[Rupture of the round window membrane (author's transl)].

Five cases of round window membrane rupture were described and under went surgery with gelfoam and/or adipose tissue repair. Short term post-operative follow-ups for a period of three to five months showed complete recovery of vestibular function yet only slight to moderate recovery of the cochlear. The clinical complex of sudden S.N. hearing loss, tinnitus with or without vertigo and ataxia is not uncommon and often presents a diagnostic problem. The patient is anxious to prevent further attacks and yearning for a cure from this relatively disabling condition. Among other causes, viral labyrinthitis and labyrinthine vascular occlusion have been blamed. R.W. membrane rupture, whatever is its underylying factor, as a cause of this clinical complex is well established. A well-planned management i.e. bed rest and/or properly timed exploratory tympanotomy with round window membrane tissue grafting may lead to a partial or total cure.