Rupture of the round window membrane.

Considerable interest has been displayed in sudden sensori-neural deafness in recent years, and especially since Blair Simmons postulated that this could be caused by mechanical disruption of the membranes in the inner ear. The literature concerning such reports is reviewed briefly and two cases of rupture of the round window membrane resulting from inner ear barotrauma are reported in detail. Both these cases were experienced divers who had had little difficulty in auto-inflation whilst diving. The first case had progressive sensori-neural deafness with mild vertigo, and tympanotomy revealed rupture of the round window membrane in both ears. These ruptures were repaired with plugs of fat, following which his hearing was restored. The second case developed marked vertigo following a dive and was thought to be suffering from decompression sickness. When the appropriate treatment did not help him, tympanotomy was performed and a rupture of the round membrane was found. This was plugged with fat with a most satisfactory result. Both of these cases had difficulty with autoinflation, and had been aware of such difficulties for some time. Nasal problems were responsible for this, and it is strongly recommended that all divers should have normal nasal function and that they should be educated in the technique of autoinflation, and, in particular, in the importance of avoiding forceful autoinflation at all times. A third case of rupture of the round membrane following an injury to the head is also reported.