Discussing Patient Emotions in Audiology: Provider Experiences With the Implementation Process of Hearing Loss Psychological Inflexibility Screenings.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators experienced by clinical educators and graduate students when talking with patients about difficult emotions and thoughts related to their hearing. METHOD: A longitudinal observational design was used and an Implementation Research Logic Model guided the process. Five clinical educators and five graduate students participated in the study. Participants completed pre- and postmeasures and attended individual debriefing sessions during the 8-month study period. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the debriefing sessions: (a) learning process, (b) confidence, (c) barriers, and (d) supervision. Participants described that the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Managing Child Hearing Loss and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-Adult Hearing Loss served as a reminder to ask about patients' internal barriers and increased awareness of their discomfort in talking about patient emotions. Participants also described barriers and struggles related to supporting students in gaining counseling skills. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for internal challenges helped clinicians remember to talk with patients about their difficult thoughts and emotions. Clinician hesitancy to engage in conversations with patients about their emotions can interfere with opportunities for patients to share their struggles and with training student in these skills.

Use of Diagnostic Audiology and Cochlear Implantation in the US.

This study examined if cochlear implant (CI) use varies geographically within the US and if diagnostic audiology use correlates with CI usage.

Audiological findings of family farmers exposed to pesticides. / Achados audiológicos de agricultores familiares paranaenses expostos a agrotóxicos.

PURPOSE: To analyze the possible differences among the hearing of farmers and their families when compared to the population not exposed to pesticides. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 70 smallholder family farmers (research group), with the mean age of 39.7 years, of both sexes and a mean of 23.7 years of exposure to pesticides. We included a control group with 71 participants of both sexes with the mean age of 39.5 years, not exposed to either noise or chemical substances, to compare the results. In stage 1, both groups were submitted to conventional and high-frequency audiometry, and acoustic immittance. In stage 2, only people with normal hearing were submitted to the evoked otoacoustic emissions and suppression effect on transient otoacoustic emissions. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the groups in the conventional pure-tone and in the high-frequency audiometry, as well as in the acoustic reflex. The most affected frequencies in the conventional pure-tone audiometry ranged from 3 to 6 kHz and, in the high-frequency audiometry, from 9000 to 11200 Hz. As for the transient otoacoustic emissions, the worse suppression effect results were found in the research group. CONCLUSION: There were differences among the hearing of family farmers and the control group. The conventional auditory thresholds are related to the group, age and sex. Farming is associated with impairments in the basal region of the cochlea, absence of acoustic reflex, reduced signal-to-noise ratio of the transient otoacoustic emissions, and dysfunction in the olivocochlear efferents of the auditory system.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as possíveis diferenças na audição de agricultores e suas famílias em comparação com população não exposta aos agrotóxicos. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal, com 70 participantes (grupo pesquisa), com média de idade de 39,7 anos, de ambos os sexos, proprietários de pequenos estabelecimentos agrícolas vinculados a agricultura familiar e tempo de exposição médio aos agrotóxicos de 23,7 anos. Um grupo controle com 71 participantes de ambos os sexos, sem exposição a ruído e agentes químicos, com idade média de 39,5 anos, foi incluído para a comparação dos resultados. Na etapa 1, ambos os grupos foram submetidos a audiometria convencional e de altas frequências e imitanciometria. Na etapa 2, somente os normoouvintes foram submetidos as emissões otoacústicas evocadas e efeito de supressão das emissões otoacústicas transientes. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diferenças significativas entre os grupos para audiometria tonal convencional e de altas frequências, e no reflexo acústico. As frequências mais afetadas na audiometria tonal convencional foram 3 a 6kHz e na audiometria de altas frequências foram as frequências de 9.000 e 11.200 Hz. Nas emissões otoacusticas transientes, observou-se no efeito de supressão piores resultados no grupo de pesquisa. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que houve diferenças na audição dos agricultores familiares em comparação com o grupo controle. Os limiares auditivos convencionais estão relacionados em função do grupo, idade e gênero. O trabalho na agricultura está associado com o comprometimento na região basal da cóclea, à ausência de reflexo acústico, à redução da relação sinal/ruído das emissões otoacústicas transientes e à disfunção do sistema auditivo eferente olivococlear.

