Rise in complications of acute otitis media during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: After the lifting of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical observation showed an increase in complications of acute otitis, followed by a rise in the number of mastoidectomies performed. The aim of this study was to record the number of mastoidectomies performed before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic as an indicator for complications of acute otitis media. METHODS: Data were collected from a tertiary hospital in a university setting, as well as from four major public health insurance companies in Germany. The data of 24,824,763 German citizens during a period from 2014 until 2023 were analyzed. RESULTS: According to the data, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of mastoidectomies performed dropped by 54% for children aged 0-6 and by 62% for children aged 7-18. For adults, there were 30% fewer mastoidectomies performed between 2020 and 2022. After the lifting of most NPI's in the season from July 2022 to June 2023, there was a sharp increase in the number of mastoidectomies performed on patients of all ages. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a decrease in the number of mastoidectomies performed was seen, suggesting a lower incidence of complicated acute otitis, most likely linked to the general decrease of upper airway infections due to NPI's. In contrast, a sharp increase in the incidence of complicated otitis occurred after the hygiene measures were lifted. The current development causes a more frequent performance of mastoidectomies, thus entailing a change in the challenges for everyday clinical practice.

Transimpedance Matrix Can Be Used to Estimate Electrode Positions Intraoperatively and to Monitor Their Positional Changes Postoperatively in Cochlear Implant Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Accurate positioning of the electrode array during cochlear implant (CI) surgery is crucial for achieving optimal hearing outcomes. Traditionally, postoperative radiological imaging has been used to assess electrode position. Transimpedance matrix (TIM) measurements have also emerged as a promising method for assessing electrode position. This involves utilizing electric field imaging to create an electric distance matrix by analyzing voltage variations among adjacent electrodes. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using intraoperative TIM measurements to estimate electrode position and monitor postoperative changes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University Medical center, tertiary academic referral center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing CI (CI622) surgery between January 2019 and June 2022. INTERVENTION: CI electrode positions and maximal angular insertion depths (maxAID) were determined using X-ray imaging according to Stenvers' projection. The mean gradient phase (MGP) was extracted from the TIM, and a correlation between the MGP and maxAID was examined. A model was then built to estimate the maxAID using the MGP, and changes in electrode location over time were assessed using this model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Twenty-four patients were included in this study. A positive correlation between the maxAID and the MGP ( R = 0.7, p = 0.0001) was found. The established model was able to predict the maxAID with an accuracy of 27.7 ± 4.4°. Comparing intraoperative and postoperative TIM measurements, a decrease of 24.1° ± 10.7° in maxAID over time was observed. CONCLUSION: TIM measurements are useful for estimating the insertion depth of the electrode and monitoring changes in the electrode's position over time.

Head and Neck Cancer: A Study on the Complex Relationship between QoL and Swallowing Function.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is linked to significant morbidity, adversely affecting survival and functional capacity. Post-treatment challenges such as pain, dysphonia, and dysphagia are common, prompting increased attention in survivorship research. Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaires, especially the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), are prevalent outcome measures in clinical studies but often lack parallel objective swallowing function evaluations, leading to potential outcome discrepancies. This study aimed to illuminate the relationship between subjective QoL (EQ-5D-5L and MDADI) measures and objective swallowing function (evaluated via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing, FEES) in patients with HNSCC. The analysis revealed a notable discordance between objective measures of swallowing function, such as the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) and residue ratings in the vallecula or piriform sinus, and patients' subjective QoL assessments (p = 0.21). Despite the lack of correlation, swallowing-related QoL, as measured by the MDADI, was more indicative of disease severity than generic QoL assessments. Generic QoL scores did not demonstrate substantial variation between patients. In contrast, MDADI scores significantly declined with advancing tumor stage, multimodal therapy, and reliance on feeding tubes. However, the clinical significance of this finding was tempered by the less than 10-point difference in MDADI scores. The findings of this study underline the limitations of QoL measures as standalone assessments in patients with HNSCC, given their reliance on patient-perceived impairment. While subjective QoL is a crucial aspect of evaluating therapeutic success and patient-centric outcomes, it may fail to capture critical clinical details such as silent aspirations. Consequently, QoL assessments should be augmented by objective evaluations of swallowing function in clinical research and practice to ensure a holistic understanding of patient well-being and treatment impact.

