[Effects of the SARS-CoV­2 pandemic on the otolaryngology university hospitals in the field of research, student teaching and specialist training]. / Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV­2-Pandemie auf die universitäre Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde im Bereich der Forschung, Lehre und Weiterbildung.

BACKGROUND: From spring 2020, SARS-CoV­2 began to spread worldwide, with what is now known as the first wave of the pandemic, starting in March 2020. This resulted in restructuring and shift of resources at many hospitals. The aim of our work was to detect the effects of the pandemic on the german Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals in terms of research, student teaching and further specialist training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany were asked about the effects of the pandemic on research, student teaching and ORL specialist training (residency) in the period from March to April 2020 using a structured online survey. RESULTS: All 39 chairmen took part in the survey. Of these, 74.4% (29/39) stated that their research activities had deteriorated as a result of the pandemic. In 61.5% (24/39) pandemic-related research issues were addressed. All hospitals reported a restriction for in-house teaching and 97.5% (38/39) introduced new digital teaching methods. During the observation period, 74.4% of the chairmen did not see ORL specialist training (residency)at risk. CONCLUSION: Our results provide an insight into the heterogeneous effects of the pandemic. The fast processing of pandemic-related research topics and the introduction of innovative digital concepts for student teaching impressively demonstrates the great innovative potential and the ability of the ORL university hospitals to react quickly in order to maintain their tasks in research, student teaching and ORL specialist training in the best possible way even during the pandemic.

Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI) PET for diagnostics and advanced targeted radiotherapy in head and neck cancers.

PURPOSE: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) expressing fibroblast activation protein (FAP) have been associated with the aggressive nature of head and neck cancers (HNCs). These tumours grow diffusely, leading to extremely challenging differentiation between tumour and healthy tissue. This analysis aims to introduce a novel approach of tumour detection, contouring and targeted radiotherapy of HNCs using visualisation of CAFs: PET-CT with 68Ga-radiolabeled inhibitors of FAP (FAPI). METHODS: FAPI PET-CT was performed without complications prior to radiotherapy in addition to contrast enhanced CT (CE-CT) and MRI on 14 patients with HNC. First, for tissue biodistribution analysis, volumes of interest were defined to quantify SUVmean and SUVmax in tumour and healthy parenchyma. Secondly, using four thresholds of three-, five-, seven- and tenfold increase of FAPI enhancement in the tumour as compared with normal tissue, four different gross tumour volumes (FAPI-GTV) were created automatically. These were compared with GTVs created conventionally with CE-CT and MRI (CT-GTV). RESULTS: The biodistribution analysis revealed high FAPI avidity within tumorous lesions (e.g. primary tumours, SUVmax 14.62 ± 4.44; SUVmean 7.41 ± 2.39). In contrast, low background uptake was measured in healthy tissues of the head and neck region (e.g. salivary glands: SUVmax 1.76 ± 0.31; SUVmean 1.23 ± 0.28). Considering radiation planning, CT-GTV was of 27.3 ml, whereas contouring with FAPI resulted in significantly different GTVs of 67.7 ml (FAPI × 3, p = 0.0134), 22.1 ml (FAPI × 5, p = 0.0419), 7.6 ml (FAPI × 7, p = 0.0001) and 2.3 ml (FAPI × 10, p = 0.0001). Taking these significant disparities between the GTVs into consideration, we merged FAPI-GTVs with CT-GTVs. This resulted in median volumes, that were, as compared to CT-GTVs, significantly larger with FAPI × 3 (54.7 ml, + 200.5% relative increase, p = 0.0005) and FAPI × 5 (15.0 ml, + 54.9%, p = 0.0122). Furthermore, FAPI-GTVs were not covered by CE-CT-based planning target volumes (CT-PTVs) in several cases. CONCLUSION: We present first evidence of diagnostic and therapeutic potential of FAPI ligands in head and neck cancer. Larger studies with histopathological correlation are required to validate our findings.

[Effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the otorhinolaryngology university hospitals in the field of medical care]. / Auswirkungen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie auf die universitäre Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde im Bereich der Krankenversorgung.