Opioid stewardship and perioperative management of pediatric tympanoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To provide insight into the intraoperative management, admission course, pain management, and graft success of microscope- and endoscope-assisted tympanoplasty. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Chart Review. METHODS: This study included children 18 years and younger who underwent ambulatory tympanoplasty at a tertiary pediatric hospital between January 2018 and December 2020. Medical records were reviewed and information about intraoperative factors, surgical approach, laterality, complications, and post-operative perforation closure success rates was collected. Multivariate analysis was performed to compare and contrast the two surgical approaches. RESULTS: The review included 321 pediatric patients who underwent a tympanoplasty. Endoscopic tympanoplasty accounted for 17.4%, while microscopic tympanoplasty accounted for 82.6%. In both approaches, the rate of intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, audiological improvements, and perforation closure success rates were statistically similar. However, patients who underwent endoscopic tympanoplasty were 3.96 times less likely to require opioids in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and had a shorter post-operative admission length. This pattern emerged regardless of the type of graft used. Obtaining an autograft was not associated with a higher opioid requirement in the PACU. CONCLUSION: While both approaches are viable, our findings demonstrate the reduced need for opioids with similar success rates following an endoscopic tympanoplasty. Ultimately, the trade-off for the minimally invasive endoscopic approach appears to be a less painful experience for the child while promoting clinically appropriate opioid stewardship in the perioperative setting.

[Early management of presbycusis: recommendations from the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, the French Society of Audiology, and the French Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology]. / Recommandations de la Société française d'otorhinolaryngologie et de chirurgie de la face et du cou, la Société française d'audiologie et la Société française de gériatrie et gérontologie pour la prise en charge précoce de la presbyacousie.

INTRODUCTION: Presbycusis is the physiological decrease in hearing due to advancing age and begins well before the sixth decade. These recommendations recall the principles of early diagnosis of presbycusis and the means of optimal rehabilitation as soon as the first symptoms appear. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The recommendations are based on a systematic analysis of the literature carried out by a multidisciplinary group of doctors and audioprosthetists from all over France. They are graded A, B, C or expert opinion according to decreasing level of scientific evidence. RESULTS: The diagnosis of presbycusis is more difficult at the beginning of its evolution but a certain number of tools are available for its early diagnosis and its management in face-to-face or even distance learning. CONCLUSION: In case of a clinical profile suggestive of presbycusis in a young subject, especially if there are several family cases, it is recommended to propose a genetic investigation. It is recommended to perform free-field speech audiometry in noise to measure intelligibility in an environment as close as possible to reality. Questionnaires can be used in addition to audiometry to best assess the patient's disability. It is recommended that hearing rehabilitation with a hearing aid or cochlear implant may slow or prevent cognitive decline. Combined auditory and cognitive rehabilitation should be offered regardless of the time elapsed since the fitting. It is recommended to integrate programs accessible via smartphones, tablets or the Internet, integrating different training domains in addition to face-to-face sessions.

First results of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, applied as a screening tool for psychosocial difficulties in pediatric audiology.

PURPOSE: Despite major improvements in rehabilitation possibilities, children with sensorineural hearing loss are at risk for psychosocial difficulties. These difficulties can impact their educational and career achievements and may be two to three times more common in children with hearing loss compared to those with normal hearing. Early identification of psychosocial difficulties can be facilitated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and may improve outcomes and quality of life. We implemented the SDQ into the clinical follow-up of children with hearing loss in a tertiary referral hospital. With this, prevalence and severity of difficulties in specific psychosocial domains and several predictors were investigated. METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional investigation was performed of the following factors in association with the SDQ results: type of hearing device, type and degree of hearing loss, speech perception in quiet and in noise, and type of schooling. RESULTS: Between June 2020 and January 2022, parents of 312 children (age 4-18) completed the SDQ. An additional 113 child-reports were completed. The response rate of the parents was 69%. Problems with peer relationships and prosocial behavior were the most affected areas with clinically elevated scores in 22% of the children. Psychosocial difficulties were distributed similarly across types of hearing device, nature and degrees of hearing loss, and educational settings. Better speech perception in quiet was significantly associated with fewer parent-reported conduct problems. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that children with hearing loss may be at risk of experiencing challenges with social interactions and attachment in social contexts. Using the SDQ in clinical follow-up may improve the chances for early psychological assessment and intervention. In addition, the study found that children's mental health may be impacted by their communication abilities.

