The Science of Cholesteatoma.

Cholesteatoma is a potential end-stage outcome of chronic ear infections that can result in the destruction of temporal bone structures with potential resultant hearing loss, vertigo, and intracranial infectious complications. There is currently no treatment apart from surgery for this condition, and despite years of study, the histopathogenesis of this disease remains poorly understood. This review is intended to summarize our accumulated knowledge of the mechanisms of cholesteatoma development and the underlying molecular biology. Attention will be directed particularly to recent developments, covering many potential pharmacologic targets that could be used to treat this disease in the future.

Role of the otologist/neurotologist in managing auricular and periauricular cutaneous malignancies: A 10-year otologic oncology experience.

Objective: Auricular/periauricular cutaneous malignancies can be challenging to manage surgically due to the complex anatomy of the region. Otologists/neurotologists have unique skillsets that are well-suited to surgically treat these patients. We aim to highlight the role of otologists and neurotologists in providing surgical care of patients with auricular and periauricular malignancies by describing the experience of a single fellowship-trained neurotologist over a 10-year period. Methods: Retrospective chart review of 387 patients with auricular and periauricular malignancy treated by a single neurotologist between 2012 and 2022 was completed. Tumor histology and procedures performed for each patient were extracted. Additional data was collected for a subset of 84 patients with complex cases requiring selective neck dissection, parotidectomy, lateral temporal bone resection, regional advancement or rotational flap reconstruction, and/or free tissue transfer reconstruction. Results: Within the series of 387 patients, squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histology (42.6%, n = 165), followed by basal cell carcinoma (40.8%, n = 158), and melanoma (9.8%, n = 38). Common surgical procedures included wide local excision (61.8%, n = 239), partial/sub-total auriculectomy 18.3% (n = 71), or total auriculectomy 5.2% (n = 20). Within the 84-patient subset, median age at diagnosis was 71.9 years. Dermatologists provided most patient referrals (50.0%, n = 42). Most common tumor locations included: auricular (58.3%, n = 49), pre-auricular (21.4%, n = 18), and parotid (27.4%, n = 23). Revision surgery occurred in 22.6% of cases (n = 19), of which 26.3% (n = 5) for positive margins and 31.6% (n = 6) for recurrence. Mean follow-up was 22.8 months. Disease-specific 5-year survival was 91%. Conclusions: We demonstrate the feasibility of an otologist/neurotologist incorporating the surgical management of auricular and periauricular malignancies into their practice. Level of Evidence: 4.

Development of a Sentence Verification Task to Measure Speech Comprehension and Listening Effort in Cochlear Implant Users.

PURPOSE: Tests measuring speech comprehension and listening effort for cochlear implant (CI) users may reflect important aspects of real-world speech communication. In this study, we describe the development of a multiple-talker, English-language sentence verification task (SVT) for use in adult CI users to measure speech comprehension and listening effort. We also examine whether talker differences affect speech comprehension and listening effort. METHOD: Thirteen experienced adult CI users participated in the study and underwent testing using a newly developed multiple-talker SVT. Participants were sequentially presented with audio recordings of unique sentences spoken in English by six different talkers. Participants classified each sentence as either true or false. Accuracy of classification and the response time (RT) for correct responses were used as measures of comprehension and listening effort, respectively. The effect of talker on the results was further analyzed. RESULTS: All 13 participants successfully completed the SVT. The mean verification accuracy for participants was 87.2% ± 8.8%. The mean RT for correct responses across participants was 1,050 ms ± 391 ms. When stratified by talker, verification accuracy ranged from 83.7% to 95.2% and mean RTs across participant ranged from 786 ms to 1,254 ms. Talker did not have a significant effect on sentence classification accuracy, but it did have a significant effect on RTs (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The SVT is an easily implemented test that can assess speech comprehension and listening effort simultaneously. CI users may experience increased effort for comprehending certain talkers' speech, despite showing similar levels of comprehension accuracy. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24126630.

Jugular Foramen Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repaired Via the Infralaybryinthine Approach With Adjunct Use of Intrathecal Fluorescein and Stereotactic Navigation.

