A novel method for evaluating mastoid defect regrowth after cochlear implantation.

This retrospective study examined mastoid defects resulting from cochlear implant (CI) surgery and their potential for spontaneous regrowth across different age groups. Spontaneous closure of mastoid defects has been observed in certain CI patients during revision surgery or through post-operative temporal bone computer tomography (TB-CT). The analysis encompassed 123 CI recipients, comprising 81.3% children and 18.7% adults, who underwent post-operative TB-CT scans. Using image adjustment software, the study measured mastoid defect areas and found a significant reduction in children's defects between the initial and subsequent scans. Notably, mastoid defect areas differed significantly between children and adults at both time points. Furthermore, the analysis revealed significant correlations between mastoid defect areas and the age at implantation as well as the time elapsed since the CI surgery and the first CT scan. This study provides valuable insights for evaluating CI patients scheduled for revision surgery by assessing potential surgical challenges and duration. Furthermore, it may have a pivotal role in evaluating patients who experience postauricular swelling subsequent to CI surgery.

Holistic assessment of cochlear implant outcomes using the international classification of functioning disability and health model: data analysis of a longitudinal prospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To study outcome after cochlear implantation using the Cochlear Implant (CI) outcome assessment protocol based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model (CI-ICF). METHODS: Raw data of a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study was analyzed. Seventy-two CI candidates were assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively using the CI-ICF protocol. Following tools were used: (1) Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ), (2) Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), (3) Audio Processor Satisfaction Questionnaire (APSQ), (4) Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ12), (5) Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19), (6) Nijmegen CI Questionnaire (NCIQ) (7) pure tone audiometry, (8) speech audiometry, (9) sound localization. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of speech discrimination in quiet (p = 0.015; p < 0.001) and in noise (p = 0.041; p < 0.001), sound detection (p < 0.001), tinnitus (p = 0.026), listening (p < 0.001), communicating with-receiving-spoken messages (p < 0.001), conversation (p < 0.001), family relationships (p < 0.001), community life (p = 0.019), NCIQ total score and all subdomain scores (p < 0.001). Subjective sound localization significantly improved (p < 0.001), while psychometric sound localization did not. There was no significant subjective deterioration of vestibular functioning and no substantial change in sound aversiveness. CI users reported a high level of implant satisfaction postoperatively. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the positive impact of cochlear implantation on auditory performance, communication, and subjective well-being. The CI-ICF protocol provides a holistic and comprehensive view of the evolution of CI outcomes.

The Chronological Evolution of Cochlear Implant Contraindications: A Comprehensive Review.

Cochlear implantation has emerged as a transformative intervention in addressing profound hearing loss, offering a paradigm shift in auditory rehabilitation for individuals with restricted auditory function. Throughout its history, the understanding of contraindications for cochlear implant (CI) surgery has evolved significantly. This review comprehensively analyzes the chronological advancements in the understanding of CI contraindications, examining studies conducted from historical timelines to the present. Recent research has revealed significant developments in the field, prompting a reevaluation of established criteria and resulting in expanded indications for CI. The chronological evolution of contraindications underscores the transformative nature of the field, offering potential improvements in outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for individuals with profound hearing loss. In conclusion, this narrative review emphasizes the dynamic nature of the field, where the reevaluation of contraindications has created new opportunities and broader indications for CI. The emerging prospects, including improved outcomes and enhanced quality of life, hold promise for individuals with profound hearing loss.

Advancing Cochlear Implant Programming: X-ray Guided Anatomy-Based Fitting.

