RESUMO
We present a rare case in which barotrauma led to fracture of the stapes footplate and perilymph fistula, resulting in sudden severe sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. Surgical repair in this case resulted in excellent hearing recovery. The aetiology and management of inner ear barotrauma and stapes injury is discussed. We believe that early exploration and repair of suspected perilymph fistulae optimises hearing recovery.
Assuntos
Barotrauma/complicações , Estribo/lesões , Estribo/fisiopatologia , Adulto , Audiometria de Tons Puros , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial/diagnóstico , Perda Auditiva Neurossensorial/etiologia , Humanos , Masculino , TimpanoplastiaRESUMO
We present our experiences in the surgical management of 21 snorers, utilizing a new approach designed to stiffen the palatal musculature, without compromising its function. This was achieved by using a punctate pattern of intrapalatal diathermy to achieve fibrosis within the palate and hence the requisite stiffening. The initial results of this procedure are encouraging showing a subjective improvement in snoring in 85.7 per cent of patients and an increase in sleeping in the same room as their partner every night, from 14.3 per cent pre-operatively to 57.1 per cent post-operatively.