OBJECTIVE: This report describes a case of a spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid leak at the jugular foramen that was surgically repaired via the infralabyrinthine approach with adjunct use of intrathecal fluorescein and stereotactic navigation. PATIENTS: A 39-year-old woman presenting with clear otorrhea confirmed to be cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) emanating from a defect in the jugular foramen. INTERVENTION: Surgical repair of the skull base defect using an infralabyrinthine approach to the jugular foramen. During surgery, intrathecal fluorescein and stereotactic navigation were used to localize the defect and confirm a successful repair. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Recurrence of a CSF leak. RESULTS: The defect was successfully repaired using the techniques described, resulting in cessation of the patient's CSF leak. There was no recurrence of the CSF leak up to a 4-month postoperative outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis and repair of spontaneous otogenic CSF leaks in an uncommon location like the jugular foramen are challenging. This report demonstrates the successful use of the infralabyrinthine approach for control of a CSF from the jugular foramen. In addition, use of techniques, such as intrathecal fluorescein and stereotactic navigation that are not routinely used in otology and neurotology allowed for safe, effective repair of the leak in this case.

Resection of Intracochlear Schwannomas With Immediate Cochlear Implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Intralabyrinthine schwannomas, including the intracochlear variety, are rare benign tumors. They can cause a number of symptoms and have the potential to grow to involve other critical structures of the inner ear and skull base. While surgical resection is feasible, there is typically permanent hearing dysfunction as a result of resection and subsequent fibrosis. Here, we present 2 cases of intracochlear schwannomas (ICS) that were successfully resected with simultaneous cochlear implant placement. METHODS: Patient 1 presented with an intravestibulocochlear schwannoma. This patient underwent a translabyrinthine approach. Endoscopic assistance was used to dissect the tumor from the vestibule and basal turn of the cochlea, through an enlarged round window approach. A cochlear implant was placed via a round window cochleostomy. Patient 2 presented with an intracochlear schwannoma involving the basal and middle turns of the cochlea. The patient underwent a trans-otic approach for resection. A large portion of the cochlear promontory required unroofing for complete exposure of the tumor. A cochlear implant was then placed via a round window cochleostomy. RESULTS: Upon cochlear implant activation, Patient 1's sound field thresholds using the implant were near the normal range of hearing, ranging from 25 to 50 dB HL from 250 to 6000 Hz. Patient 2's 6-month post-operative cochlear implant sound field testing ranged from 20 to 30 dB HL from 250 to 6000 Hz and speech recognition testing revealed 59% on AZ Bio sentences compared to 0% pre-operatively. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous cochlear implantation after resection of intracochlear schwannomas is safe and successful in restoring hearing. Attention to adequate exposure and endoscopic assistance, when required, allow for gross total resection while minimizing trauma to cochlear structures. In such cases, immediate cochlear implantation allows for hearing rehabilitation before likely cochlear fibrosis can occur.

Postoperative protocols following endoscopic skull base surgery: An evidence-based review with recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative management strategies for endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) vary widely because of limited evidence-based guidance. METHODS: The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were systematically reviewed from January 1990 through February 2022 to examine 18 postoperative considerations for ESBS. Nonhuman studies, articles written in a language other than English, and case reports were excluded. Studies were assessed for levels of evidence, and each topic's aggregate grade of evidence was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 74 studies reporting on 18 postoperative practices were reviewed. Postoperative pain management, prophylactic antibiotics, and lumbar drain use had the highest grades of evidence (B). The literature currently lacks high quality evidence for a majority of the reviewed ESBS precautions. There were no relevant studies to address postoperative urinary catheter use and medical intracranial pressure reduction. CONCLUSION: The evidence for postoperative ESBS precautions is heterogeneous, scarce, and generally of low quality. Although this review identified the best evidence available in the literature, it suggests the urgent need for more robust evidence. Therefore, additional high-quality studies are needed in order to devise optimal postoperative ESBS protocols.

