A Clear Guide to Perilymph Fistula
Precision Diagnosis for Perilymph Fistula
Sudden dizziness or hearing shift after trauma or pressure changes? Perilymph fistula is a treatable inner ear fluid leak, not uncommon post-injury and rarely life-threatening. At Harley AVM, our team delivers targeted repair strategies. Urgently seek AVM care for worsening hearing loss, severe headaches, neck stiffness, fever, or neurological deficits. These warning signs demand immediate evaluation.
Abnormal Inner-Ear Fluid Leak
An Overview of Perilymph Fistula
A perilymph fistula is a condition in which inner-ear fluid leaks through an abnormal opening between the inner ear and the middle ear. This leak disrupts normal balance and hearing signals, often causing dizziness, unsteadiness, or hearing changes that fluctuate with pressure or activity.
Symptoms may worsen with coughing, straining, lifting, or changes in altitude, and can follow head injury, ear surgery, or sudden pressure changes. At Harley Audiovestibular Clinic, our team excels in distinguishing it from similar disorders through targeted evaluation. Because presentations vary and can mimic other balance disorders, accurate identification is important. Early assessment focuses on recognising characteristic triggers, monitoring hearing, and guiding safe management to prevent symptom progression.
Pinpointing the Cause
Diagnosing Perilymph Fistula
When to Get Checked
You should get assessed if dizziness or imbalance worsens with coughing, straining, lifting, or changes in pressure, or if symptoms follow head injury, ear surgery, or sudden barotrauma. Fluctuating hearing, ear fullness, or sound-induced dizziness should prompt audiovestibular review.
You should seek urgent assessment if symptoms appear suddenly with significant hearing loss, severe vertigo, persistent vomiting, neurological symptoms, or difficulty standing or walking. Early evaluation helps distinguish perilymph fistula from other balance disorders and guides safe, timely management.
How We Assess Perilymph Fistula
At Harley Audiovestibular Clinic, our assessment begins with learning about your detailed history from a senior audiovestibular healthcare professional, exploring sudden vertigo, hearing changes, trauma or pressure events, and symptom progression to identify perilymph fistula indicators. We prioritise unhurried consultations with our consultants, gaining a complete view of your experience.
We advance with audiometry, fistula tests, tympanometry, and high-resolution imaging if needed to confirm fluid leak precisely. Our senior clinicians collaborate closely to interpret every result with precision. This specialised pathway sets us apart, guiding personalised management plans that promote healing and restore function effectively.
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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Specialist Tests to Assess Hearing, Balance and Inner Ear Health
Harley Street Specialists in Hearing, Dizziness & Balance
Specialist Care for Perilymph Fistula
Every Perilymph Fistula case is different. Your consultant will create a tailored plan to address your specific symptoms and lifestyle – when it started, how it affects your day, and which tests and treatments are right for you.