Resource Utilization and Risk Factors for Esophageal Injury in Pediatric Esophageal Foreign Bodies.

OBJECTIVE: While management protocols of pediatric esophageal foreign bodies (EFBs) are well-delineated, resource utilization can be improved. This study's objectives were to explore hospital charges/costs for pediatric patients who present with EFBs and to identify patient risk factors associated with esophageal injury. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing aerodigestive foreign body removal at a tertiary-care children's hospital from 2018 to 2021 was conducted. Data collected included demographics, medical history, presenting symptoms, EFB type, surgical findings, and hospital visit charges/costs. RESULTS: 203 patients were included. 178 of 203 (87.7%) patients were admitted prior to operation. Unwitnessed EFB ingestion (p < 0.001, OR = 15.1, 95% CI = 5.88-38.6), experiencing symptoms for longer than a week (p < 0.001, OR = 11.4, 95% CI = 3.66-38.6) and the following presenting symptoms increased the odds of esophageal injury: dysphagia (p = 0.04, OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.02-5.85), respiratory distress (p = 0.005, OR = 15.5, 95% CI = 2.09-181), coughing (p < 0.001, OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 3.73-28.2), decreased oral intake (p = 0.001, OR = 6.60, 95% CI = 2.49-17.7), fever (p = 0.001, OR = 5.52, 95% CI = 1.46-19.6), and congestion (p = 0.001, OR = 8.15, 95% CI = 2.42-27.3). None of the 51 asymptomatic patients had esophageal injury. The median total charges during the encounter was $20,808 (interquartile range: $18,636-$24,252), with operating room (OR) (median: $5,396; 28.2%) and inpatient admission (median: $5,520; 26.0%) contributing the greatest percentage. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic patients with EFBs did not experience esophageal injury. The OR and inpatient observation accounted for the greatest percentage of the hospital charges. These results support developing a potential algorithm to triage asymptomatic patients to be managed on a same-day outpatient basis to improve the value of care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Intelligence quotient testing in children with hearing loss: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study is to perform a systematic review of the research literature to evaluate the impact of hearing loss on intelligence quotient (IQ) scores in pediatric patients. DATA SOURCES: Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from their inception up to December 21st, 2021. REVIEW METHODS: Studies evaluating neurocognitive testing and hearing loss in children aged 21 years old or younger who had not undergone auditory rehabilitation were included in the study. Two independent reviewers evaluated titles, abstracts, and full texts for all included studies. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 3199 studies of which 431 studies underwent full-text screening. 21 studies were ultimately selected for inclusion and contained a total of 1716 pediatric patients assessed through 13 different validated tests of intelligence. Six studies included both hearing impaired (HI) and normal hearing (NH) patients, and IQ testing results. CONCLUSION: The results of this large systematic review demonstrate that hearing impaired children may perform lower than their age-matched normal hearing peers on IQ testing across a battery of IQ testing modalities.

Socioeconomic status and pediatric cochlear implant usage during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 (COVID) delayed access to speech and hearing services. The objective of this study was to identify interactions between socioeconomic status (SES) and cochlear implant (CI) usage during COVID. METHODS: Consecutive pediatric patients (age 0-17) with CI and audiology visits between 2019 and 2022 at a tertiary care children's hospital were reviewed. Age, sex, race, insurance type, and proxy measures for SES using zip code were recorded. Hours spent with CI on and in different listening environments were compared between pre-COVID (1/1/2019-12/31/2019), COVID (4/1/2020-3/31/2021), and most recent (6/1/2021-5/31/2022) time periods. RESULTS: Most patients were male (32/59, 54 % ears of 48 patients) and White, non-Hispanic (45/59, 76 %). Median age at implant was 2.0 years (range:0.6-12.2). There were no significant differences in hours spent with CI on during COVID compared with pre-COVID. However, children spent more time listening to louder noises (70-79 dB and ≥80 dB) recently compared with during COVID (p = 0.01 and 0.006, respectively). During COVID, children living in areas with greater educational attainment showed smaller reductions in total hours with CI on (ß = 0.1, p = 0.02) and hours listening to speech in noise (ß = 0.03, p = 0.005) compared with pre-COVID. In the most recent time period, children of minority race (ß = -3.94 p = 0.008) and those who were older at implant (ß = -0.630, p = 0.02) were more likely to experience reductions in total hours with CI on compared with during COVID. CONCLUSION: Interventions which mitigate barriers of implant use and promote rich listening home-environments for at risk populations should be implemented during challenging future social and environmental conditions.