BACKGROUND: Anatomy-based fitting (ABF) is a new research area in the field of cochlear implants (CIs). Despite the reported benefits and acceptable levels of ABF among CI recipients, some limitations remain, like the postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan, which is preferred for confirming electrode array insertion. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using plain film radiography (X-ray) for postoperative electrode detection and for building ABF as an alternative to CT. METHODS: A total of 53 ears with CI were studied. All cases had routine post-insertion X-rays in the cochlear view and additionally underwent postoperative CT. The insertion angles and center frequencies measured by two independent observers were compared for each imaging modality. The angular insertion depth and center frequencies resulting from the X-ray and CT scans were then compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the X-ray- and CT-measured angles for the electrode contacts. Radiographic measurements between the two readers showed an almost perfect (≥0.8) or substantial (0.71) intraclass correlation coefficient along the electrode contacts. X-ray images showed a mean difference of 4.7 degrees from CT. The mean semitone deviation of the central frequency between the CT and X-ray images was 0.6. CONCLUSIONS: X-ray imaging provides a valid and easy-to-perform alternative to CT imaging, with less radiation exposure and lower costs. The radiographs showed excellent concordance with the CT-measured angular insertion depth and consequently with the central frequency for most electrode contacts. Therefore, plain X-ray could be a viable alternative in building ABF for the CI recipients.

A novel coupling quality index to estimate the coupling efficiency in Vibrant Soundbridge.

BACKGROUND: The objective-based methods for intraoperative monitoring have been suggested to assess the coupling and the outcomes of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Although several techniques were proposed, they have not been widely adopted due to their complexity and invasiveness. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of a new coupling quality index using an intraoperative ABR threshold via AcoustiAP and its correlation with the perioperative measures. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary center. The medical records were retrieved for all patients who underwent VSB implantation and had an intraoperative objective assessment for the coupling efficiency. AcoustiAP was used to evaluate the intraoperative ABR thresholds, which were assessed directly after the floating mass transducer (FMT) placement using acoustic CE-Chirp signals. The Vibrogram was used for the postoperative audiological evaluation. A new coupling quality index was calculated based on the intraoperative ABR thresholds. RESULTS: Ten patients were eligible for the present study. The ABR thresholds for good coupling ranged from 35 to 60 dBnHL. The loose coupling thresholds ranged considerably from 40 to 100 dBnHL. Overall, the median intraoperative ABR threshold at good coupling was 42.5 (40-60) dBnHL and 60 (40-100) dBnHL at loose coupling. The analysis showed that there was a significant change in the coupling quality index at the good and loose coupling points (24.3 ± 14 vs 38.8 ± 18.2, respectively, p < 0.001). At a cut-off value of 22.6 dB, the coupling quality index had a sensitivity of 70%  and specificity of 90% for discriminating good and loose coupling. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the utility of intraoperative ABR measurements in predicting the coupling efficiency in patients with VSB. Our results showed that the coupling quality index had an acceptable accuracy in discriminating between good and poor coupling, which can help clinicians optimize the fitting process for individuals and may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Cochlear implantation in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder: an updated systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The goal of managing auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) is to restore the children's ability to discriminate auditory information. Children who are not making sufficient progress in speech comprehension, and speech and language development after receiving adequate auditory re/habilitation and/or acoustic amplification may be candidates for cochlear implantation (CI). Despite the growing number of published literature on CI outcomes in children with ANSD, the current evidence is primarily based on case reports or retrospective chart reviews some of which had a limited number of children. In addition, the outcomes of CI seem to vary between children with ANSD. Thus, compelling evidence is lacking. This updated systematic review evaluated the speech perception, language, and speech intelligibility outcomes of children with ANSD post-CI. METHODS: An online bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL databases. We included both interventional and observational studies that assessed the outcomes of the CI in  children with ANSD. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies were included in this systematic review. Several tests were used to assess speech perception following CI in children with ANSD. The findings of this study revealed that  children with ANSD had mean Categories of Auditory Performance scores ranging from 4.3 to 7 post-operatively, this result was better than the pre-operative scores which ranged between 0.4 to 2.5. Likewise, the Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale, Phonetically Balanced Kindergarten, and multisyllabic lexical neighborhood test showed clinically relevant improvement after CI. The same findings were reported for language and speech intelligibility scores. One study investigated the quality of life/children satisfaction after CI and showed overall good satisfaction with the outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The present systematic review suggests that CI is a feasible and effective hearing  rehabilitation modality for children with ANSD. REGISTRATION AND PROTOCOL: PROSPERO ID: CRD42021279140.

Enhancing cochlear duct length estimation by incorporating second-turn parameters.