Comparing Outcomes and Billing Costs of Middle Cranial Fossa and Transmastoid Approaches for Otogenic Encephalocele and Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of outcomes and billing costs of patients treated at our institution using transmastoid (TM), middle cranial fossa (MCF), and combined approaches for repair of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks and encephaloceles. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort review. SETTING: Tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-seven cases of otogenic CSF leaks or encephaloceles. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical repair of an otogenic encephalocele or CSF leak using either a TM, MCF, or combined approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success of repair, length of operation, cost of operating room materials, postoperative need for intensive care, and postoperative length of stay. RESULTS: Forty cases (52%) were performed by the TM approach, 27 (35%) by MCF, and 10 (13%) by combined TM/MCF. Mean length of stay was not statistically different amongst TM patients (2.1 d), MCF patients (3.3 d), and combined TM/MCF patients (3.70; p = 0.112). Only 3/40 TM cases required intensive care during their admission while all MCF and combined TM/MCF approach cases were admitted to the intensive care unit for at least one night ( p < 0.001). On follow-up, CSF leak recurred in 3/77 (4%) cases: 3/27 (11%) MCF, 0/40 TM, and 0/10 combined TM/MCF patients ( p = 0.056). The mean cost of operating room materials charged to the patient was significantly greater in the MCF group ($9,883) than the TM group ($3,748; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In carefully selected patients, the TM approach is an effective and less costly alternative to MCF approaches for repair of otogenic CSF leaks and encephaloceles.

Effect of Bending of Carbon Dioxide Laser Fibers on Power Output.

Objective: The power output from carbon dioxide (CO2) laser fibers has the potential to be diminished if there are any bends along its course, which may alter the effect the laser has on the target tissue. In this study, we assess how bending of CO2 laser flexible fiber assemblies affects the energy output measured at the end of the fiber. Study Design: Laboratory study. Setting: Laboratory. Methods: Eight separate flexible fibers were tested-4 were of a type commonly used in endoscopic airway procedures, and the other 4 were a type used in otologic surgery. Fibers were bent in various configurations, and the power output of a CO2 laser fired through the bent fiber was measured. The output through the bent fiber was normalized to the output with a straight fiber. Correlations between bend parameters and power outputs was tested using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: For the airway fibers, there was a weak trend toward increasing energy outputs with greater radius of curvature (P = .714) and a negative correlation between the energy output and arc of rotation (P = .043). For the otologic fibers, there was a trend toward increasing energy outputs with greater radius (P = .084) and a strong negative correlation between the energy output and the arc of rotation (P = .006). Conclusion: CO2 laser energy output is reduced by bending of the laser fiber assembly. When using the CO2 laser fiber, surgeons should be aware of any bends in the fiber and are encouraged to take measures to minimize bending.

Association of HPV status with survival after surgical salvage of oropharyngeal cancers.

OBJECTIVES: This study used the National Cancer Database to determine the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) on survival outcomes for recurrent oropharyngeal cancer treated with salvage surgery after initial treatment with radiation therapy or chemoradiation therapy. METHODS: Patients with recurrent oropharyngeal cancer receiving salvage surgery after initial treatment with adjuvant therapy were identified through the National Cancer Database. Demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival data were collected. The data were analyzed to identify factors that may be associated with survival. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included, 59% of which were HPV-positive cases and 41% were HPV-negative. On univariate analysis, HPV-positive cases had higher overall survival compared to HPV-negative cases. However, on multivariate analysis, the association with HPV status was no longer statistically significant while positive surgical margins, higher T-stage at initial diagnosis, and a greater comorbidity burden were significantly associated with poorer survival. CONCLUSION: In the salvage setting for treatment of recurrent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, HPV status may not be associated with improved survival.

