Third mobile window syndrome (literature review and own series)

The report presents modern views on the “third mobile window syndrome”, starting with the anatomical and physiological features of the inner ear function, both in normal conditions and in the presence of an additional opening in the bony labyrinth, which changes the hydrodynamic resistance of fluid flow in the perilymphatic space. Characteristic symptoms and modern views (sometimes hypothesis) on the causes of its occurrence are described in detail. Attention focused on diagnostic methods at the outpatient and clinical conditions of a highly specialized department. The latest data on the modern classification of this syndrome and the conclusions of the consensus of the International Barani Society in 2021 are presented. Own series with a detailed description of the features of each case, illustration of the audiometric and tomographic images and successful results of surgical treatment are presented. In the conclusions, the attention of practicing doctors is focused on the signs of the “third mobile window syndrome” which can be detected at the outpatient service – pressure or sound-induced vertigo, bone conduction hyperacusis, and pulsatile tinnitus.