Round window ultrasonic treatment of Meniere disease.

The neurosensory structures within the vestibular labyrinth of the inner ear are selectively irradiated with ultrasonic energy to alleviate the vertiginous symptoms of Meniere disease. However, correct application and coupling of the ultrasonic transducer to the inner ear is essential for maximum transmission of energy into the vestibule. The importance of assessing the results of long-term postoperative treatment is demonstrated by a change in the success rate that decreased by approximately 10% when the results obtained within the first 12 months of treatment were compared with those after four years. In this investigation, 32 patients were treated by the round window approach between 1970 and 1972, and after four years it was found that 72% of these were successful in relieving the giddiness symptoms.