Transmastoid Repair of Otogenic Encephaloceles in Patients With Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Description of a series of cases in which otogenic encephaloceles in patients requiring canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomies were repaired via a transmastoid approach. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Tertiary-care hospital. PATIENTS: Eleven cases of otogenic encephaloceles in patients requiring CWD mastoidectomy for chronic ear disease. INTERVENTIONS: Surgical repair of an otogenic encephalocele using a transmastoid approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success of repair, number and size of defects, materials used for repair, complications encountered in surgery, pure tone average air-bone gap (PTA-ABG). RESULTS: Eleven cases were identified. Two of these patients had a prior CWD cavity while the remainder received CWD mastoidectomy simultaneously with encephalocele repair. None of the patients required revision of encephalocele repair. Mean preoperative PTA-ABG was 30 dB and mean postoperative PTA-ABG was 28 dB (p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: A single-stage strictly transmastoid approach to otogenic encephalocele repair may be effective in patients with prior CWD mastoid cavities or requiring concurrent CWD mastoidectomy for chronic ear disease and/or cholesteatoma.

Neck Dissection in Salvage Surgery for Larynx Cancer: National Cancer Database Review.

OBJECTIVE: Salvage laryngeal surgery is the preferred treatment after failure of non-surgical treatment of larynx cancer. This study aims to identify the impact of ND in salvage surgery on survival and factors predictive of nodal metastasis. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients who received salvage laryngeal surgery. Demographics, disease characteristics, and survival were compared between the subgroups of patients stratified according to performance of ND and presence of nodal metastasis. RESULTS: Sixty-two percent of patients underwent ND. A total of 26% of patients undergoing ND had nodal metastasis. Younger age and lesser time since radiation were associated with nodal metastasis. While undergoing ND did not significantly affect survival, those with nodal metastasis had poorer survival (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Although ND did not show a survival benefit, younger patients and those who have had a shorter time elapsed between the start of radiation and salvage surgery may benefit from the prognostic data provided by ND. Nonetheless, the risks and benefits of elective ND in salvage larynx cancer treatment should be evaluated on an individual case basis as the data do not support a broadly applicable recommendation.

Laryngeal Chondrosarcoma Characteristics and Survival Analysis in the National Cancer Database.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight various patient, tumor, diagnostic, and treatment characteristics of laryngeal chondrosarcoma (LC) as well as elucidate factors that may independently affect overall survival (OS) for LCs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS: All LC cases from 2004 to 2016 were extracted from the NCDB. Several demographic, diagnostic, and treatment variables were compared between LC subgroups using χ2 and analysis of variance tests. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed for LCs using univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: There were 348 LCs included in the main cohort. LCs were predominantly non-Hispanic white males with similar rates of private and government insurance (49.4% vs 45.4%). Most LCs (81.6%) underwent primary surgery, particularly partial and total laryngectomy. The 1-, 5-, and 10-year survivals for LC were 95.7%, 88.2%, and 66.3%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, lack of insurance (P = .019; hazard ratio [HR], 8.21; 95% CI, 1.40-48.03), high grade (P = .001; HR, 13.51; 95% CI, 3.08-59.26), and myxoid/dedifferentiated histological subtypes (P = .0111; HR, 10.74; 95% CI, 1.71-67.33) correlated with worse OS. No difference in OS was found between partial and total laryngectomy. CONCLUSION: This is the first multivariate survival analysis and largest single cohort study of LCs in the literature. Overall, LCs enjoy an excellent prognosis, with insurance status, grade, and histology as the main predictors of survival.

Peritonsillar Abscess Size as a Predictor of Medical Therapy Success.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success of sole medical therapy (MT) versus surgical therapy (ST) in patients with both clinically and radiographically confirmed peritonsillar abscess (PTA). To also determine treatment safety based on abscess size, and identify predictors of treatment failure. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort of 3 hospitals in a single academic health system. A total of 214 immunocompetent patients diagnosed with uncomplicated PTA underwent a contrasted CT scan of the neck. About 87 patients were treated with sole MT (intravenous antibiotics and steroids), and 127 patients were treated with ST (MT plus drainage). RESULTS: Treatment failure occurred in 8.0% of the MT group and 7.9% of the ST group (P = 1.00). In PTAs <2 cm, treatment failure occurred in 5.3% of the MT group and 5.0% of the ST group (P = 1.00). In PTAs ≥2 cm, treatment failure occurred in 13.3% of the MT group and 9.0% treated with ST (P = .53). Size ≥2 cm (OR - 3.46, P = .08) and IV clindamycin as sole IV antibiotic (OR - 2.46, P = .15) trended toward predicting treatment failure. In addition to those considered failures, 7.0% of the ST group returned to the ED with pain versus 0% of the MT group (P = .01). CONCLUSION: Frequency of treatment failure was not significantly different among patients receiving MT and ST. Abscesses ≥2 cm in size were more likely to fail in both groups and ST was not statistically superior. Sole MT for uncomplicated PTA may help reduce unnecessary procedures and healthcare costs.

