title: Noise-induced perilymph fistula.
abstract: Perilymph fistulae are difficult to diagnose because they present with a wide variety of signs and symptoms, they are associated with many etiologies, and they often mimic other conditions. In this article, we describe a case of perilymph fistula that featured one of its more rare causes: acoustic trauma--specifically, damage from a loud blast from the siren of a fire engine. We also review the literature and discuss the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment and the possible mechanisms by which acoustic trauma and other etiologies cause perilymph fistulae.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kung
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Sataloff
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D003052:Cochlear Aqueduct / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D015834:Cochlear Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004244:Dizziness / Q000209:etiology; D007758:Ear, Inner / Q000473:pathology; D004432:Ear, Middle / Q000601:surgery; D004584:Electronystagmography; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000150:complications* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000209:etiology