Histological Findings in Congenital Deafness

Abstract

Histological findings in congenital deafness fall into two groups. The first group is characterized by changes resembling those observed in healed mild serous or viral labyrinthitis (maternal rubella) or in a mild “posthydropic neuroepithelial degeneration”. The other group presents purely degenerative atrophic changes resembling to a certain degree those of a mild “genuine neuroepithelial degeneration”. The hypothesis is considered that the changes found in both groups could be the result of certain types of malfunction of the stria vascularis which interfere with the ability of the stria to maintain the normal chemical constitution of the endolymph. This possible explanation is put forth in view of the similarities between the changes produced by genetic and the changes produced by extrinsic factors.