[The critical thoughts on diagnosis and treatment of childhood hearing loss].

With the rapid development of genomics, imaging detection, audiology technology, and gene therapy, the clinical practice of childhood hearing loss has also made significant progress. This paper summarized and analyzed the important concepts, epidemiology, hearing screening, hearing diagnosis, genetic evaluation, imaging detection and intervention strategies of pediatric hearing loss, especially the current situation and new progress, to facilitate the clinical practice of diagnosis and treatment of childhood hearing loss.

Combined evaluation of audiology examination and self-reported symptoms in patients with hyperacusis.

To investigate the application of combined audiological examination and a self-reported symptoms survey in the evaluation of hyperacusis. Patients who visited the outpatient department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Otological medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, from January 2019 to March 2021 were divided into a hyperacusis group and a normal control group. We measured the loudness discomfort level (LDL) and hearing threshold (HT) of the subjects and investigated their self-reported symptoms. We compared the demographic characteristics, loudness discomfort level, and hearing threshold of the two groups and analyzed the self-reported symptoms and audiological characteristics of hyperacusis. We considered 87 subjects, comprising 40 patients with hyperacusis and 47 healthy individuals. Among the hyperacusis patients, bilateral disease was predominant. Among them, 33 were females, 23 had hearing loss, and 20 had tinnitus. Patients are mainly in the 21-60 age group. Patients with hyperacusis had low discomfort thresholds at all frequencies except 500 Hz (P ≤ 0.05, mean LDL decreased by 6.14-1.37 dB HL for all frequencies). The incidences of feeling upset, pain, and anxiety or fear were 95%, 65%, and 82.5%, respectively, in patients with hyperacusis. The severity of symptoms varies between patients with hyperacusis and healthy individuals. A combination of LDL measurements and self-reported symptom surveys allows for an accurate and comprehensive assessment of hyperacusis.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered (TRN: ChiCTR2100047391) on June 13, 2021.

Sensitivity to Deaf Culture Among Otolaryngology and Audiology Trainees.

OBJECTIVE: The Deaf community is an ethnolinguistic minority group. Low sensitivity to Deaf culture contributes to health disparities among Deaf patients. This study determines the level of sensitivity to Deaf culture among otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) and audiology trainees. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey study of OHNS and audiology trainees from 10 large US institutions. Trainees were queried on their exposure to and comfort with Deaf patients and their education on, attitude toward, and awareness and knowledge of Deaf culture. Sensitivity to Deaf culture was operationalized as awareness and knowledge of Deaf culture. These were assessed using a 35-item instrument that was previously developed using a d/Deaf community-based participatory approach to research. We used T-tests to compare the sample to previous samples of medical students with training in Deaf culture (MS-TDCs) and general practitioners (GPs). RESULTS: There were 91 completed surveys (response rate 44.5%). Almost all were aware of Deaf culture (97.8%). The mean knowledge score was 55.0% (standard deviation (SD) 13.4%), which was significantly higher than that for GPs at 43.0% (SD 15.0%) (95% confidence interval 8.1%, 15.8%, P < .0001) but significantly lower than that for MS-TDCs at 69.0% (SD 13.0%)(CI -20.3%, -7.6%, P < .0001). Knowledge scores were comparable for OHNS and audiology trainees (P = .09). CONCLUSION: This sample of OHNS and audiology trainees was more sensitive to Deaf culture than GPs but less sensitive than MS-TDCs. Developing specialty-specific education may be warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.

Evaluation of health service outcomes for an audiology first point of contact retrocochlear clinic: a 6-year retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Although existing studies of audiology first point of contact clinics which screen for retrocochlear pathology have demonstrated positive clinical outcomes, they have provided limited information regarding service impacts. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate both the clinical and health service outcomes of an audiology first point of contact (FPOC) clinic for adults referred to ENT services with suspected retrocochlear pathology. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. STUDY SAMPLE: All 1123 patients referred to the clinic over a 6-year period (2013-2019). RESULTS: Most (73.7%) of the 1123 patients referred to the Retrocochlear Clinic were managed and discharged by the audiologist and did not require ENT appointment. Almost half (43.1%) were directly referred for MRI imaging, of which 4 (1.1%) were diagnosed with Vestibular Schwannoma. Waiting times for first appointments significantly (p < 0.001) reduced from a median of 748 days to 63.5 days over the 6-year period. Attendance rates also significantly (p < 0.001) improved over this time (from 52.2% to 90%). There were no adverse events reported. Of those discharged without attending an ENT appointment, 1.8% were rereferred to ENT within 12 months of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: This audiology FPOC Retrocochlear Clinic was shown to be a safe and effective alternative service model.

