ENDOLYMPHATIC HYDROPS IN OTOSCLEROSIS

Abstract

The coexistence of otosclerosis and endolymphatic hydrops had been recognized clinically and documented histopathologically. The vestibular complaints were found to be more common in otosclerotic persons than in general population as these vestibular symptoms were encountered in 24-35% of otosclerotic patients. Stapedectomy is contraindicated in otosclerotic patients with endolymphatic hydrops as there is higher incidence of dead ear due to damage of the distended saccule during the operation. Therefore, endolymphatic hydrops should be diagnosed preoperatively in otosclerotic patients complaining of vertigo because of the differences in therapeutic approaches. Electrocochleography is a useful electrophysiolgical tool for diagnosing endolymphatic hydrops and the tympanic membrane electrode gives better response than other non invasive electrodes. This study was done to study the prevalence of endolymphatic hydrops as diagnosed by ECochG in otosclerotic patients complaining of vertigo.

The present study was carried in the Audiology Unit, E.N.T. Department, Ain Shams University. The study group consisted of 30 otosclerotic patietns complaining of vertigo and of both gender, (12) males and (18) females, with a mean age of 38.43 years. The control group consisted of 10 normal hearing subjects, with no complaint of vertigo and of both gender, (5) males and (5) females, with a mean age of 36.50 years. The equipment used in this study were sound treated room lAC model 1602, two channels audiometer orbiter model 922, immittancemter