Continuous intraoperative perfusion monitoring of free microvascular anastomosed fasciocutaneous flaps using remote photoplethysmography.

Flap loss through limited perfusion remains a major complication in reconstructive surgery. Continuous monitoring of perfusion will facilitate early detection of insufficient perfusion. Remote or imaging photoplethysmography (rPPG/iPPG) as a non-contact, non-ionizing, and non-invasive monitoring technique provides objective and reproducible information on physiological parameters. The aim of this study is to establish rPPG for intra- and postoperative monitoring of flap perfusion in patients undergoing reconstruction with free fasciocutaneous flaps (FFCF). We developed a monitoring algorithm for flap perfusion, which was evaluated in 15 patients. For 14 patients, ischemia of the FFCF in the forearm and successful reperfusion of the implanted FFCF was quantified based on the local signal. One FFCF showed no perfusion after reperfusion and devitalized in the course. Intraoperative monitoring of perfusion with rPPG provides objective and reproducible results. Therefore, rPPG is a promising technology for standard flap perfusion monitoring on low costs without the need for additional monitoring devices.

The Dorsal Skinfold Chamber as a New Tympanic Membrane Wound Healing Model: Intravital Insights into the Pathophysiology of Epithelialized Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Tympanic membrane perforations (TMPs) are a common complication of trauma and infection. Persisting perforations result from the unique location of the tympanic membrane. The wound is surrounded by air of the middle ear and the external auditory canal. The inadequate wound bed, growth factor, and blood supply lead to circular epithelialization of the perforation's edge and premature interruption of defect closure. Orthotopic animal models use mechanical or chemical tympanic membrane laceration to identify bioactive wound dressings and overcome premature epithelialization. However, all orthotopic models essentially lack repetitive visualization of the biomaterial-wound interface. Therefore, recent progress in 3D printing of customized wound dressings has not yet been transferred to the unique wound setup of the TMP. Here, we present a novel application for the mice dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) with an epithelialized full-thickness defect as TMP model. METHODS: A circular 2-mm defect was cut into the extended dorsal skinfold using a biopsy punch. The skinfold was either perforated through both skin layers without prior preparation or perforated on 1 side, following resection of the opposing skin layer. In both groups, the wound was sealed with a coverslip or left unclosed (n = 4). All animals were examined for epithelialization of the edge (histology), size of the perforation (planimetry), neovascularization (repetitive intravital fluorescence microscopy), and inflammation (immunohistology). RESULTS: The edge of the perforation was overgrown by the cornified squamous epithelium in all pre-parations. Reduction in the perforation's size was enhanced by application of a coverslip. Microsurgical preparation before biopsy punch perforation and sealing with a coverslip enabled repetitive high-quality intravital fluorescence microscopy. However, spontaneous reduction of the perforation occurred frequently. Therefore, the direct biopsy punch perforation without microsurgical preparation was favorable: spontaneous reduction did not occur throughout 21 days. Moreover, the visualization of the neovascularization was sufficient in intravital microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The DSC full-thickness defect is a valuable supplement to orthotopic TMP models. Repetitive intravital microscopy of the epithelialized edge enables investigation of the underlying pathophysiology during the transition from the inflammation to the proliferation phase of wound healing. Using established analysis procedures, the present model provides an effective platform for the screening of bioactive materials and transferring progress in tissue engineering to the special conditions of tympanic membrane wound healing.

[Interactive intraoperative annotation of surgical landmarks in student education to support learning efficiency and motivation]. / Interaktive intraoperative Annotation chirurgischer Anatomie in der studentischen Ausbildung zur Unterstützung der Lerneffizienz und -motivation.

