Perilymphatic fistula of the round window after whiplash injury: another cause of inner ear conductive hearing loss

Am J Otolaryngol. 2014 Nov-Dec;35(6):822-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2014.06.016. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Abstract

Perilymphatic fistula is usually associated with sudden or fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. We present a case of whiplash injury in a patient who showed conductive hearing loss at low frequencies due to a perilymphatic fistula occurring in the round window. Although no middle ear pathology was found, the symptoms and laboratory findings were mimicking the so called "third mobile window" phenomenon, but without the presence of inner ear dehiscence. Following early surgical exploration with patching of the round window the hearing was restored and the patient was free of symptoms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cochlear Diseases / complications
  • Cochlear Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fistula / complications
  • Fistula / etiology*
  • Hearing Loss, Conductive / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Round Window, Ear*
  • Whiplash Injuries / complications*