Sensorineural hearing after removal of cholesteatoma from labyrinthine fistulae.

An investigation was undertaken to determine what factors improve or worsen bone conduction thresholds following treatment of labyrinthine fistula produced by cholesteatoma. It is suggested that closure of the fistula and reconstruction of normal sound transmitting pathways by ossicular reconstruction produce a favorable mechanical situation to produce this response. In addition there remains the possibility that removal of cholesteatoma matrix may prevent a toxic degeneration of the cochlea at the site of the fistula. Therapy advocated is a two stage combined approach tympanoplasty.