BACKGROUND: The development of technological innovations has not only changed social life and the healthcare system, but also affects medical education. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate whether students, when observing a microsurgical procedure of the temporal bone, gain an additional understanding of the anatomical structures and surgical site when visualization is used that provides identical views for the surgeon and viewer in 3D. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During regular attendance tutorials, students were randomly assigned to three different groups: control group, 2D group, or 3D group. Evaluation questionnaires and intraoperative student annotation of the surgical view were used to assess the subjective didactic value of different visualization formats and resultant learning experiences for the students. RESULTS: A total of 47 students were included in the investigations during conventional attendance tutorials. The majority indicated a high added value of the 3D visualization in terms of method (70%) and vividness (80%) compared to the 2D group and self-study; 69% of the students fully agreed with the statement that 2D and 3D visualization increases learning motivation and is a very good way to improve recognition of anatomical topography and structures. CONCLUSION: New interactive visualization options in teaching promote learning efficiency and motivation among students. Especially 3D visualization and intraoperative annotation of the surgical view by the student is a useful didactic tool and increases the quality of clinical teaching. It supports the perception of anatomical topography and enables more focused surgical training.

Smartphone-based nystagmus diagnostics: development of an innovative app for the targeted detection of vertigo.

BACKGROUND: In medicine, the symptom of dizziness is one of the most common multidisciplinary causes of emergency medical presentation. Attending physicians are often faced with difficult decisions when evaluating patients with dizziness. A rapid differential diagnostic decision must be made during the initial examination. The goal of this study, was to develop a smartphone-based app that can diagnose and qualify nystagmus. The app should enable differentiation between acute emergencies such as strokes ("central vertigo") and vestibular disorders ("peripheral vertigo") using and recognizing or analyzing the accompanying symptom "nystagmus". MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery "Otto Körner", Rostock (Germany). The experimental study design consisted of two test runs and two control runs. In the two test runs, nystagmus was tracked and evaluated by caloric and optokinetic stimulation, respectively, through a custom-developed app. Sensitivity and correlation were calculated for the app's application performance and compared under different experimental conditions. RESULTS: The patient sample included twenty healthy participants with a mean age of 25.6 years (± 2.2 SD) who participated in the study. The overall sensitivity of detection of nystagmus averaged 82.14% in the optokinetic stimulation test trials. There is no correlation regarding specific subject data and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our experimental validation study show that a smartphone-based nystagmus app is a useful tool for vertigo diagnosis. The results of our analyses show that it is possible to diagnose nystagmus and determine shape or direction with the app.

Neuromonitoring of the cochlear nerve during vestibular schwannoma resection and simultaneous cochlear implantation.

Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors that originate from the nerve sheath of one of the two vestibular nerves. VS can have a severe impact on everyday life of the patient and may lead to symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss (e.g., as sudden deafness), deafness, and tinnitus. Treatment concepts include observational waiting with regular imaging control ("wait and scan"), radiotherapy, or surgical resection. Depending on the size of the tumor and status of functional hearing, the surgical approach may be retrosigmoidal, transtemporal, retrolabyrinthine, or translabyrinthine. The translabyrinthine approach always results in complete deafness due to opening of the bony labyrinth. If the nerve structure of the cochlear nerve is preserved, hearing rehabilitation with a cochlear implant (CI) may be successful. In this article the surgical technique for microsurgical resection of VS using a translabyrinthine approach with simultaneous cochlear implantation under intraoperative monitoring of the cochlear nerve by electrical stimulation is presented.

Evaluating the didactic value of 3D visualization in otosurgery.

INTRODUCTION: Improvements of surgical visualization add value to the quality of clinical routine and offer the opportunity to improve surgical education of medical staff. The aim of this study was to determine whether otorhinolaryngology trainees gain additional comprehension of the anatomical structures and the surgical site when 3D visualization is used. METHODS: Data were collected from ENT trainees of microsurgical courses of the middle ear, inner ear and lateral skull base at four university ENT departments (Charité (Berlin), Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (Halle/Saale), Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich) and Rostock University Medical Center). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire assessing the subjective value of identical surgical field visualization in 3D for surgeon and observer. RESULTS: A total of 112 participants completed the questionnaire. The majority of participants stated a high additional value of 3D visualization compared to 2D visualization, with 75% fully agreeing to the statement that 3D visualization of the surgical field is superior to perceive the anatomical topography and structures compared to 2D representation. Participants encouraged the storage of data in online learning platforms. CONCLUSION: The results show that 3D visualization with identical imaging for surgeon and observer is a useful tool in teaching of microsurgery. It addresses perception of anatomical topography and structures as well as conception of the surgical workflow.

