Measurement of the patency of the cochlear aqueduct in patients with Meniere's disease and in normal hearing subjects

Abstract

Objective. The hydrostatic pressure of the inner ear is affected by cerebrospinal fluid pressure through the cochlear aqueduct. Hydrostatic pressure is proposed to affect inner ear physiology. In this study the patency of the cochlear aqueduct in patients with Menière’s disease was compared with normal hearing control ears. Materials and methods. Changes of perilymphatic pressure following rapid change of body position were measured non-invasively using the MMS-10 Tympanic Displacement Analyser in patients with Menière’s disease and in normal hearing subjects. Results. Following a rapid change of body position, the perilymphatic pressure changed within the first minute in affected, non-affected and control ears. However, in control ears a slightly delayed change of perilymphatic pressure after change of body position could be detected. Possibly, ears in controls are protected against rapid and large pressure changes of the cerebrospinal fluid compartment than patients with Menière’s disease. Conclusion. Pressure changes of the cerebrospinal fluid affect inner ear pressure immediately. Possibly, the patency of the cochlear aqueduct influences the pathogenesis of Menière’s disease. The influence of the cochlear aqueduct on the physiology and pathophysiology of the inner ear is unclear until now and might be subject for further investigation.