Abstract
In 1672, Dr. Thomas Willis, a founder of the Royal Society and accomplished anatomist, described a peculiar phenomenon he had heard about "from a Credible Person" wherein two people with hearing loss appreciated some recovery of hearing when in the presence of increased background noise. Over time, this clinical entity came to bear his name, and Paracusis of Willis (or Paracusis Willisii) became a subject of both clinical interest as well as contention. In the early 1900s, a burgeoning appreciation for the diseases of the middle and inner ear heralded a boom in the study of paracuses, with many incorporating it as one of the diagnostic criteria of otosclerosis. At its peak interest, several potential etiologies were hypothesized in an effort to explain this puzzling entity-some plausible by today's understanding, many not. In the 1950s, however, its prominence in medical literature began to decline, though over the subsequent six decades it has yet to completely disappear. References to this peculiar phenomenon can still be found in prominent textbooks, review articles, and teaching resources. The fascinating story arc of paracusis of Willis serves as an illustration of how and why other questionable eponymic clinical descriptions can persist in conventional wisdom.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