Intrathecal Application of a Fluorescent Dye for the Identification of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks in Cochlear Malformation.

In cases of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, reliable detection of their origins is needed to seal the leak sufficiently and prevent complications, such as meningitis. A method is presented here using intrathecal administered fluorescein in a clinical case of bilateral congenital ear malformation. A fluorescent dye is administered intrathecally to achieve intraoperative visualization of CSF leaks. The dye is applied 20 min before surgery, and concentration of 5% is used. Per every 10 kg of body weight, 0.1 mL of the fluid is applied intrathecally. The fluorescein is visualized using a fully digital microscope. The origin of the fluid leak is identified in the stapes footplate. During primary surgery, it is sealed, and cochlea implantation is performed for hearing restoration. In this specific case, 6 weeks later, the implant was explanted due to acute meningitis, and the electrode array was left as a spacer. Postoperatively, in the aural smear, ß-transferrin was detected. During a revision mastoidectomy, dislocated coverage of the leak was found. The stapes was removed and oval window sealed. Five days after revision surgery, no ß-transferrin was detected in the aural smear. During the revision of cochlea implantation 6 months later, intact coverage of the oval niche was observed. Thus, intrathecal fluorescein application proves to be a reliable tool for the detection of CSF leaks. It facilitates the orientation in malformations and complicated or unknown surgical situs. In the literature, its use is described for CSF fistulas in endonasal surgery but is rarely described in skull base and mastoid surgeries. The method has been used successfully in several cases with CSF leaks, and the results confirm the feasibility of safely accessing the origin of the leak.

Comparison of total and partial ossicular replacement prostheses in patients with an intact stapes suprastructure.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the results of ossiculoplasty with two different partial ossicular replacement prostheses (PORP) to ossiculoplasty with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) in patients with an intact stapes suprastructure. METHODS: All patients required primary or revision surgery for chronic middle ear disease and ossicular reconstruction with either a PORP or a TORP, as well as a with an intact stapes suprastructure. In total, 141 patients receiving classic tympanoplasty with PORP (N = 92), ossiculoplasty with PORP with ball joint (N = 22), or TORP (N = 27) between January 2011 and March 2017 were included in this study. The inclusion criterion was an intact stapes suprastructure. The underlying indication for surgery was either middle ear disease, such as cholesteatoma, or revision surgery for audiological improvement. The main outcome measures were four-frequency pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) at early and late follow-up after ossiculoplasty, the effects of clinical factors including the underlying middle ear disease, and primary or revision surgery. RESULTS: All patients showed a significantly reduced air-bone gap (ABG 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz) at late follow-up (mean: 18 dB) compared to preoperative measurements (mean: 25.5 dB). A significantly better outcome in ABG closure was shown among patients with a preoperatively intact tympanic membrane, with an intact stapes suprastructure or without preexisting cholesteatoma. Outcome was not significantly influenced by the prosthesis-type, the creation of an open mastoid cavity, the status of the mucosa, or the indication for surgery. CONCLUSION: TORP with an intact stapes suprastructure is a safe procedure and provides audiological outcomes similar to PORP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2C Laryngoscope, 130:768-775, 2020.

