Hearing results after vestibular neurectomy.

ABSTRACT

After a general review of the actual histopathological concept of Menière's disease, a review of the results, as concerns hearing, of the selective section of the vestibular fibers by the suboccipital approach, and of vestibular neurectomy by the middle fossa approach is made. From our personal experience in performing 247 neurectomies from November, 1969 to July, 1976 as treatment for peripheral vertigos of different etiologies, auditory function was followed-up in 78 cases of Menière's disease, with a postoperative control, between 2 and 6 1/2 years. In 51% of these cases the preoperative threshold was preserved, hearing improved in 32%, and deteriorated in 17%. Possible mechanisms by which vestibular neurectomy can favorably influence hearing are considered, with special mention of the neurovegetative theory.