Experimental Round Window Membrane Rupture

Abstract

A model study of round window membrane rupture was carried out on human temporal bones and guinea pigs. Perilymphatic pressure was increased via the cochlear aqueduct or directly at the basal turn of the scala tympani. At the same time, we produced the negative pressure around the cochlea, like the middle ear negative pressure.
Half of the cochlear aqueducts were able to reflect the pressure. Among the perilymphatic fistulae, oval window ruptures were more produced than round window ruptures. Ruptures of the round window membranes were slit-like perforations along the fibers of the membranes.