Socioeconomic Status and Cochlear Implant Usage: A Datalogging Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between proxy measures of socioeconomic status (SES) and usage of cochlear implants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Usage outcomes were measured among patients with a cochlear implant and data logging at a tertiary care children's hospital between 2002 and 2017. Time per day with cochlear implant turned on, coil off, and listening to speech in noise and speech in quiet were extracted from audiology records, averaging right and left ear usage for those with bilateral implants. Associations between cochlear implant usage and demographic factors such as insurance type and median household income for zip code were assessed. RESULTS: There were 142 total patients; 74 had bilateral usage data. Mean on air time was 10.76 hours (SD: 4.4). Those with private insurance had 1.2 hour more on air time/day (P = .047) and 0.9 hour more quiet time/day (P = .011) compared to those with public insurance. Younger age at last visit was associated with increased speech in quiet (B = -.08; 95% CI: -0.12-[-0.05], P < .001) and coil off (B = -0.06; 95% CI: -0.11-[-0.02], P = .006). Younger age at implant was associated with longer duration since last data logging visit (B = -10.46; 95% CI: -18.41-[-2.51], P = .010), more daily use (on air; B = -0.23; 95% CI: -0.43-[-0.03], P = .026), and increased time spent listening to speech in noise (B = -0.07; 95% CI: -0.14-[-0.01], P = .024). No other significant associations between datalogging output and each proxy SES factor were found. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of private insurance and older age at implantation decreased access to binaural hearing for children and young adults with cochlear implants.

Practice trends in pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss management: An unresolved diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Assess practice patterns amongst pediatric otolaryngologist for the management of children with SSNHL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey of members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) was performed; 135 responded. Patterns in treatment modalities, ancillary tests, and timing of treatment and follow-up were evaluated. These patterns were compared between respondents with different characteristics (number of years in practice, clinic location, and number of pediatric SSNHL cases within the last year) using ordered logistic regression, Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Mean time from onset of hearing loss to presentation to a pediatric otolaryngologist was 10 days (range 1-60 days). The most cited reasons for delay in care were 'patient not seeking any healthcare evaluation' (65 %) and 'lack of access to obtain an audiogram' (54 %). The most ordered blood work was complete blood count (14 %) and herpes simplex testing (15 %). Complete blood count was ordered more frequently by physicians in practice for >10 years compared with those in practice 1-10 years, P = 0.03. Most respondents reported treating with systemic steroids (86/92, 93 %), including intratympanic steroids (32/92, 35 %). Treatment with systemic steroids was more common in academic compared with private practice, P = 0.03. Antivirals were the most common additional agent prescribed (14/89, 16 %). Most patients were seen in follow-up 1-4 weeks after diagnosis (63/85, 74 %). CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric otolaryngologists treat SSNHL with systemic steroids. The remainder of the diagnostic and management paradigm varies significantly, highlighting the need to systematically define which treatment optimizes outcomes in this population.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Children With Unilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) benefits with cochlear implantation (CI) in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL) versus bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (BSNHL). STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of parents of children who underwent CI for USNHL and BSNHL. SETTING: Tertiary care academic centers. METHODS: The "Children with cochlear implants: parental perspectives" survey was administered. Parents rated responses on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores greater than 3.0 were considered favorable. Responses were recorded within 8 domains and groups were compared with respect to domain scores. Analysis of covariance models was used to compare groups while adjusting for age at implantation and duration of implant use. RESULTS: There were 31 patients with USNHL and 27 patients with BSNHL. The average age of implantation in BSNHL patients was 1.9 and 6.7 years for USNHL. Parents of all children answered favorably in all domains. When adjusted for age at implantation and duration of implant use, parents of BSNHL children responded significantly more favorably only in 2 domains. When comparing patients with older age or prolonged duration of hearing loss in the USNHL cohort, there were favorable responses in all domains with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSION: There are HR-QOL benefits of CI in USNHL children; less pronounced favorable results were noted only in 2 domains when compared to BSNHL children. Benefits were noted with CI in USNHL children at an older age at implantation or prolonged duration of hearing loss. Therefore, these factors should not be absolute contraindications for CI in USNHL.

