilymphatic fistula, and this corresponds to the results obtained from our review (13.6 per cent).

Conclusion: There was no significant improvement after exploratory tympanotomy and sealing of the membranes for patients with a definite perilymphatic fistula.

Keywords: Cochlear Aqueduct; Fistula; Hearing Loss; Sensorineural Hearing Loss; Sudden Hearing Loss.