Management of conductive hearing loss of inner ear origin

Abstract

Conductive hearing loss is typically associated with pathology of the external auditory canal or middle ear. However, there are several disorders of the inner ear that can also lead to conductive hearing loss. Inner ear conductive hearing loss is believed to occur due to the presence of an abnormal third window within the inner ear that diverts acoustic energy away from the cochlea, thereby increasing air conduction thresholds. These third window lesions may arise from congenital anomalies in the cochlea or labyrinth or may be acquired in the setting of infections, cholesteatoma, trauma, or iatrogenic injuries. Herein, we explore the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and management of common third window syndromes, including superior semicircular canal dehiscence, perilymphatic fistula, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, and labyrinthine fistula