Adherence to Tympanostomy Tube Clinical Practice Guidelines in an Advanced Practice Provider Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: We compared adherence rates by attending otolaryngologists (OTOs) and advanced practice providers (APPs) to the 2013 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation clinical practice guideline (CPG) for children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT). METHODS: Patients aged 6 months to 12 years old undergoing BMT for RAOM who had a pre-operative visit with an independent APP or OTO were reviewed. Patients satisfied CPG criteria if middle ear effusion was identified at the pre-operative visit (pre-op) or if they did not have effusion but met exception criteria based on their risk for developmental difficulties and contraindications to medical therapy. Adherence rates between APPs and OTOs were compared. Agreement between pre-op and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification was assessed. RESULTS: Nine hundred twenty-three patients were included. Six hundred one patients were seen by OTOs and 322 by APPs. Middle ear effusion was identified at pre-op in 84% of APP patients and in 76% of OTO patients (P = .005). Eight percent of APP patients and 11% of OTO patients met exception criteria (P = .138). Overall, 87% of OTO patients and 92% of APP patients met either CPG or exception criteria for BMT (P = .037). A logistic regression model demonstrated that pre-op provider type did not significantly impact rates of agreement between pre-op visit and time-of-surgery middle ear effusion identification. CONCLUSIONS: Independent APP-led clinics can reliably and effectively deliver evidence-based care for prevalent conditions such as RAOM at similar rates of adherence to CPGs as OTOs.

PORP vs. TORP in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the mean pre-operative air-bone gaps (ABG), mean post-operative ABGs, and extrusion rates between pediatric recipients of partial ossicular reconstruction prostheses (PORPs) and pediatric recipients of total ossicular reconstruction prostheses (TORPs) via a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A quantitative systematic review last updated on September 29, 2021 of PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases was conducted for studies reporting mean post-operative ABGs or numbers of children with post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB following PORP and TORP procedures in at least five children aged 0-18 years. Studies were excluded if they were review articles, conference abstracts, or not in English. Studies that primarily reported data on congenital aural atresia, stapedectomy/stapedotomy, congenital stapes fixation, or juvenile otosclerosis were also excluded. NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies was used to assess for risk of bias. Review Manager (RevMan) version 5.4.1 was used to perform the meta-analysis and generate forest plots. RESULTS: Out of 648 unique abstracts retrieved, 11 papers were included in this systematic review with meta-analysis. Data from 449 children (247 TORP recipients and 202 TORP recipients) are represented among the various analyses. Data from nine studies, representing 84.2 % of all children in the systematic review, demonstrated that PORP recipients presented with a pre-operative ABG 6.30 dB less than TORP recipients (mean difference: -6.30, 95 %CI: -7.4, -5.18, p < 0.01). Data from these same children demonstrated that PORP recipients had a 1.80 dB less post-operative ABG compared to TORP recipients (mean difference: -1.80 dB, 95 %CI: -2.84, -0.77, p < 0.001). Data from seven studies, representing 49.4 % of all children in the systematic review, demonstrated that PORP recipients were more likely to have a successful closure of the post-operative ABG to ≤20 dB (OR: 2.12, 95 %CI: 1.18, 3.79, p = 0.01). In these same children, 62.5 % of PORP recipients had a post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB and 48.3 % of TORP recipients had a post-operative ABG ≤ 20 dB. There was no difference in extrusion rates between PORP recipients compared to TORP recipients (OR: 1.08, 95 %CI: 0.31, 3.78, p = 0.90) from five studies representing 45.9 % children in the systematic review. CONCLUSION: Children who receive a PORP have better pre-operative hearing baselines and post-operative hearing outcomes compared to those who receive TORP with similar rates of extrusion. More pediatric studies should report their mean pre- and post-operative ABGs stratifying by various material types, surgical indications, and surgical details to facilitate future meta-analyses.