INTRODUCTION: Since December 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been rapidly spreading worldwide. In Germany, an exponential increase in the number of infections was registered at the beginning of March 2020 and led to a call of the Ministry of Health to create more capacity for intensive medical treatment in hospitals. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on Oto-Rhino-Laryngology (ORL) university hospitals regarding patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was sent out to all chairmen of the 39 ORL university hospitals in Germany. The answers to the questions referred to the defined period from March 15th to April 15th 2020 and were carried out using the online survey tool "SurveyMonkey". 87 questions focused on general information, health care, and structural effects in the respective institution. RESULTS: All chairmen of the 39 university hospitals in Germany participated in the survey. The collected data prove the considerable impact on organizational, structural and medical aspects of patient care. For example, the surveyed clinics reported a decrease in outpatient cases by 73.8 % to 26.2 ±â€Š14.2 % and in surgical treatments by 65.9 % to 34.1 ±â€Š13.9 %. In contrast, emergency treatment remained unchanged or even increased in 80 % of the facilities and surgical treatment of emergency patients remained unchanged or even increased in more than 90 %. Emergency outpatient and surgical treatment of patients was provided throughout the pandemic in all facilities. In total, about 35 000 outpatients and about 12 000 surgical cases were postponed. As a result of the acute structural changes, the potential danger of falling below current treatment standards was seen in individual areas of patient care. DISCUSSION: The assessment of the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is heterogeneous. The majority of the chairmen are critically aware of the risk of falling below current medical treatment standards or guidelines. In the phase of an exponential increase in the number of infections, significant changes in treatment processes had to be accepted for understandable reasons. However, with the currently significantly reduced number of infections, falling below treatment standards and guidelines should not be allowed to remain constant and tolerated. SUMMARY: This study shows a differentiated picture with regard to the effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on outpatient, inpatient and operative patient care at the ORL university hospitals in Germany and illustrates the importance of these institutions for ensuring patient care during this critical phase.

Primary surgical treatment of nasal vestibule cancer - therapeutic outcome and reconstructive strategies.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment strategy of squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal vestibule (SCCNV) is controversial. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of surgery, which is the preferred treatment option at our institution. DESIGN: This was a monocentric prospective study of patients that were diagnosed with SCCNV between 2005 and 2013. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients were included. Tumors were staged using the UICC (7th edition) TNM classification of nasal cavity cancer and the classification proposed by Wang. The primary treatment was surgery in all patients. Survival data were statistically analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The median follow-up time was 6 years. RESULTS: Using the UICC classification, 9/26 tumors were staged as pT1 (35%), 7/26 as pT2 (27%), and 10/26 as pT4a (39%). Using the classification by Wang, 9/26 tumors were staged as pT1 (35%), 15/26 as pT2 (58%), and 2/26 as pT3 (8%). Reconstruction was performed using an implant-retained prosthesis in 50% of patients and by plastic surgery in the remaining 50%. Only 2/26 patients (8%) needed adjuvant radiation therapy. The five-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 86.7%, disease-specific survival was 96.2% and overall survival was 91.8% after five years. CONCLUSION: Surgery in SCCNV gives an excellent prognosis and minimized the need for radiotherapy.

Quality of life after nasal cancer resection - surgical versus prosthetic rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND: Nose reconstruction following resection of nasal carcinomas is controversial. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of surgical reconstruction versus prosthetic rehabilitation on patient quality of life (QOL). DESIGN: This was a monocentric prospective study of patients diagnosed with nasal carcinoma from 2003 to 2013. QOL was evaluated using two organ-specific questionnaires (Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation [ROE] and the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory-17 [FROI-17]) and a generic questionnaire, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients were included. Patients completed the ROE, FROI-17, and SF-36 questionnaires after nasal reconstruction. Questionnaires were completed by 62.8% of the 51 alive patients. RESULTS: Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was 89.9%, disease-specific survival was 94.5%, and overall survival was 75.5% after five years according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Considering initial tumor stage, early stage patients had a significantly higher self-confidence score in FROI-17 subgroup analysis. In contrast, advanced stage patients showed a significantly higher score for social functioning in SF-36. Prosthetically fitted patients scored highly on the ROE questionnaire showing a high degree of aesthetic satisfaction. Surgically reconstructed patients showed a high degree of self-confidence on the FROI-17 questionnaire. However, the organ-specific ROE and FROI-17 scores were not significantly different between patients who received surgical reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation after oncological resection. When comparing the rehabilitation method as a function of tumor stage, there was significantly better score for physical functioning in early stage surgically reconstructed patients in the SF-36, but no significant differences in organ-specific QOL. CONCLUSION: Surgical reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation after nasal cancer resection have the same effect on organ- and non-organ-specific QOL.