Estimating insertion depth, cochlear duct length (CDL), and other inner ear parameters is vital to optimizing cochlear implantation outcomes. Most current formulas use only the basal turn dimensions for CDL prediction. In this study, we investigated the importance of the second turn parameters in estimating CDL. Two experienced neuro-otologists blindly used segmentation software to measure (in mm) cochlear parameters, including basal turn diameter (A), basal turn width (B), second-turn diameter (A2), second-turn width (B2), CDL, first-turn length, and second-turn length (STL). These readings were taken from 33 computed tomography (CT) images of temporal bones from anatomically normal ears. We constructed regression models using A, B, A2, and B2 values fitted to CDL, two-turn length, and five-fold cross-validation to ensure model validity. CDL, A value, and STL were longer in males than in females. The mean B2/A2 ratio was 0.91 ± 0.06. Adding A2 and B2 values improved CDL prediction accuracy to 86.11%. Therefore, we propose a new formula for more accurate CDL estimation using A, B, A2, and B2 values. In conclusion, the findings of this study revealed a notable improvement in the prediction of two-turn length (2TL), and CDL by clinically appreciable margins upon adding A2 and B2 values to the prediction formulas.

A Good Practice Guide for Organizing the Scientific Program of International Conferences.

This paper provides a step-by-step guide for organizing the scientific program (OSP) of international conferences. Through informal discussions, a panel of experts organizing international conferences came up with this guide, which includes a flowchart, checklist, and detailed discussions of each step. Subsequently, additional specialists were invited to evaluate this synopsis and provide their input. All of the participants approved the final version after the outline was improved. This guide proposes the following six steps: 1) preparation, 2) recruitment, 3) building the agenda, 4) cross-checking the program, 5) reviewing and finalizing, and 6) in-conference refining. Thirteen items are specified across the six main steps in a detailed checklist. This OSP guide includes a flowchart and a checklist for providing a comprehensive manual for establishing, conducting, and organizing international scientific conferences. Understanding the procedures that are expected to be followed when holding a scientific conference enables the involved parties to organize and assign tasks to one another as well as create a schedule that allows them to finish their work on time. This guide can be used at any kind of scientific conference to describe an organized process, resulting in a professional and distinguished scientific program.

Risk factors and management strategies of inadvertent facial nerve stimulation in cochlear implant recipients: A systematic review.

Objectives: To systematically review the prevalence and risk factors of inadvertent facial nerve stimulation (FNS) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery. And to report the different management strategies used for reducing and resolving FNS. Data Source: Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) of the World Health Organization (WHO). Review Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) on studies that reported FNS as a complication after CI. A comprehensive electronic search strategy was used to identify the relevant articles. We extracted the data on the prevalence of FNS after CI activation, the reported grades, and the management strategies. The number of associated electrodes; cause of deafness; co-anomalies; and duration of hearing loss and their relationships with FNS were also studied. Results: Twenty-one relevant articles were included in this review. The prevalence of FNS among the CI populations was 5.29% (175/3306 patients). Among those whose ages were reported, 58.3% (95/163) were adults, and 41.7% (68/163) were pediatrics. Modifying the different fitting parameters was the most used strategy, as it successfully resolved FNS in 85.5% of the patients (142/166). The second commonly used management strategy was surgical intervention (reimplantation or explantation), which was reported in seven studies for 23 patients. Conclusion: FNS after CI activation could be controlled and resolved with many advances that range from readjusting the fitting parameters to surgical intervention. However, further studies are required to validate the efficacy of each management strategy and its impact on patients' performance. Our findings demonstrate that CI recipients with FNS could still benefit from the CI devices and their FNS could be controlled.

Comparison of temporalis muscle fascia and cartilage grafts for primary type 1 tympanoplasty: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of temporalis fascia (TF) with cartilage grafts for primary type 1 tympanoplasty in chronic otitis media (COM) patients. METHODS: Computerized search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. Eligible for inclusion were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TF and cartilage grafts in individuals with non-cholesteatoma COM and intact ossicles requiring type 1 tympanoplasty. Primary outcomes were graft success and hearing improvement, measured by the air-bone gap (ABG) closure. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of complications. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Eighteen RCTs that enrolled 1273 participants were found eligible. Data were reported at follow-up periods ranging from 6 weeks to 24 months. The pooled effect estimate revealed a higher and statistically significant graft success favoring cartilage grafts at 12 months (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.33-3.78) and 24 months (OR = 2.96, 95% CI 1.18-7.43). There was no significant difference between both grafts in post-operative ABG closure across all follow-up periods (6 weeks to 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to TF, primary type 1 cartilage tympanoplasty offers better graft uptake rates and comparable postoperative hearing outcomes for COM patients.