Repeat tympanostomy tubes in children with Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Children with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher incidence of tympanostomy tube insertion (TTI) than children in the general population. As there were no studies investigating factors that are associated with multiple TTIs in children with DS, we sought to determine what factors increase or decrease the likelihood of repeat TTI in children with DS. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was performed on consecutive children with DS from 2007 to 2018 with first TTI at a large tertiary children's hospital and follow-up duration at least 27 months since first TTI. RESULTS: 277 patients met the inclusion criteria. Repeat TTI rate was 61.4%. Having an indication of chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) at first TTI was an adjusted risk factor for increased rate of repeat TTI (OR: 2.01, 95%CI: 1.15-3.51, p = .014), while being older at first TTI was an adjusted protective factor for decreased rate of repeat TTI (OR: 0.84, 95%CI: 0.74-0.95, p = .004). Adenotonsillectomy at or before first TTI was not an adjusted protective factor for decreased rate of repeat TTI (OR: 0.915, 95%CI: 0.448-1.872, p = .809) and bilateral intra-operative fluid was not an adjusted risk factor for repeat TTI (OR: 1.97, 95%CI: 0.99-3.90, p = .054). CONCLUSION: Children with DS were more likely to undergo repeat TTI if they were of younger age and if the indication for surgery was COME. The repeat TTI rate for children with DS was high at 61.4%. Prospective studies are warranted to more precisely investigate factors associated with repeat TTIs in this unique patient population.

Tympanostomy Tubes or Medical Management for Recurrent Acute Otitis Media.

BACKGROUND: Official recommendations differ regarding tympanostomy-tube placement for children with recurrent acute otitis media. METHODS: We randomly assigned children 6 to 35 months of age who had had at least three episodes of acute otitis media within 6 months, or at least four episodes within 12 months with at least one episode within the preceding 6 months, to either undergo tympanostomy-tube placement or receive medical management involving episodic antimicrobial treatment. The primary outcome was the mean number of episodes of acute otitis media per child-year (rate) during a 2-year period. RESULTS: In our main, intention-to-treat analysis, the rate (±SE) of episodes of acute otitis media per child-year during a 2-year period was 1.48±0.08 in the tympanostomy-tube group and 1.56±0.08 in the medical-management group (P = 0.66). Because 10% of the children in the tympanostomy-tube group did not undergo tympanostomy-tube placement and 16% of the children in the medical-management group underwent tympanostomy-tube placement at parental request, we conducted a per-protocol analysis, which gave corresponding episode rates of 1.47±0.08 and 1.72±0.11, respectively. Among secondary outcomes in the main analysis, results were mixed. Favoring tympanostomy-tube placement were the time to a first episode of acute otitis media, various episode-related clinical findings, and the percentage of children meeting specified criteria for treatment failure. Favoring medical management was children's cumulative number of days with otorrhea. Outcomes that did not show substantial differences included the frequency distribution of episodes of acute otitis media, the percentage of episodes considered to be severe, and antimicrobial resistance among respiratory isolates. Trial-related adverse events were limited to those included among the secondary outcomes of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: Among children 6 to 35 months of age with recurrent acute otitis media, the rate of episodes of acute otitis media during a 2-year period was not significantly lower with tympanostomy-tube placement than with medical management. (Funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02567825.).