[Diagnostics and management of choanal atresia]. / Diagnostik und Management der Choanalatresie.

Choanal atresia is a rare malformation that represents a special challenge. While bilateral choanal atresia usually needs to be surgically treated within a few days of birth, the intervention for one-sided choanal atresia can be postponed for years. Treatment planning requires adequate imaging (CT or MRI), which also serves to exclude other skull base malformities. Surgical treatment currently focuses on transnasal endoscopic techniques. Simultaneous resection of the parts of the vomer involved in the atresia seems to be important surgical success. Postoperative stenting is still controversially discussed. Postoperative application of corticosteroid nasal sprays and saline nasal rinsing for several weeks is of great importance. Due to the rarity of the diagnosis, the absence of prospective randomized controlled trials does not allow definitive statements regarding the optimal surgical technique or stenting.

Quality of life after primary septorhinoplasty in deviated- and non-deviated nose measured with ROE, FROI-17 and SF-36.

BACKGROUND: Quality of life measurements are gaining in importance. The present study was conducted with the aim to compare patient satisfaction after septorhinoplasty according to their preoperative nasal deformity. METHODS: The patients completed two disease-specific questionnaires before their surgery: the Functional Rhinoplasty Outcome Inventory (FROI-17), the Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE) and as a general instrument, the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). The second measurement was taken during an outpatient examination 12 months after their primary septorhinoplasty. Patients were grouped in nasal axis deviation (NAD), nasal hump deformity (NHD) and NAD plus NHD. Additionally the patients with preoperative NAD and NAD+NHD were combined as deviated nose and compared to the non-deviation group. RESULTS: One hundred and two patients (51 male and 51 female) underwent primary septorhinoplasty. The ROE- and the FROI-17 overall score including all three subgroups showed significant postoperative improvements. Regarding the SF-36, the postoperative score improved significantly only in two scales (role-functioning physical and mental health). Looking at the the different QoL questionnaires, there were significant postoperative differences in regards to deviated versus non-deviated nose in the FROI-17 overall- and FROI-17 subscores (nasal and general symptoms) and in three scales of the SF-36 (vitality, social functioning, role-functioning emotional), showing a greater postoperative satisfaction in the deviated-nose patient. CONCLUSION: Patients with and without nasal deviation showed improved QoL after their surgery, as measured with the ROE, the FROI-17 and the SF-36. The patients with a nasal deviation showed a significantly better outcome, as measured with the FROI-17, in comparison with the non-deviated group.

[Quality of life in patients with vestibular schwannoma]. / Lebensqualität von Patienten mit Vestibularisschwannom.

BACKGROUND: Vestibular schwannoma (VS) is a disease which might affect health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in a negative manner. For many years, only generic quality of life instruments such as SF-36 were available to measure HR-QOL. However, some years ago, the Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality Of Life (PANQOL) tool, a disease-specific instrument, was developed and validated. It is expected that the application of this instrument will be able to better assess relevant aspects of the HR-QOL of VS patients in the future. A validated German version of the instrument does not exist yet. The disease-specific symptoms most frequently named by patients are headache and dizziness. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The available literature shows that the therapeutic approaches affect HR-QOL differently. In particular, radiation therapy of small and medium-sized tumors has no pronounced negative effects on HR-QOL. However, restrictions after surgery become similar to those after radiotherapy over the course of several years. For large VS with a diameter >3 cm, no guiding data on this aspect are currently available. To clarify the outstanding issues, future prospective studies with long-term follow-up of 10 years and more are desirable.

[Acupuncture in posttonsillectomy pain : A prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial. German version]. / Einsatz von Akupunktur bei Posttonsillektomieschmerz : Eine prospektive, randomisierte und kontrollierte Doppelblindstudie.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative swallowing pain is one of the most unpleasant after-effects of tonsillectomy. During recent years, the demand for alternatives to drug-based pain therapy has continued to grow, although the topic has received little research attention until now. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients were randomized into verum acupuncture, control acupuncture, and drug-based treatment groups. All patients received nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs (NSAIDs). One hour after drug intake, the verum group also received acupuncture according to classical acupuncture rules (S34, S44 and PC5). The control group had acupuncture needles placed at nonspecific acupuncture points in the midaxillary line. Acupuncture was performed by a blinded acupuncturist, who had learnt exclusively these techniques in the run up to the study. Patients were asked to evaluate their pain before, and at intervals of 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h after drug intake/acupuncture treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The analgesic effect of acupuncture was significant up to 3 hours in the verum group (p < 0.05). The analgesic effect in the control acupuncture group was significant for up to 1 h after acupuncture (p < 0.05). With reference to the time point before acupuncture, the differences between both acupuncture groups and the drug group were significant (p < 0.01) over the whole time. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is an effective complement to NSAIDs in the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain. Particularly patients with allergies, drug intolerance, or reduced response to the commonly administered drugs may benefit from acupuncture.

