[Significance of the glycerol test for the diagnosis of sensorineural hearing disorders].

140 patients with various forms of sensorineural hearing loss were examined via the glycerol test (Klockhoff). In 66% of the cases with Menière's disease, a typical temporary threshold shift could be seen. 17 patients with fluctuating hearing loss of unknown etiology without vestibular symptoms showed a similar effect; they were classified as belonging to the group of the cochlear type of Menière's disease. In 34% of cases with clinically assured diagnosis of Ménière's disease, glycerol did not induce improvement in hearing. Repeated glycerol tests revealed varying results; shortly after a Menière attack, the glycerol test was usually negative, whereas shortly before the next attack the glycerol test changed to positive. These data support the specificity of the glycerol test: The results depend on the presence of endolymphatic hydrops at the time of examination. Positive results of the glycerol test were also seen in the cases of reduced sensorineural hearing associated with syphilis, as well as in cases of cerebrospinal pressure changing synchronously with fluctuating hearing loss (Lindsay and Zajtschuk). In all other cases of sensorineural hearing losses, no positive effect of the glycerol test has been found.