Aerosol and Droplet Risk of Common Otolaryngology Clinic Procedures.

OBJECTIVES: Define aerosol and droplet risks associated with routine otolaryngology clinic procedures during the COVID-19 era. METHODS: Clinical procedures were simulated in cadaveric heads whose oral and nasal cavities were coated with fluorescent tracer (vitamin B2) and breathing was manually simulated through retrograde intubation. A cascade impactor placed adjacent to the nares collected generated particles with aerodynamic diameters ≤14.1 µm. The 3D printed models and syringes were used to simulate middle and external ear suctioning as well as open suctioning, respectively. Provider's personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedural field contamination were also recorded for all trials using vitamin B2 fluorescent tracer. RESULTS: The positive controls of nebulized vitamin B2 produced aerosol particles ≤3.30 µm and endonasal drilling of a 3D model generated particles ≤14.1 µm. As compared with positive controls, aerosols and small droplets with aerodynamic diameter ≤14.1 µm were not detected during rigid nasal endoscopy, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, and rigid nasal suction of cadavers with simulated breathing. There was minimal to no field contamination in all 3 scenarios. Middle and external ear suctioning and open container suctioning did not result in any detectable droplet contamination. The clinic suction unit contained all fluorescent material without surrounding environmental contamination. CONCLUSION: While patients' coughing and sneezing may create a baseline risk for providers, this study demonstrates that nasal endoscopy, flexible laryngoscopy, and suctioning inherently do not pose an additional risk in terms of aerosol and small droplet generation. An overarching generalization cannot be made about endoscopy or suctioning being an aerosol generating procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Droplet and Aerosol Generation With Mastoidectomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessment of Baseline Risk and Mitigation Measures With a High-performance Cascade Impactor.

HYPOTHESIS: Aerosols are generated during mastoidectomy and mitigation strategies may effectively reduce aerosol spread. BACKGROUND: An objective understanding of aerosol generation and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies can inform interventions to reduce aerosol risk from mastoidectomy and other open surgeries involving drilling. METHODS: Cadaveric and fluorescent three-dimensional printed temporal bone models were drilled under variable conditions and mitigation methods. Aerosol production was measured with a cascade impactor set to detect particle sizes under 14.1 µm. Field contamination was determined with examination under UV light. RESULTS: Drilling of cadaveric bones and three-dimensional models resulted in strongly positive aerosol production, measuring positive in all eight impactor stages for the cadaver trials. This occurred regardless of using coarse or cutting burs, irrigation, a handheld suction, or an additional parked suction. The only mitigation factor that led to a completely negative aerosol result in all eight stages was placing an additional microscope drape to surround the field. Bone dust was scattered in all directions from the drill, including on the microscope, the surgeon, and visually suspended in the air for all but the drape trial. CONCLUSIONS: Aerosols are generated with drilling the mastoid. Using an additional microscope drape to cover the surgical field was an effective mitigation strategy to prevent fine aerosol dispersion while drilling.

Cochlear Implants in Neurologically Impaired Children: A Survey of Health-Related Quality of Life.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) measures in noncommunicative, neurologically impaired, developmentally delayed (NCNIDD) children compared to normally developing children (ND) who undergo cochlear implantation (CI). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey of parents of NCNIDD and ND children who underwent CI. SETTING: Two tertiary care medical centers. METHODS: Questions comprising the Children With Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives survey were used in analysis. Average responses were calculated within 8 domains (communication, general functioning, self-reliance, well-being and happiness, social relationships, education, effects of implantation, and support the child). Groups were compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Impact of individual and collective socioeconomic/family covariates was assessed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Surveys were returned from 17 of 42 (40%) patients with NCNIDD and 35 of 131 (27%) patients with ND. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in survey response rate, age, sex, age at implantation, current age, or duration of implant use. Overall, parents of children with ND responded more favorably in all domains vs children with NCNIDD. Parents of children with NCNIDD answered neutrally or favorably in all domains, except "support the child" and "self-reliance" domains. Differences between groups in mean domain scores, univariably and almost universally when adjusting for socioeconomic and family variables individually and collectively, were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that HRQoL benefits of CI are perceived in most domains by parents of children with NCNIDD, albeit less strongly than children with ND. A survey sensitive to challenges of children with NCNIDD may better capture benefits that may not be apparent in this study.