Acupuncture in posttonsillectomy pain : A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative swallowing pain is one of the most unpleasant after-effects of tonsillectomy. During recent years, the demand for alternatives to drug-based pain therapy has continued to grow, although the topic has received little research attention until now. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 46 patients were randomized into verum acupuncture, control acupuncture, and drug-based treatment groups. All patients received nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs (NSAIDs). One hour after drug intake, the verum group also received acupuncture according to classical acupuncture rules (S34, S44 and PC5). The control group had acupuncture needles placed at nonspecific acupuncture points in the midaxillary line. Acupuncture was performed by a blinded acupuncturist, who had learnt exclusively these techniques in the run up to the study. Patients were asked to evaluate their pain before, and at intervals of 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h after drug intake/acupuncture treatment using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The analgesic effect of acupuncture was significant up to 3 hours in the verum group (p < 0.05). The analgesic effect in the control acupuncture group was significant for up to 1 h after acupuncture (p < 0.05). With reference to the time point before acupuncture, the differences between both acupuncture groups and the drug group were significant (p < 0.01) over the whole time. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture is an effective complement to NSAIDs in the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain. Particularly patients with allergies, drug intolerance, or reduced response to the commonly administered drugs may benefit from acupuncture.

[Diabetes mellitus as a prognostic marker in oropharyngeal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma]. / Diabetes mellitus als prognostischer Marker beim Oropharynx- und Larynxkarzinom.

Recent experimental and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence that diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important risk factor in various cancers, and may affect both pathogenesis and prognosis. Additionally, antidiabetic agents such as metformin exhibit an antitumorigenic effect. However, to date there is insufficient knowledge about the role of DM in the pathogenesis and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).In a retrospective monocentric study including 424 patients with SCC of the oropharynx (OPSCC) or larynx (LaSCC), the impact of DM on clinical and histopathologic parameters was investigated. The authors found a rising incidence of DM among LaSCC patients (<10 % until 2005 and 20 % since 2006) and a significant association between DM and clinical and histopathologic features (age, gender, tumor size, and pathologic grading), which depended on the anatomic site. Moreover, a clear trend toward unfavorable progression-free and overall survival of HNSCC patients with DM upon current treatment modalities was evident.The presented data support a relative increase in patients with DM, particularly for LaSCC. This might have a sustained influence on treatment decisions and management, and should be considered in future clinical trials. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular traits of HNSCC in DM could pave the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in terms of personalized medicine.

[The impact of cochlear implants on the quality of life of patients with single-sided deafness]. / Der Einfluss der CI-Versorgung von einseitig tauben Patienten auf die Lebensqualität.

BACKGROUND: Unilaterally deaf patients are increasingly supplied with a cochlear implant (CI). In the present study the change in quality of life following implantation was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 20 postlingual CI recipients with single-sided deafness, who were divided into two groups: "normal hearing" (group 1) and "moderate impairment" (group 2) contralaterally. Their quality of life was determined using four standardized questionnaires (NCIQ, HPS, APHAB, HHIE) and a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: With the exception of the sensation of loud everyday sounds (APHAB AV scale) reported by patients from group 2, all study participants benefited significantly from the implantation. DISCUSSION: The problems caused by the aversiveness of loud everyday sounds can be explained by the enhanced transmission of high frequencies and the associated unfamiliar sensations by the CI system. The effects of deafness duration and response shift remain to be investigated. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation for unilaterally deaf patients was found to be a legitimate and meaningful rehabilitation measure.

[Grafts with microvascular anastomosis. Their use in the head and neck region following radiotherapy and vessel depletion]. / Mikrovaskulär anastomosierte Transplantate. Verwendung in der Kopf-Hals-Region nach Bestrahlung und Gefäßdepletion.