A Literature Review on Cochlear Implant Activation: From Weeks to Hours.

Objectives: The present literature review discusses the chronological evolution of Cochlear Implant (CI) activation and its definition among the relevant studies in the literature. In addition, the benefits of standardizing the early activation process in implantation centers worldwide are discussed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the major databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to retrieve all the relevant articles that reported early activation approaches following CI. Results: The evolution of the timing of early activation after CI has been remarkable in the past few years. Some studies reported the feasibility of early activation 1 day after the CI surgery in their users. Conclusions: Within the last decade, some studies have been published to report the feasibility and outcomes of its early activation. However, the process of early activation was not adequately defined, and no apparent guidelines could be found in the literature.

Cochlear Implantation in Radiation-Induced Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implantation (CI) has been reported as a treatment modality for radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, its efficacy is based on individual reports with no cumulative supporting evidence. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review to provide cumulative evidence regarding the feasibility and safety of CI in this context. DATABASES REVIEWED: An online bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using MeSH-based terms. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to retrieve both observational and interventional studies that reported the outcomes of CI for patients suffering from radiation-induced SNHL. RESULTS: We included 12 studies that recruited 88 patients who underwent CI because of radiation-induced SNHL. All included studies reported satisfactory hearing/speech perception outcomes. No serious complications were reported, whereas some manageable adverse events were reported, such as paroxysmal facial spams (n = 1), postauricular wound dehiscence with mastoid cutaneous fistula (n = 1), dehiscence in blind sac closure (n = 1), and electrode exposure (n = 1). Four studies assessed the postoperative quality of life/patient satisfaction, showing improved outcomes. CONCLUSION: CI could be considered to be feasible and safe in patients with irradiation-induced SNHL. The adverse events of CI in such cases are manageable. Future studies are needed to be strengthened this context.

Early activation after cochlear implantation: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the outcomes of early activation following cochlear implantation (CI) based on the findings from different studies in the literature. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was conducted through different databases to identify relevant articles. Our outcomes included impedance levels, rates of complications, hearing and speech perception performance, and patients' satisfaction levels. RESULTS: The total number of included studies in this systematic review is 19, which recruited 1157 patients, including 857 who underwent early activation following CI. Seventeen studies investigated impedance levels or feasibility rates of early activation approaches. Most of these studies (n = 10) reported that mean impedance levels remarkably decreased within the first day-to-month (first measurement) post-activation. In addition, all 17 studies showed that impedance levels finally normalize and become comparable with intraoperative levels or the conventional activation group. Seventeen studies reported the occurrence of complications in their population. Ten of these studies indicated that none of their patients developed any post-operative complications after early activation. Seven studies reported the development of some minor complications, including pain 9.2% (28/304), infection 4.7% (13/275), swelling 8.2% (25/304), vertigo 15.1% (8/53), skin hyperemia 2.2% (5/228), and others 16.4% (9/55). Hearing and speech perception was assessed in six studies, which showed a remarkable improvement in their patients. Three studies investigated patients' satisfaction and showed high satisfaction levels. Only one report investigated the economic advantages of early activation. CONCLUSION: Early activation is safe and feasible and does not impact the hearing and speech outcomes of the patients undergoing CI procedures.

Cochlear Implantation: The Volumetric Measurement of Vestibular Aqueduct and Gusher Prediction.