Open Mastoid Cavity Obliteration With a High-Porosity Hydroxyapatite Ceramic Leads to High Rate of Revision Surgery and Insufficient Cavity Obliteration.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term results and present experience with a high-porosity hydroxyapatite ceramic for obliterating large open mastoid cavities. STUDY-DESIGN: Cross-sectional cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary academic referral center. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent tympanomastoid surgery for chronic middle ear disease or revision surgery with reduction of an open mastoid cavity using a highly porous hydroxyapatite matrix material (HMM) between May 2005 and June 2013 were assessed for eligibility. Twenty three patients (56.9 ±â€Š18.3 yr) were included. INTERVENTION: Primary middle ear surgery or revision surgery using a HMM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pure-tone average, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate osseoinduction, osseointegration and presence of cholesteatoma, current quality of life assessed by Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory and change in quality of life post-intervention assessed by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory. RESULTS: Patients were reexamined after a mean follow-up period of 88.3 months (SD 21.4 mo) after obliteration of the open mastoid cavity with HMM. Compared with visit 1, patients showed a significantly reduced ABG at visit 2 (29.22 dB ±â€Š2.71 dB versus 12.77 dB ±â€Š3.46 dB).CT scan was carried out in 21 patients (91%) patients and 17 patients (74%) underwent MRI.Revision surgery was required in a total of 17 cases (74%). In four patients recurrent cholesteatoma was found at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Poor cavity obliteration, a high rate of revision surgery and difficult differentiation between recurrent cholesteatoma and granulation tissue in CT scan was observed.

Surgical approach for complete cochlear coverage in EAS-patients after residual hearing loss.

INTRODUCTION: In cases with residual-hearing (RH) loss after cochlear implantation, a safe method is needed to provide full spectral resolution and as much auditory information as possible without implant replacement. Aim of this study was to prove the feasibility of accessing a partially inserted cochlear-implant-electrode for complete insertion to its maximum length through the external ear canal using a transcanal approach. METHODS: Two CI electrodes were customized with 18 stimulating channels. The electrode design enables the use of 12 active channels available for electrical stimulation inside the cochlea both after partial and full insertion. 10 CI electrodes were implanted in 10 fresh human cadaveric temporal bones. After initial partial insertion by posterior tympanotomy, the electrode was inserted to its maximum length via a transcanal approach. Radiographs and CT scans were performed to confirm the electrode position. The electrodes were investigated via x-ray after removal. RESULTS: X-ray and CT-scans confirmed the electrode prototypes covering an angular insertion depth between 236° to 307° after initial insertion. Accessing the electrode in the middle ear space was feasible and insertion to its full length was successful. Post-insertion CT confirmed insertion of the 28mm and 31.5mm electrode arrays covering an angular insertion depth between 360° and 540° respectively. No tip foldovers were detected. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the feasibility of extending the electrode insertion to its maximum insertion length using a transcanal approach in temporal bone specimens. This constitutes a second stage procedure on demand in EAS-surgery. This may be beneficial for EAS-patients providing electrical stimulation beyond the basal turn of the cochlea once the functional residual hearing is lost, without replacing the entire CI.

Stapes surgery leads to significant improvement in quality of life, independently from the surgical method: evaluation of stapes surgery using different prostheses and different quality of life measurements.

OBJECTIVES: To compare quality-of-life (QoL) measurements with audiological results after stapes surgery with two different prostheses. METHODS: This is a retrospective longitudinal study. All patients required stapes surgery for otosclerosis and ossicular chain reconstruction with either a titanium band prothesis (TBP) or receiving a nitinol head prosthesis (NHP). Intervention was between January 2011 and March 2017 patients received stapes-surgery with either TBP (n = 95) or NHP (n = 50). Audiological measurements at three different time points (preoperatively, early follow up < 3 months, late follow-up > 3 months) were compared and two different QoL-inventories, the Glasgow-Benefit-Inventory (GBI) and the Stapes-Plasty-Outcome-Test-25 (SPOT-25) were investigated postoperatively. The main outcome measures were Pure tone average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz at early and late follow up after stapes surgery were compared and correlated with the subjective benefit on the QoL inventories. The perforation method and the type of surgery were analyzed as potentially influencing factors. RESULTS: All patients showed a significantly reduced air bone gap (ABG 0.5, 1, 2, 3) at the two follow-up visits (visit 2: mean: 13.6 dB, SD 7.7; visit 3: mean: 12.7 dB SD 8.1) compared to preoperative measurements (mean: 28.9 dB, SD 9.9) and subjectively benefitted from stapes surgery (mean GBI score: 21.55; SD 20.60, mean SPOT-25 score: 28.03; SD 18.53). The outcome of the two questionnaires correlated with each other. Neither the hearing-outcome nor the subjective benefit was significantly influenced by the prosthesis, the perforation method or the type of anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Both prostheses were safe and led to comparable hearing results as well as to subjective benefits in the Health-related-Quality-of-Life (HrQoL). A combination of the two questionnaires is recommendable for postoperative quality control.