Understanding misophonia from an audiological perspective: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder in which certain sounds trigger an intensely emotional or physiological response caused by an increased autonomic nervous system reaction to the triggers. Misophonia is a relatively new condition, and the neurophysiological mechanism behind this condition is not known yet. The assessment and management of misophonia need a team approach. Audiologists are vital members of the team. However, their roles in this condition are not well-understood. The study aims to review the neurophysiological mechanism of misophonia, highlighting the mechanism involved in the audiological pathway and directing the discussion toward applications of findings in the assessment and management of misophonia from the audiological perspective. METHODS: We reviewed 12 articles from different databases to understand the neurophysiological mechanisms of misophonia. Most of the studies selected were experimental designs involving individuals with misophonia. RESULTS: The result of the review revealed abnormal activation and connection among the different higher cortical structures in participants with misophonia. By signifying various neurophysiological and neuroradiological findings, the review confirms that misophonia is a neurophysiological disorder that may border between audiology, neurology, and psychiatry. Assessment of study quality reported an overall low risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the need to include an audiologist as a team member in the evaluation and management of misophonia.

Outcomes from 7 years of a direct to audiology referral pathway.

BACKGROUND: The direct to audiology via ENT referral pathway was designed to enhance patient access to audiology services. The pathway is recommended in the Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery: a model of care for Ireland report, published in 2019. AIMS: This study aimed to review the outcomes of all patients that attended our institution over the last seven years. METHODS: A retrospective review of the direct to audiology referral service from March 2014 to December 2021 was conducted. Outcomes were defined by the pathway each patient took following attendance at the audiology clinic. Patients were either (i) discharged, (ii) referred for hearing aid(s) or (iii) identified as candidates for further diagnostic assessments, including a follow-up at the ENT outpatient clinic. RESULTS: During the time frame, 419 patients were triaged to the pathway. The average wait time was 13 days. The average age was 53 years (range 16-96 years, SD = 6.1). Approximately 34% (n = 143) of all patients referred were discharged back to the GP by the audiologist, but 66% (n = 276) presented with 'red flags' and needed further investigation in the ENT clinic, with 30% (n = 73) ultimately requiring imaging studies. Over half (n = 254, 61%) were referred for hearing aids. CONCLUSION: The direct to audiology initiative has proven effective at reducing waiting times for ENT patients solely in need of audiological intervention. Approximately one-third of these referrals to the ENT service can be assessed comprehensively in the audiology clinic, thereby reducing the demand for ENT clinics, enhancing service provision and expediting onwards referral for amplification.

Las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación para la logofonoaudiología / Information and Communication Technologies for Logophonoaudiology

Introducción: las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación, las redes, dispositivos y servicios facilitan el acceso a servicios de salud en menor tiempo, costo y mayor ubicuidad. Objetivo: actualizar conceptos esenciales sobre el uso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación para la formación preprofesional y práctica asistencial en la logofonoaudiología. Métodos: se realizó una investigación documental en bases de datos: Redalyc, Dialnet, SciELO, Doaj, Latindex, Scopus, Redib, Google Scholar, el sitio web de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, fueron seleccionados 25 documentos del período 2019-2022. Se utilizaron los ordenadores lógicos boleanos: AND, OR, como estrategias de búsqueda para combinar los términos TIC, logofonoaudiología, logopedia y conceptos afines a las ciencias de la salud. Desarrollo: tras la epidemia del COVID-19 se dinamizó el uso de redes, dispositivos y servicios tecnológicos en las actividades de logopedia, foniatría y audiología. Utilizar la telesalud en la formación de la Licenciatura de Logofonoaudiología facilita organizar los procesos de educación en salud y ofrecer estos servicios con el uso de tecnologías. Conclusiones: la telemedicina y la telesalud son dos de los conceptos que surgen con la aplicación de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en salud, herramientas facilitadoras del acceso a servicios de salud, promoción, diagnóstico, monitoreo y tratamiento de enfermedades. En la logopedia permite la atención individualizada, el trabajo autónomo, mayor retroalimentación entre los actores del proceso para la intervención, tratamiento y rehabilitación de modo sincrónico y asincrónico.

