Valve implants compared to other surgical methods.

The results of eighty-seven inner ear valve implant procedures for Meniere's disease are compared to those of 181 other surgical procedures performed during the same period, and 339 cases reported in our previous series. Indications are that all procedures give comparable results, although it is suggested that in isolated cases the inner ear valve implant can improve hearing by much greater margins than can be achieved using alternative surgical methods. In spite of this advantage, however, there is a possibility that the approach to the endolymphatic duct used in the implant procedure may jeopardize the inner ear function, and thus it should still be used with caution.