The blood supply of the cochlea is derived from the labyrinthine artery. What is the clinical consequence of this vascular anatomy?

• A Rich anastomotic network protects cochlea from ischemia
• B Complete interruption causes sudden irreversible sensorineural hearing loss ✓
• C The cochlea is highly resistant to noise-induced damage
• D Vertebrobasilar insufficiency does not affect cochlear function

Explanation

The labyrinthine (internal auditory) artery is an end artery with no collateral circulation. Therefore, complete interruption — such as in vertebrobasilar insufficiency or labyrinthine artery occlusion — causes sudden, irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. This explains why sudden SNHL is a medical emergency and must be treated promptly with steroids. The cochlea has no significant anastomotic supply.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.