This study aimed to validate the role of 3D segmentation in measuring the volume of the vestibular aqueduct (VAD), and the inner ear, and to study the correlation between VAD volume and VAD linear measurements at the midpoint and operculum. The correlation with other cochlear metrics was also studied. We retrospectively recruited 21 children (42 ears) diagnosed with Mondini dysplasia (MD) plus enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) from 2009 to 2021 and who underwent cochlear implantation (CI). Patients' sociodemographic data were collected, and linear cochlear metrics were measured using Otoplan. Vestibular aqueduct width and vestibular aqueduct and inner ear volumes were measured by two independent neuro-otologists using 3D segmentation software (version 4.11.20210226) and high-resolution CT. We also conducted a regression analysis to determine the association between these variables and CT VAD and inner ear volumes. Among the 33 cochlear implanted ears, 13 ears had a gusher (39.4%). Regarding CT inner ear volume, we found that gender, age, A-value, and VAD at the operculum were statistically significant (p-Value = 0.003, <0.001, 0.031, and 0.027, respectively) by regression analysis. Moreover, we found that Age, H value, VAD at the midpoint, and VAD at the operculum were significant predictors of CT VAD volume (p-Value < 0.04). Finally, gender (OR: 0.092; 95%CI: 0.009-0.982; p-Value = 0.048) and VAD at the midpoint (OR: 0.106; 95%CI: 0.015-0.735; p-Value = 0.023) were significant predictors of gusher risk. Patients' gusher risk was significantly differentiated by gender and VAD width at the midpoint.

Cochlear implantation: Predicting the scala tympani volume of the pediatric recipients.

OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to estimate the volume of the Scala Tympani (ST) of our pediatric cochlear implant (CI) recipients from the computed tomography (CT) images. Then, to study the association between ST volume and both demographic characteristics and cochlear parameters. METHODS: A retrospective study on the CT scans of pediatric CI patients at a tertiary referral CI center. Congenital or acquired cochlear defects were excluded. Two reviewers, with the same level of experience, blindly measured the main cochlear parameters and studied its anatomy. Then, the interrater reliability was tested to measure any differences between the two readings. After that, the ST volume of the included patients was calculated and analyzed. Furthermore, the correlations between the main cochlear parameters and ST volume were studied to propose a formula for estimating the ST volume from the cochlear duct length (CDL). RESULTS: The mean predicted ST volume among our pediatric CI recipients was 38.51 ± 5.54 µl (range; 24.47-52.57 µl). The statistical analysis revealed that all cochlear parameters (A, B, H, and CDL values) could be significant predictors of the ST volume (p=<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The main cochlear parameters along with the CDL are positively linked to the ST volume. There are considerable differences in cochlear size and scala tympani volume among our pediatric population. These findings confirm the importance of pre-operative planning for proper electrode array selection.

Cochlear Implantation: The use of OTOPLAN Reconstructed Images in Trajectory Identification.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to define the best electrode trajectory line in cochlear implant (CI) surgery using the OTOPLAN (otology planning software) reconstructed 3D model and to investigate the surgical distance of the retro-facial approach as a direct access to the round window. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) scans of the normal temporal bone were included for analysis in this study. OTOPLAN reconstruction was used to build 3D models with specific ear structures for study analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five scans were included; the average age at the time of CT scan was 6.8±12 years. Twelve scans (48%) were right-sided and thirteen (52%) were left-sided. The best trajectory line to the round window was identified in all scans. The retro-facial approach was the optimal approach for 52% of cases (13/25). In all scans, the safe distance from the facial nerve were in favor of the retro-facial approach (P = 0.0011). CONCLUSION: The OTOPLAN reconstructed imaging provided a good analysis of the retro-facial approach and helped in planning the surgical trajectory line towards the round window. Additionally, calculation of the surgical distance can help the surgeon compare the retro-facial approach to the standard facial recess for preoperative planning. These findings may help in robotic surgery.

Method to estimate the basal turn length in inner ear malformation types.