Introduction: Information and Communication Technologies, networks, devices, and services facilitate access to health services in less time, cost and greater ubiquity. Objective: to update essential concepts on the use of Information and Communication Technologies for pre-professional training and care practice in Logophonoaudiology. Methods: documentary research was carried out in databases: Redalyc, Dialnet, SciELO, Doaj, Latindex, Scopus, Redib, Google Scholar, the World Health Organization website, 25 documents from the period 2019-2022 were selected. Boolean logical computers: AND, OR, were used as search strategies to combine the terms ICT, Logophonoaudiology, Logopedia and concepts related to health sciences. Development: after the COVID-19 epidemic, the use of networks, devices, and technological services in Speech Therapy, Phoniatrics and Audiology activities was energized. Using telehealth in the training of the Logophonoaudiology Degree makes it easier to organize health education processes and offer these services with the use of technologies. Conclusions: telemedicine and telehealth are two of the concepts that arise with the application of Information and Communication Technologies in health, tools that facilitate access to health services, promotion, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases. In speech therapy, it allows individualized attention, autonomous work, greater feedback between the actors in the process for intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation in a synchronous and asynchronous way.

A evolução da e-audiologia no Brasil e no mundo: uma revisão integrativa / The evolution of e-audiology in Brazil and in the world: an integrative review / La evolución de la e-audiología en Brasil y en el mundo: una revisión integrativa

Introdução: Os termos 'e-audiologia', 'teleaudiologia', 'teleprática em audiologia' e variações, possuem uma característica em comum: avanços tecnológicos na audiologia. Objetivo: O estudo busca avaliar a evolução e desdobramentos da audiologia em modelo remoto no Brasil em comparação a outros países, assim como as vantagens e adversidades proporcionadas por este modelo. Método: Uma revisão integrativa foi realizada por meio de busca e análise de publicações disponíveis nas bases de dados Taylor & Francis Online, PubMed, Scielo, Thieme, ASHAWire e Academia.edu, entre novembro de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021, nos idiomas português brasileiro e inglês. Os termos de busca foram: e-audiologia, e-audiology, teleaudiologia, teleaudiology, telessaúde em audiologia, telehealth in audiology, teleprática em audiologia, telepractice in audiology. Foram considerados artigos publicados de forma gratuita abordando a audiologia em modelo remoto, sem limites ao ano de publicação. Resultados: Foram encontrados 987 artigos, mas apenas 79 foram selecionados para análise na presente revisão. O número de publicações apresentou um aumento nos últimos 5 anos e o Brasil, em comparação a outros países, mostrou bom nível de desenvolvimento em pesquisas na área da teleaudiologia. Conclusão: Não há dúvidas de que a teleaudiologia já possui um impacto significativo e positivo como modelo de atuação audiológica e, assim como em toda evolução, a e-audiologia vem oferecendo, ainda, maiores oportunidades para seus usuários. A insegurança e a incerteza vêm perdendo espaço para pesquisas e atualizações no campo ao redor do mundo, e, mesmo com algumas barreiras a serem enfrentadas, seu crescimento tem possibilitado acesso, autonomia, economia financeira e qualidade.

Introduction: The terms 'e-audiology', 'teleaudiology', 'telepractice in audiology' and variations, have one feature in common: technological advances in audiology. Objective: The study seeks to evaluate the evolution and developments of audiology in a remote model in Brazil compared to other countries, as well as the advantages and adversities provided by this model. Method: An integrative review was carried out by searching and analyzing publications available in the databases: Taylor & Francis Online, PubMed, Scielo, Thieme, ASHAWire and Academia.edu, between November 2020 and February 2021, in Brazilian Portuguese and English. The search words were: e-audiologia, e-audiology, teleaudiologia, teleaudiology, telessaúde em audiologia, telehealth in audiology, teleprática em audiologia, telepractice in audiology. Articles published free of charge addressing audiology in a remote model were considered without limits to the year of publication. Results: 987 articles were found, but only 79 were selected for analysis in this review. The number of publications has increased over the past 5 years and Brazil, compared to other countries, has shown a good level of development in research in the field of teleaudiology. Conclusion: There is no doubt that teleaudiology already has a significant and positive impact as a model of audiological performance and, as in all evolution, e-audiology has been offering even greater opportunities for its users. Insecurity and uncertainty have been losing ground for research and updates in the field around the world and even with some barriers to be faced, their growth has enabled access, autonomy, financial savings and quality.

