Can a suspected leak of fluid from the oval window during middle ear
surgery have any influence on the opposite ear? Have you heard of the
term "sympathetic otitis" I am not sure what this refers to but it has
been referenced re:autoimmune hearing loss.
Thank you for your help.
Reply ----------------------------
I am not aware of any mechanism by which a perilymphatic leak seen in one ear during surgery would have any effect on the contralateral ear. I am also unfamiliar with the term "sympathetic otitis", however the term suggests to me an inflammation of the ear that is directly or indirectly related to mucosal inflammation nearby such as that which may occur with infections in the nasopharynx or sinus with extension through the eustachian tube into the middle ear space.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
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