PLF usually induces one or all the following pathological states: aural fullness, fluctuating or non-fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness, which may sometimes include vertigo and balance disorders.

[2] Labyrinthine fistula can be both congenital or develop over time with the thinning of the otic capsule by the persistent pulsations of the intracranial pressures against the bones of the skull.

[3] Traumatic events, with excessive pressure changes to the inner ear such as in scuba diving,[4] head trauma, or an extremely loud noise can lead to rupture and leakage.

[1] The most common causes of PLF are: head or ear traumas, rapid increases of intracranial pressure, congenital abnormalities (in children), complication of stapedectomy, barotraumas (e.g. slap/suction, scuba diving, skydiving, strong and repetitive nose-blowing or sneezing, heavy lifting).

Patients are advised to treat with bed rest and avoiding activities that increase intracranial pressure (i.e. weightlifting, Valsalva maneuver, scuba diving, flying in airplanes) with the hopes of the membrane healing on its own.