The mathematical equations to estimate cochlear duct length (CDL) using cochlear parameters such as basal turn diameter (A-value) and width (B-value) are currently applied for cochleae with two and a half turns of normal development. Most of the inner ear malformation (IEM) types have either less than two and a half cochlear turns or have a cystic apex, making the current available CDL equations unsuitable for cochleae with abnormal anatomies. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the basal turn length (BTL) from the cochlear parameters of different anatomical types, including normal anatomy; enlarged vestibular aqueduct; incomplete partition types I, II, and III; and cochlear hypoplasia. The lateral wall was manually tracked for 360° of the angular depth, along with the A and B values in the oblique coronal view for all anatomical types. A strong positive linear correlation was observed between BTL and the A- (r2 = 0.74) and B-values (r2 = 0.84). The multiple linear regression model to predict the BTL from the A-and B-values resulted in the following equation (estimated BTL = [A × 1.04] + [B × 1.89] - 0.92). The manually measured and estimated BTL differed by 1.12%. The proposed equation could be beneficial in adequately selecting an electrode that covers the basal turn in deformed cochleae.

Cochlear Implantation: The Variation in Cochlear Height.

This study aimed to identify the association between different cochlear metrics, including the basal turn diameter (A-value), the basal turn width (B-value), and the height of the cochlea (H-value). We also reported an association between H-value and hearing outcomes with cochlear implants (CI). This is a retrospective study that included all patients who underwent CI procedures between 2012 and 2018 at a tertiary center and have; preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (CT), normal cochlea, postoperative follow-up duration of at least 2 years, scores of the category auditory performance II (CAP-II), and speech intelligibility rating (SIR) scales. A total of 65 ears implanted with CI in 46 patients (24 boys and 20 girls; mean age of 7 (±10) years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We found significant positive correlations between A vs B, A vs H, and B vs H (P-value = 0.008, 0.018, and 0.0039, respectively). We also found a significant positive relationship between A, B, and H values and cochlear duct length (CDL) (P-value < 0.0001, 0.008, and 0.018, respectively). Finally, the H-value was significantly correlated with the SIR (P-value = 0.027). However, its correlation with the CAP score was not statistically significant (P-value = 0.62). Cochlear height significantly correlated with CDL and the other cochlear parameters. The variation in cochlear height can also affect speech outcomes in patients undergoing CI. Therefore, the H-value together with the other cochlear metrics should be adequately assessed preoperatively in CI patients.

Brain MRI findings of prelingually deaf children and cochlear implant outcome: Preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of brain abnormalities in a cohort of prelingually deaf children and whether these abnormalities can impact the hearing outcomes of patients eligible for cochlear implantation (CI). METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive medical charts of prelingually deaf children under 12 years of age who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during their preoperative workup for CI surgery. We used the category of auditory performance (CAP) test and the speech intelligibility rating (SIR) test to assess the hearing and speech performance of the children, respectively. RESULTS: The MRIs of 285 patients, 174 boys and 111 girls with a mean age of 36.4 (±16) months, were evaluated for this study. We identified 31 patients with abnormal findings (10.88%): (17/31) (54.8%) had MRI brain abnormalities, (9/31) (29%) had inner ear anomalies, and (5/31) (16.1%) had both inner ear and brain abnormalities. The most frequent inner ear anomaly was an enlarged vestibular aqueduct, while white matter lesions were the most common brain abnormality. The CAP and SIR mean score of patients with inner ear anomalies was slightly, but not significantly, higher than those of patients with brain abnormalities. CONCLUSION: CAP and SIR scores were not significantly different in children with brain abnormalities than inner ear anomalies. These patients can still benefit from CI to improve their overall hearing and speech performance.

A Machine Learning Model to Predict Citation Counts of Scientific Papers in Otology Field.

One of the most widely used measures of scientific impact is the number of citations. However, due to its heavy-tailed distribution, citations are fundamentally difficult to predict but can be improved. This study was aimed at investigating the factors and parts influencing the citation number of a scientific paper in the otology field. Therefore, this work proposes a new solution that utilizes machine learning and natural language processing to process English text and provides a paper citation as the predicted results. Different algorithms are implemented in this solution, such as linear regression, boosted decision tree, decision forest, and neural networks. The application of neural network regression revealed that papers' abstracts have more influence on the citation numbers of otological articles. This new solution has been developed in visual programming using Microsoft Azure machine learning at the back end and Programming Without Coding Technology at the front end. We recommend using machine learning models to improve the abstracts of research articles to get more citations.