Voice-related quality of life: Relation to objective spirometry measures in subglottic stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: The current study seeks to identify the correlation between in-office spirometry data and voice-related quality of life in patients with subglottic stenosis (SGS). METHODS: Patients with SGS of any etiology were included when in-office spirometric data was available in addition to voice-related patient-reported outcomes (PROM) data in the form of the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and/or the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) survey. Overall survey scores and individual question responses were assessed for degree of correlation to spirometric data. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were included in the final analysis. Overall mean total VHI-10 scores totaled 7.15 (SD 9.11), while mean overall V-RQOL scores totaled 78.41 (SD 16.45). Both PEF and PIF rates correlated to total scores on the VHI and V-RQOL surveys. This correlation was stronger with PIF than with PEF, and with the V-RQOL than with the VHI. Questions related to breathlessness most closely correlated with spirometric data. CONCLUSION: Voice-related QOL is impacted in patients with SGS in a predictable way. Breathlessness while speaking may be more impactful than inability to produce speech in this population.

Association of Air Pollutant Exposure and Sinonasal Histopathology Findings in Chronic Rhinosinusitis.

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution is well known to cause inflammatory change in respiratory epithelium and is associated with exacerbations of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, limited work has been done on the impact of air pollution on pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis and there are no reports in the literature of how pollutant exposure may impact sinonasal histopathology in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify associations between certain histopathologic characteristics seen in sinus tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and levels of particulate air pollution (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone in their place of residence. METHODS: A structured histopathology report was created to characterize the tissues of CRS patients undergoing sinus surgery. An estimate for each patient's exposure to air pollutants including small particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone was obtained using the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool (EJSCREEN). Mean pollutant exposures for patients whose tissues exhibited varying histopathologic features were compared using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Data from 291 CRS patients were analyzed. Higher degree of inflammation was significantly associated with increased ozone exposure (p = 0.031). Amongst the patients with CRSwNP (n=131), presence of eosinophilic aggregates (p = 0.018) and Charcot-Leyden crystals (p = 0.036) was associated with increased ozone exposure. CONCLUSION: Exposure to ambient air pollutants may contribute to pathogenesis of CRS. Increasing ozone exposure was linked to both higher tissue inflammation and presence of eosinophilic aggregates and Charcot-Leyden crystals in CRSwNP patients.

Occult Lymph Node Metastasis in Early-Stage Glottic Cancer in the National Cancer Database.

OBJECTIVES: Early-stage glottic cancer (cT1-T2 cN0) may be treated by primary surgery or radiation. Elective treatment of the neck in clinically N0 disease is usually not performed due to low rates of regional lymph node metastasis. This study examines the role of elective neck dissection (END) and rate of occult nodal metastasis in cT1-T2 cN0 glottic cancer treated with primary surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients treated for early-stage glottic cancer. Demographic variables, disease characteristics, and overall survival were compared between the subgroups of patients who did and did not receive END. Factors predictive of occult lymph node metastasis were also identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of the 991 patients in this cohort underwent END. Younger age, treatment at an academic facility, advanced T-stage, and higher tumor grade were associated with receiving END. Sixteen percent of the 372 patients undergoing END had occult nodal metastasis. Higher tumor histopathologic grade was associated with occult metastasis (P = .004). While undergoing END did not affect significantly survival, those with occult metastasis had poorer survival (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: END should be considered in cT1-T2 N0 glottic cancers with poorly differentiated or undifferentiated tumor histopathology. While END itself may not improve overall survival, identification of occult nodal metastasis is an important finding for prognostication. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1139-E1146, 2021.