Identifying barriers and considerations for cochlear implantation in Amish children.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if barriers to cochlear implantation (CI) exist with respect to Amish children and to describe unique considerations associated with CI and subsequent otologic care in the Amish population. METHODS: Out of all patients who underwent CI at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2008 to 2019, Amish children were age-matched to the remainder of the cohort to compare demographics and care-related metrics including etiology of hearing loss, age at time of initial hearing-related appointment and at CI, total number of pre- and post-operative audiologic and otologic appointments, and post-operative complications. Social considerations that may pose barriers to care were collected for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Since 2008, 232 children underwent CI, of which 8 implants were performed on Amish children. Six (75%) Amish children underwent newborn hearing screening and 3(38%) were found to have syndromic etiology for hearing loss. While Amish patients had a lower number of both audiologic (15 vs 33.5, p<.001) and otologic (4.5 vs 8.5, p=.028) appointments when compared to age-matched controls, median age at the time of implantation for the whole sample was not different between groups (2.5 vs 2.0 years, p=.211). From a social standpoint, limitations in transportation, telephone communication, and ability to recharge processor batteries must be considered in the Amish population. CONCLUSION: Amish children undergoing CI face unique barriers to care including transportation and technologic limitations, leading to overall fewer hearing-related appointments when compared to an age-matched cohort. Understanding societal differences is important to facilitate optimal care for Amish children with hearing loss.

Novel Use of Vitamin B2 as a Fluorescent Tracer in Aerosol and Droplet Contamination Models in Otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 era, a reliable method for tracing aerosols and droplets generated during otolaryngology procedures is needed to accurately assess contamination risk and to develop mitigation measures. Prior studies have not investigated the reliability of different fluorescent tracers for the purpose of studying aerosols and small droplets. Objectives include (1) comparing vitamin B2, fluorescein, and a commercial fluorescent green dye in terms of particle dispersion pattern, suspension into aerosols and small droplets, and fluorescence in aerosolized form and (2) determining the utility of vitamin B2 as a fluorescent tracer coating the aerodigestive tract mucosa in otolaryngology contamination models. METHODS: Vitamin B2, fluorescein, and a commercial fluorescent dye were aerosolized using a nebulizer and passed through the nasal cavity from the trachea in a retrograde-intubated cadaveric head. In another scenario, vitamin B2 was irrigated to coat the nasal cavity and nasopharyngeal mucosa of a cadaveric head for assessment of aerosol and droplet generation from endonasal drilling. A cascade impactor was used to collect aerosols and small droplets ≤14.1 µm based on average aerodynamic diameter, and the collection chambers were visualized under UV light. RESULTS: When vitamin B2 was nebulized, aerosols ≤5.4 µm were generated and the collected particles were fluorescent. When fluorescein and the commercial water tracer dye were nebulized, aerosols ≤8.61 µm and ≤2.08 µm respectively were generated, but the collected aerosols did not appear visibly fluorescent. Endonasal drilling in the nasopharynx coated with vitamin B2 irrigation yielded aerosols ≤3.30 µm that were fluorescent under UV light. CONCLUSION: Vitamin B2's reliability as a fluorescent tracer when suspended in aerosols and small droplets ≤14.1 µm and known mucosal safety profile make it an ideal compound compared to fluorescein and commercial water-based fluorescent dyes for use as a safe fluorescent tracer in healthcare contamination models especially with human subjects.