Evaluation of Multicenter Registry Data. / Register ­ Auswertung von multizentrischen Daten.

A registry actively documents and standardizes patient data on pre-defined questions. The term "register" emphasizes the data-holding aspect with the aim of describing epidemiological relationships and differences, supporting quality assurance and improvement, as well as clinical research. The evaluation of efficacy in the medical care routine, the monitoring of patient safety as well as economic evaluation and minimum quantity research are further tasks of registries. Patients and reporting institutions determine the quality of registries through completeness and high data validity. This must be taken into account when designing, financing and operating a registry. The analysis of potentially confounding or effect modifying variables is of significant importance for the evaluation of multi-center data from registers. Regular feedback to reporting institutions, patient information, public announcements and scientific publications as well as compliance with data protection regulations increase the transparency of the register. Otorhinolaryngology has few points of contact with registries. An exception is the integration into the cancer registry and the newborn hearing screening registry, which is currently under construction. The great variety of measurable outcome parameters in otorhinolaryngology, such as in otology, phoniatrics, rhinology, allergology, etc., forms the basis for various potential registers. Clinical questions, prevention measures, quality assurance, health care research and recommendations for health policy would be scientifically sound and evidence-based.

Cochlear Implantation in Chronic Otitis Media: Investigation of Long-term Speech Comprehension and Rate of Complications.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term speech comprehension and rate of complications of cochlear implantation in chronic otitis media. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data analysis. SETTING: Tertiary referral center with a large cochlear implant program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Speech perception scores in quiet and background noise and rate of complications. PATIENTS: Forty ears from a total of 38 patients with a mean age of 63.28 ±â€Š2.16 years at the time of implantation were included. RESULTS: Patients with a history of multiple ear surgeries, with no alternative option for hearing restoration than a cochlear implant, were implanted with satisfactory results in regard to speech comprehension. Preoperative bone conduction PTA4 correlated to postoperative speech comprehension scores in background noise. The rate of complications was low, but higher than in cases of cochlear implantation in normal middle ears. CONCLUSION: Cochlear implantation in chronic otitis media can be a satisfactory and safe procedure, if the surgery technique and aftercare is appropriate to the altered anatomy.

Characterization of vertigo and hearing loss in patients with Fabry disease.

BACKGROUND: Fabry Disease (FD) is an X-linked hereditary lysosomal storage disorder which leads to a multisystemic intralysosomal accumulation of globotriaosylceramid (Gb3). Besides prominent renal and cardiac organ involvement, patients commonly complain about vestibulocochlear symptoms like high-frequency hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. However, comprehensive data especially on vertigo remain scarce. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and characteristics of vertigo and hearing loss in patients with FD, depending on renal and cardiac parameters and get hints about the site and the pattern of the lesions. METHODS: Single-center study with 57 FD patients. Every patient underwent an oto-rhino-laryngological examination as well as videonystagmography and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) and audiological measurements using pure tone audiometry and auditory brainstem response audiometry (ABR). Renal function was measured by eGFR, cardiac impairment was graduated by NYHA class. RESULTS: More than one out of three patients (35.1%) complained about hearing loss, 54.4% about vertigo and 28.1% about both symptom. In 74% a sensorineural hearing loss of at least 25 dB was found, ABR could exclude any retrocochlear lesion. Caloric testing showed abnormal values in 71.9%, VEMPs were pathological in 68%. A correlation between the side or the shape of hearing loss and pathological vestibular testing could not be revealed. CONCLUSIONS: Hearing loss and vertigo show a high prevalence in FD. While hearing loss seems due to a cochlear lesion, peripheral vestibular as well as central nervous pathologies cause vertigo. Thus, both the site of lesion and the pathophysiological patterns seem to differ.

