Third-window anomalies represent a heterogeneous group of inner ear disorders characterized by abnormal openings in the bony otic capsule, resulting in altered cochlear and vestibular fluid mechanics. By creating an alternative pathway for inner ear fluid motion due to a new opening in addition to the oval and round windows, these lesions disrupt normal sound transmission and vestibular function....
No immediate practice change for most audiologists, but the review is a useful educational reference for understanding imaging findings in children with unexplained conductive or mixed hearing loss and suspected inner ear structural anomalies.
Third-window anomalies are frequently misdiagnosed or missed on imaging; a structured educational review improves recognition and may reduce diagnostic delays in children with unexplained hearing and balance symptoms.
- 01Reviews imaging features of third-window anomalies (e.g., superior semicircular canal dehiscence, enlarged vestibular aqueduct) in children.
- 02Abnormal bony openings in the otic capsule disrupt normal cochlear and vestibular fluid dynamics.
- 03Aimed at radiologists and clinicians to improve recognition on CT/MRI.
- 04Educational review format — not a primary research study.
- 05Published in Pediatric Radiology.
Third-window anomalies in children can be identified and classified using imaging-based criteria.
guidelinesupported- PMID
- 42301337
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00247-026-06693-0.
- Journal
- Pediatric Radiology
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Children with third-window inner ear anomalies reviewed via imaging literature
- Intervention
- Imaging-based classification of third-window anomalies
Primary outcomes
Imaging identification and characterization of third-window anomalies in children