Long-term Impact of Middle Ear Effusion in Pediatric Tympanostomy Tubes.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement (BMT) is the most common pediatric surgery in the United States. Intraoperative middle ear effusion (MEE) is a risk factor for future BMTs in children with recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM). However, the impact of the type of MEE is unknown. Here, we assess otologic outcomes based on intraoperative MEE type and indication for surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Case series chart review. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we performed a review of children undergoing BMTs between 2008 and 2009. Included patients had their first BMT, preoperative visit, and an operative report. Patients with cleft palate or Down syndrome were excluded. Indications for surgery included RAOM and chronic otitis media with effusion (COME). Other variables evaluated were future BMT, acquired cholesteatoma, and otorrhea. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Out of 1,045 patients reviewed, 680 were included and underwent their first BMT. There were 619 patients who had RAOM. Serous effusions were present in 22.2%, mucoid in 31.3%, purulent in 12.9%, undocumented or bloody in 2.3% of patients, and 31.2% of patients had dry middle ears. Moreover, 22.7% of patients underwent future BMTs. In RAOM patients, serous effusions decreased odds of perforation (odds ratio [OR]: 0.195, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.0438-0.867, P = .032), and purulent effusions increased the odds of in-office otorrhea suctioning (OR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.20-3.77, P = .010) compared to dry. Mucoid effusions had no significant effect on outcomes in COME or RAOM patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative MEEs were noted in 68.7% of cases; purulent effusions increase the odds of in-office suctioning in RAOM patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E993-E997, 2021.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Children-Management and Outcomes: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which patient characteristics and treatments are associated with hearing improvement in patients with pediatric sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for articles published before February 5, 2019, and references of relevant articles were screened. Original English-language case series and cohort studies were included if they addressed SSNHL in patients <20 years of age. Study characteristics, patient demographics, symptoms, treatments, and hearing outcomes were extracted. The primary outcome was hearing improvement. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included, totaling 605 patients (670 ears). Hearing did not improve in 46.7% of ears (95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.4% to 59.0%). Imaging (computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) results were described in three studies, and 24.2% of ears (95% CI: 7.7% to 40.6%) had abnormal findings. The most common serological finding was cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgM (34.3% of ears tested, 95% CI: -2.9% to 71.6%). Unilateral hearing loss (odds ratio [OR]:3.85, P < .001), tinnitus (OR: 2.20, P = .003), age >12 years (OR: 2.11, P = .002), and ascending audiogram (OR: 3.66, P = .005), but not systemic or intratympanic steroids, were associated with increased odds of partial or complete improvement. In contrast, profound hearing loss (OR: 0.29, P < .001) and treatment delay of >6 days (OR: 0.27, P < .001) were associated with decreased odds of improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Despite treatment, half of patients had no improvement in hearing. Prognostic factors associated with hearing improvement were generally consistent with those established in the adult population. Further research with consistent definitions for hearing improvement is needed to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric SSNHL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Laryngoscope, 131:425-434, 2021.

Hearing preservation with a slim modiolar cochlear implant in a pediatric cohort.

OBJECTIVES: Recent cochlear implant (CI) electrodes are designed to be atraumatic to inner ear structures. Studies in adults have demonstrated improved hearing preservation rates with the CI532/632 electrode, but none have examined this in children. Our objective is to describe the hearing preservation rate with CI532/632 in pediatric patients and determine factors that influence hearing preservation. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children undergoing CI over a three-year period. Inclusion criteria were: CI with the 532/632 electrode, presence of pre-operative low frequency hearing defined by pure tone average (PTA) of ≤80 dB at 250 Hz or at the average of 250 and 500 Hz, and post-operative unaided audiometry. Other data collected included demographics, otologic history, imaging, and surgical details. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients and 15 ears were included. Hearing was preserved in 10/15 (66%) ears at an average follow-up of 6 months, similar to that reported in the adult literature. Patients with preserved hearing post-operatively were more likely to have a positive family history of hearing loss. There was a trend towards patients with anatomic inner ear abnormalities being more likely to lose hearing after CI, but this was not statistically significant. Pre-operative thresholds were not predictive of hearing preservation. Patients with preserved hearing had a significantly smaller shift in thresholds after cochlear implantation. Therefore, hearing preserved and non-preserved groups differed more by the magnitude of change in threshold, rather than their preoperative threshold. Other factors such as age, sex, surgeon, and surgery duration were not associated with hearing preservation. CONCLUSION: This study describes low frequency hearing preservation after pediatric CI532/632 implantation. The hearing preservation rate in our cohort was consistent with that reported in the adult literature. Our data suggest that preoperative thresholds do not solely determine which patients will go on to experience hearing preservation. We believe this will aid surgeons with patient-specific device selection and counseling potential pediatric CI recipients with preserved hearing.