Surgical Impact of Coupling an Active Middle Ear Implant to Short Incus Process.

INTRODUCTION: Since 1996 the active middle-ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) is used to treat mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing losses. The former standard surgical approach for incus vibroplasty included a mastoidectomy and a posterior tympanotomy, crimping the Floating-Mass Transducer (FMT) to the long incus process. The introduction of the short process (SP) coupler allows the attachment of the FMT to the incus body making the procedure of a posterior tympanotomy unnecessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the duration of surgery (surgical case length) and to compare the audiological results of SP coupling with the former standard surgical approach to the long incus process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing an incus vibroplasty between October 2009 and February 2016 were included in this cohort study. The patients received an incus vibroplasty with crimping the FMT to the long incus process (former standard application) (n = 25) and with the SP coupler (n = 17) respectively. The surgical case length as well as the functional audiological outcome was assessed 12 months postoperatively using pure-tone audiometry and speech audiometry. RESULTS: The surgical case length was significantly shorter in the SP coupler group compared to the standard application incus vibroplasty (85 ±â€Š29 min vs. 114 ±â€Š50 min). Additionally, patients receiving the SP coupler had an increased speech perception if compared to the standard application (Freiburger monosyllables at 65 dB SPL: 76.1 ±â€Š16.1% vs. 66.2 ±â€Š23.5%). CONCLUSION: The SP coupler leads to a shortened time of surgery and by the less invasive surgery to reduced risks for facial nerve and chorda tympani. Speech perception is significantly improved by SP coupling compared to classic long incus coupling.

Stable Longitudinal Performance of Adult Cochlear Implant Users for More Than 10 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the long-term performance of cochlear implant patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center with a large cochlear implant program. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Speech perception scores in quiet and in background noise in the short-term (1.12 ±â€Š0.15 yr) and long-term (12.61 ±â€Š2.34 yr) after implantation. PATIENTS: Fifty-eight implanted ears from 55 patients with a mean age of 51.80 ±â€Š1.757 years at the time of implantation were included. RESULTS: Speech perception scores were stable in the long-term for up to 20 years postimplantation. When alteration of speech perception over time was investigated in relation to the age at implantation, there was a deterioration of the scores in quiet in older patients (>60 years old at the time of surgery). In addition the speech comprehension in noise was negatively correlated with the age at the time of the test. CONCLUSION: The speech perception abilities of cochlear implant users are stable in the long-term and at the most may be affected by the age of the patients, as it is known from acoustic hearing.

Coupling of an active middle-ear implant to the long process of the incus using an elastic clip attachment.

The active middle-ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge© (VSB) is used to treat mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing losses. The standard surgical approach for incus vibroplasty is a mastoidectomy and a posterior tympanotomy, crimping the Floating Mass Transducer (FMT) to the long process of the incus (LPI) (standard crimped application). However, tight crimping increases the risk of necrosis of the LPI, resulting in reduction of energy transfer and loss of amplification. The aim of this study was to develop a new coupling device for the LPI, that does not require crimping, and to test its vibrational transfer properties in temporal-bone preparations. An extended antrotomy and a posterior tympanotomy were performed in ten fresh human temporal bones. As a control for normal middle-ear function, the tympanic membrane was stimulated acoustically and the vibration of the stapes footplate was measured by laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). FMT-induced vibration responses of the stapes were then measured for the standard crimped application at the LPI and for the newly designed elastic long process coupler (LP coupler). For the LP coupler, velocity-amplitude responses in temporal-bone preparations showed increased mean amplitudes at around 1 kHz (∼10 dB) and a reduction between 1.8 and 6 kHz (13 dB on average for 2 ≤ f ≤ 5 kHz). In conclusion, attachment of the FMT to the LPI with the LP coupler leads to generally good mechanical and functional coupling in temporal-bone preparations with a notable disadvantage between 1.8 and 6 kHz. Due to its elastic clip attachment it is expected that the LP coupler will reduce the risk of necrosis of the incus long process, which has to been shown in further studies. Clinical results of the LP coupler are pending.