Surgical tumor removal is often the treatment of choice in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Depending on the extent of tumor resection, large defects are often produced in the individual head and neck regions, necessitating reconstructive surgery to avoid further functional impairment. In principle, this decision depends on the size and location of the defect, the aesthetic importance of the region and the functional significance of the area to be replaced. Reconstructive free flap procedures in patients who have undergone radiotherapy or exhibit vessel depletion in the neck due to multiple previous surgical interventions are particularly challenging. In order to ensure the best possible outcomes of surgical oncology therapies under difficult circumstances, this paper discusses the important factors and variables that can increase the success rate of microvascular grafts in irradiated or multiply resected patients.

[Reconstruction of maxillary defects using a free scapular angle flap]. / Rekonstruktion von Oberkieferdefekten mit einem freien Skapula-angle-Lappen.

BACKGROUND: In addition to prosthetic rehabilitation, maxillary defects can also be surgically reconstructed. Soft-tissue reconstruction employs a radial forearm or latissimus dorsi muscle flap, while bony reconstruction can be achieved using a fibula, iliac crest, or scapular flap. Reconstruction using a scapular flap is further divided into two subgroups: the traditional scapular flap with the circumflex scapular artery as the donor vessel and the scapular angle flap with the angular artery originating from the thoracodorsal artery as the donor vessel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on four patients who underwent successful reconstruction with a free scapular angle flap between 2009 and 2011, following maxillary resection due to malignancy. RESULTS: Vertical positioning of the scapular angle flap enables reconstruction of the facial contour, whereas its horizontal alignment and microvascular anastomosis makes a bony reconstruction of the hard palate possible. CONCLUSIONS: The versatility, low rate of donor site morbidity and shape of the scapular angle flap--which resembles that of the hard palate--render it ideal for plastic reconstruction. The suitability of bone quality for dental rehabilitation with implants is a topic of controversial discussion. The scapular angle flap represents an alternative to obturator prosthesis for the reconstruction of maxillary defects ≥ grade I according to Okay et al.

[Evaluation of the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test in background noise]. / Evaluation des Freiburger Einsilbertests im Störschall.

BACKGROUND: The Freiburg speech test has been the gold standard in speech audiometry in Germany for many years. Previously, however, this test had not been evaluated in assessing the effectiveness of a hearing aid in background noise. Furthermore, the validity of particular word lists used in the test has been questioned repeatedly in the past, due to a suspected higher variation within these lists as compared to the other word list used. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, two groups of subjects [normal hearing control subjects and patients with SNHL (sensorineural hearing loss) that had been fitted with hearing aid] were examined. In a first group, 113 control subjects with normal age- and gender-related pure tone thresholds were assessed by means of the Freiburg monosyllabic test under free-field conditions at 65 dB. The second group comprised 104 patients that had been fitted with hearing aids at least 3 months previously to treat their SNHL. Members of the SNHL group were assessed by means of the Freiburg monosyllabic test both with and without hearing aids, and in the presence or absence of background noise (CCITT-noise; 65/60 dB signal-noise ratio, in accordance with the Comité Consultatif International Téléphonique et Télégraphique), under free-field conditions at 65 dB. RESULTS: The first (control) group exhibited no gender-related differences in the Freiburg test results. In a few instances, inter-individual variability of responses was observed, although the reasons for this remain to be clarified. Within the second (patient) group, the Freiburg test results under the four different measurement conditions differed significantly from each other (p>0.05). This group exhibited a high degree of inter-individual variability between responses. In light of this, no significant differences in outcome could be assigned to the different word lists employed in the Freiburg speech test. CONCLUSION: The Freiburg monosyllabic test is able to assess the extent of hearing loss, as well as the effectiveness of a fitted hearing aid, in the presence or absence of background-noise (CCITT-noise). The present study could not evidence statistically significant differences in outcome when using the different word lists in this test battery.

[Development and validation of the Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory 14]. / Entwicklung und Validierung des Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory 14.

BACKGROUND: Until now, no validated instrument to measure disease-specific, health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) in adults with chronic tonsillitis (CTO) exists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After an item reduction of the alpha-version of the Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory (TOI), the TOI-14 resulted. In addition to the total score, it includes the subscales throat problems, overall health, resources, and social-psychological restrictions. In phase 2, the TOI-14 was prospectively validated on 108 adults with CTO, who had undergone a tonsillectomy. RESULTS: The TOI-14 had, on average, good reliability. It included all important aspects of the HR-QOL. Patients with CTO can be distinguished with high sensitivity from healthy subjects. All scores showed moderate to good correlation with the subjective limitation in quality of life. The sensitivity of the questionnaire demonstrated major effects postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The TOI-14 constitutes the first worldwide-validated, disease-specific instrument to measure HR-QOL in adults with CTO. Due to its ease of use, it can be utilized both in the outcome research and in clinical routine.

