Lipidosis of the Basilar Membrane

Abstract

Lipidosis of the basilar membrane was described as a type of presbyacusis. The concept was based on observations of 24 ears from 20 patients, whose ages ranged from 71 to 95 years. Several staining procedures were employed to the basilar membrane. Six ears from younger patients were used as a control. Twelve ears from 9 patients showed lipids deposit on the basilar membrane - the filamentous structure of the pars pectinata. The deposit found in the basal turn ranged from the basal end up to 10 mm area. There was more of it nearer the basal end and less apicalwards. The organ of Corti in that area was either present or missing. The lipids were comuosed mainly, of neutral fat and a small amount of cholesterol. Acoustic significance of the lipidosis was discussed.