Follow-up after failed newborn hearing screening: Parental and primary care provider awareness.

PURPOSE: The current loss to follow-up rate after failed newborn hearing screening (NBHS) is 34.4%. Previous studies have found that lack of parental and primary care provider (PCP) awareness of NBHS results are significant contributors to loss to follow-up. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with parental and PCP awareness of NBHS results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. A survey asking about demographics and knowledge of NBHS testing and results was offered to parents in the waiting room of an urban pediatric primary care office. Included were biological parents ≥18 years of age of children ≤10 years of age born in Pennsylvania. Each child's chart was reviewed for PCP documentation of NBHS results. The odds of knowing NBHS results were evaluated using logistic regression. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 304 parents. 74.0% were aware of their child's NBHS results. Child age ≥1 year old (OR: 0.49, 95%CI[0.29, 0.82], P = 0.007) and Hispanic ethnicity (OR: 0.38, 95%CI[0.16, 0.89], P = 0.03) were associated with decreased odds of a parent knowing NBHS results. In addition, fewer fathers knew the results of their child's NBHS compared with mothers (OR: 0.33, 95%CI[0.18, 0.62], P < 0.001). However, parental awareness was not associated with birthing facility or insurance type. 222 charts were reviewed for NBHS documentation, revealing PCP awareness in 95.5% of cases and no associations with any of the factors examined. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with parents not knowing NBHS results included being the parent of an older child, Hispanic, or the father.

Long-Term Otitis Media Outcomes in Infants With Early Tympanostomy Tubes.

OBJECTIVE: To review the otologic outcomes of infants who failed the newborn hearing screen (NBHS) and received early tympanostomy tubes for otitis media with effusion (OME). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Tertiary care pediatric hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients (2007-2018) who failed an NBHS and required tympanostomy tubes before 6 months of age were included. Variables including hearing loss and otitis media risk factors, episodes of acute otitis media (AOM), number of subsequent tympanostomy tubes, and posttympanostomy tube audiogram results were recorded. RESULTS: The cohort included 171 patients. Median age at referral to otolaryngology was 2.7 months. Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was subsequently identified in 22 (12.9%) of infants after resolution of the effusion. The peak incidence of AOM was during the second year of life (1-1.9 years), with a median of 1 episode. Ninety-five patients (55.6%) had replacement of tubes, 41 of 171 (24.0%) had 2 or more additional sets of tubes, and long-term tubes were eventually placed in 8 of 95 (8.4%) patients. Craniofacial anomalies were identified in 43.3% of patients. Tube replacement (hazard ratio, 3.00; 95% CI, 1.95-4.63; P < .01, log-rank) and AOM (ß, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.43-1.65; P = .04, ordered logistic regression) were more common, and SNHL less common (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.031-0.61; P < .01, logistic regression), in children with craniofacial anomalies. CONCLUSION: OME is a common cause of failed NBHS. A notable proportion was subsequently found to have SNHL, reiterating the need for postoperative hearing assessments. Infants meeting indication for early tympanostomy tubes for resolution of OME have a high incidence of recurrent AOM and require subsequent tubes.