Selective atonal gene delivery improves balance function in a mouse model of vestibular disease.

Loss of balance is often due to loss of vestibular hair cells. In mammals, regeneration of functional hair cells in the mature sensory epithelium is limited; therefore, loss of sensory cells can lead to debilitating balance problems. Delivery of the transcription factor atonal (atoh1) after aminoglycoside ototoxicity has previously been shown to induce the transdifferentiation of supporting cells into new hair cells and restore function. A problem with mouse aminoglycoside models is that the partial loss of hair cells seen in human disease is difficult to establish consistently. To more closely mirror human clinical balance dysfunction, we have used systemic application of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN), a vestibulotoxic nitrile compound known to cause vestibular hair cell loss, to induce a consistent partial loss of vestibular hair cells. To determine if balance function could be restored, we delivered atoh1 using a new adenovirus vector, based on Ad28. The Ad28 adenovector is based on a human serotype with a low seroprevalence that appears to target gene delivery to vestibular supporting cells. To further provide cell type selectivity of gene delivery, we expressed atoh1 using the supporting cell-specific glial fibrillary acid protein promoter. Delivery of this vector to IDPN-damaged vestibular organs resulted in a significant recovery of vestibular hair cells and restoration of balance, as measured by time on rotarod compared with untreated controls.

Assessment of the peripheral hearing system of sport divers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of regular scuba diving on the hearing thresholds of sport divers who have no history of noise exposure or ear-related accidents. Comprehensive topographic examination of the peripheral hearing system of sport divers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: General sport diving community. PARTICIPANTS: 81 sport divers with a mean of 300 dives each were compared to a control group of 81 non-divers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Participants were classified into three age groups. Examination included microscopic otoscopy, tympanometry, pure-tone audiometry (PTA) including air and bone conduction, speech audiometry and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). RESULTS: PTA suggested significant differences of the hearing thresholds at several frequencies between sport divers and non-divers in all age groups, although a Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was applied. Interestingly, the results were contradictory. Divers obtained better hearing results in air conduction, whereas non-divers showed better results in bone conduction. Speech audiometry and OAE did not reveal significant differences. CONCLUSION: There are no published studies of the peripheral cochlear system of divers that have used a combination of PTA, speech audiometry and OAE. All studies suggesting hearing impairment in divers were based on PTA and might have been influenced by a lack of accuracy of PTA. Our results suggest that diving does not adversely affect the hearing system of sport divers. A thorough test battery of audiological methods implying PTA, speech audiometry and OAE may contribute to offer more reliable results to answer the question of whether commercial or military divers are at higher risk for hearing detoriation.

Assessment of the central hearing system of sport divers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of regular scuba diving on central processing sequences of sport divers who have no history of noise exposure or ear-related accidents using a comprehensive topographic examination of the central hearing system. DESIGN: Cross-sectional controlled comparison study. SETTINGS: General sports diving community. PARTICIPANTS: 81 sport divers with a mean of 300 dives each were compared with a control group of 81 non-divers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The participants were classified into three age groups. Hearing test results were combined for both ears. Examination included brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA), cortical evoked response audiometry (CERA) and dichotic listening tests to screen for retrocochlear and central hearing disorders. Testing of brainstem latencies was performed in a gender-dependent manner. RESULTS: BERA showed a pathological extension of the I-V-latency in one diver. Magnetic tomographic imaging ruled out brainstem lesions. No reason for the measured latency could be detected. All other latencies (I-III, III-V and I-V) in both gender groups were within normal limits. No statistically significant differences between divers and non-divers could be detected. Dichotic listening showed no clinical abnormalities in any of the participants, but in the age group 18-29 years divers performed significantly better than non-divers (p = 0.01). CERA revealed no significant differences between divers and non-divers in the age group 18-29 years and 30-39 years, whereas divers in the age group 41-50 demonstrated significantly better test results (p = 0.045) (difference of the means: 4.18 dB). CONCLUSION: Dichotic listening and CERA did not reveal a significant reduction of central hearing performance in divers. Persistent on-shore BERA wave latency prolongations that were present in one study could not be confirmed in our study group. This first comprehensive topographic examination of the central hearing system of divers showed no abnormalities.