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

Labyrinthine fistula of the round window should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vertigo and sudden hearing loss occurring in patients, who are not only divers, during physical stress or exertion. Surgical exploration and closure of the fistulae are the only means of diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Since these fistulae may heal spontaneously in most instances early surgery is recommended after a short interval of conservative therapy. Five patients, of whom 4 underwent surgery and one was seen for an expert opinion are presented.