Prosthesis Removal Resolved Rare Ear Vertigo Case
A woman experienced vertigo triggered by swallowing after a hearing implant surgery.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Stroke
In April 2026, clinicians at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai documented a case where a 54-year-old woman developed vertigo after receiving a partial ossicular replacement prosthesis. The patient experienced recurring dizziness whenever she swallowed or burped due to a perilymph fistula.
Why it matters
This case highlights how pressure changes from routine activities can impact the inner ear through an abnormal opening, a rare complication of ear surgeries. It underscores the importance of diagnosing persistent vestibular symptoms following middle-ear procedures.
A case report presented at the AAA 2026 convention detailed a perilymph fistula in a 54-year-old patient. The diagnosis was confirmed via a fistula test, which involves altering air pressure in the ear canal to monitor involuntary eye movements.
The players
New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai
A specialty hospital providing advanced clinical care for otolaryngology and audiology conditions.
The details
The patient's vertigo was caused by pressure shifts from the throat entering the inner ear balance system through an abnormal fistula. Clinicians used videonystagmography to record involuntary eye movements caused by these pressure changes. The condition was resolved when surgeons removed the prosthesis, though the patient retained conductive hearing loss.
Timeline
August 2025: A StatPearls review was last updated.
April 22-25, 2026: The AAA 2026 convention took place.
Health Landscape
This case sits within the rare 1% of instances where patients experience a perilymphatic fistula following stapes or ossicular replacement surgeries. It highlights a known but uncommon risk profile in restorative middle-ear procedures.
If you experience new or persistent vertigo following ear surgery, discuss these symptoms with your surgeon, specifically noting if movements like swallowing or straining trigger the dizziness. A physical examination involving a fistula test can help clinicians determine if pressure-related imbalances are present.
The takeaway
Persistent vertigo after middle-ear surgery is a clinical symptom that requires professional evaluation for potential structural complications. Keep a log of exactly what physical actions trigger your dizziness to assist your physician during your consultation.
Further reading
For more information on inner ear health and related conditions, visit Stroke.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.
