Valved implants in endolymphatic sac surgery.

This study demonstrates the superiority of a valved implant (Denver-Arenberg valve) over simple sac decompression surgery for Meniere's disease. The valved implant has the advantage of better hearing results. Effectiveness in the relief of vertigo is equal for the two types of procedures. The phenomenon of enhanced high-frequency hearing gain has been observed only with valved implants. Rather spectacular hearing gains in a minority of patients have occurred primarily with the valved implant. Although the numbers are too small to draw any firm conclusions, it would seem that the valved implant is also useful in treating cochlear hydrops. Whether other therapeutic modalities will prove to be more beneficial than either of these procedures is not addressed in this article.