Implementation of Preoperative Screening Protocols in Otolaryngology During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To highlight emerging preoperative screening protocols and document workflow challenges and successes during the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large urban tertiary care medical center. Thirty-two patients undergoing operative procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic were placed into 2 preoperative screening protocols. Early in the pandemic a "high-risk case protocol" was utilized to maximize available resources. As information and technology evolved, a "universal point-of-care protocol" was implemented. RESULTS: Of 32 patients, 25 were screened prior to surgery. Three (12%) tested positive for COVID-19. In all 3 cases, the procedure was delayed, and patients were admitted for treatment or discharged under home quarantine. During this period, 86% of operative procedures were indicated for treatment of oncologic disease. There was no significant delay in arrival to the operating room for patients undergoing point-of-care screening immediately prior to their procedure (P = .92). DISCUSSION: Currently, few studies address preoperative screening for COVID-19. A substantial proportion of individuals in this cohort tested positive, and both protocols identified positive cases. The major strengths of the point-of-care protocol are ease of administration, avoiding subsequent exposures after testing, and relieving strain on "COVID-19 clinics" or other community testing facilities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Preoperative screening is a critical aspect of safe surgical practice in the midst of the widespread pandemic. Rapid implementation of universal point-of-care screening is possible without major workflow adjustments or operative delays.

Modeling congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis using computational fluid dynamics.

OBJECTIVES: Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare cause of airway obstruction in the neonate. Computational airway modeling has not been done in neonates and young infants to understand the impact of stenosis on functional nasal airflow. In this study, we 1) applied computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to the airway of a neonate with CNPAS and 2) compare airflow dynamics of a normal and CNPAS airway. METHODS: Three-dimensional models of the nasal airway of a normal neonate and a neonate with CNPAS were created using computed tomography scans of the facial bones. Measured anatomic parameters included volume, surface area, and cross-sectional area. CFD simulation was then performed. Simulated flow parameters included pressure, average velocity, and resistance. RESULTS: The neonate with CNPAS had a lesser volume (2.74 cm3 vs. 4.50 cm3) and surface area (18.8 cm2 vs. 45.5 cm2) than the normal airway. The CNPAS airway had a lesser bilateral cross-sectional area and average cross-sectional velocity throughout the length of the model. While there is a large pressure drop in the normal airway immediately after the entry point, the pressure drop in the CNPAS airway occurs more posteriorly. The total nasal resistance was approximately eight-fold greater in the CNPAS airway than the normal. CONCLUSIONS: CFD analysis can be performed on airways of neonates with nasal obstruction, such as in CNPAS. A CFD model may help characterize severity of airway obstruction as it can predict the three-dimensional pattern of airflow. Determining the role of CFD in clinical management of CNPAS requires further investigation.

Relations Between Self-reported Executive Functioning and Speech Perception Skills in Adult Cochlear Implant Users.

HYPOTHESIS: As a result of their hearing loss, adults with cochlear implants (CIs) would self-report poorer executive functioning (EF) skills than normal-hearing (NH) peers, and these EF skills would be associated with performance on speech recognition tasks. BACKGROUND: EF refers to a group of high order neurocognitive skills responsible for behavioral and emotional regulation during goal-directed activity, and EF has been found to be poorer in children with CIs than their NH age-matched peers. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that neurocognitive skills, including some EF skills, contribute to the ability to recognize speech through a CI. METHODS: Thirty postlingually deafened adults with CIs and 42 age-matched NH adults were enrolled. Participants and their spouses or significant others (informants) completed well-validated self-reports or informant-reports of EF, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult (BRIEF-A). CI users' speech recognition skills were assessed in quiet using several measures of sentence recognition. NH peers were tested for recognition of noise-vocoded versions of the same speech stimuli. RESULTS: CI users self-reported difficulty on EF tasks of shifting and task monitoring. In CI users, measures of speech recognition correlated with several self-reported EF skills. CONCLUSION: The present findings provide further evidence that neurocognitive factors, including specific EF skills, may decline in association with hearing loss, and that some of these EF skills contribute to speech processing under degraded listening conditions.