Application of Electron Microscopy to Human Otopathology: Ultrastructural Findings in Neural Presbycusis, Meniere's Disease and Usher's Syndrome

Abstract

Electron microscopy of well-preserved postmortem specimens of the inner ear of the human can provide significant details concerning human otopathology not discernible by light microscopy. As examples, ultrastructural findings in neural presbycusis, Meniere's disease and Usher's syndrome are presented. In all three pathologies there is evidence of neuronal degeneration, particularly within the dendritic arborization of the spiral ganglion, which is not observable by light microscopy.

Key Words:

• electron microscopy
• Postmortem
• inner ear
• human
• otopathology
• presbycusis
• Meniere's disease
• Usher's syndrome