Introduccíon: Los términos "e-audiología", "teleaudiología", "telepráctica en audiología" y variaciones tienen una característica en común: los avances tecnológicos en audiología. Objetivo: El estudio busca evaluar la evolución y desarrollos de la audiología en un modelo remoto en Brasil en comparación con otros países, así como las ventajas y adversidades que brinda este modelo. Método: Se realizó una revisión integradora mediante la búsqueda y análisis de publicaciones disponibles en las bases de datos Taylor & Francis Online, PubMed, Scielo, Thieme, ASHAWire y Academia.edu, entre noviembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021, en portugués brasileño e inglés. Los términos de búsqueda fueron: e-audiologia, e-audiology, teleaudiologia, teleaudiology, telessaúde em audiologia, telehealth in audiology, teleprática em audiologia, telepractice in audiology. Se consideraron los artículos publicados gratuitamente que abordan la audiología en un modelo remoto, sin límite de año de publicación. Resultado: Se encontraron 987 artículos, pero solo se seleccionaron 79 para el análisis en esta revisión. El número de publicaciones ha aumentado en los últimos 5 años y Brasil, en comparación con otros países, ha mostrado un buen nivel de desarrollo en la investigación en el campo de la teleaudiología. Conclusión: No cabe duda de que la teleaudiología ya tiene un impacto significativo y positivo como modelo de rendimiento audiológico y, como en toda evolución, la e-audiología viene ofreciendo aún mayores oportunidades para sus usuarios. La inseguridad y la incertidumbre han ido perdiendo terreno para las investigaciones y actualizaciones en el campo en todo el mundo, e incluso con algunas barreras que enfrentar, su crecimiento ha permitido el acceso, la autonomía, el ahorro financiero y la calidad.

Progression of Contralateral Hearing Loss in Patients with Unilateral Ear Involvement: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Progression of contralateral hearing loss following otologic and neuro-otologic surgeries is a distressing and rare complication. The aim of this study was to systematically review the suspected etiologies and audiological findings in adults who experienced contralateral hearing loss. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for this scoping review. The current review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. No limits were placed on language or year of publication. RESULTS: Of a total of 46 studies, 43 studies met the inclusion criteria reporting contralateral hearing loss. The included studies were classified into 3 different categories: contralateral hearing loss after skull base surgeries (n=21), contralateral hearing loss after middle ear surgeries (n=17), and contralateral hearing loss after traumatic lesions (n=5). The cerebrospinal fluid leakage and drill-generated noise were reported as the most reported etiology of contralateral hearing loss following skull base and middle ear surgeries, respectively. The onset of contralateral hearing loss varied from immediately to 18 months after surgery. The severity of contralateral hearing loss varied from a slight to a profound degree of hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Our results highlighted that contralateral hearing loss should be considered following the skull base and middle ear surgeries. Furthermore, this rare complication should be noticed after traumatic lesions.

In an era of bilateral funding and changing criteria, when is unilateral cochlear implantation a better option?

BACKGROUND: Funding for paediatric bilateral cochlear implantation became available in Ireland in 2014. Prior to this, children eligible for cochlear implantation received a unilateral implant. OBJECTIVE: To examine the cohort of children who received a unilateral cochlear implant in the 4 year period following bilateral cochlear implantation funding becoming available. METHODS: A clinical audit of all children implanted for the first time between July 2014 and July 2018. The unilaterally implanted children (n = 105) were divided into 3 groups according to whether they met the audiometric thresholds for implantation in neither ear (Group 1), one ear (Group 2) or both ears (Group 3). One year post operative functional outcomes were examined for all 3 groups. RESULTS: All 3 groups showed significant improvements in functional outcomes at 1 year post op. To date, 20% of the unilaterally implanted children have proceeded to get a sequential CI, often where there was no change in audiological status. CONCLUSIONS: The number of children in Groups 1 and 2 highlighted how our decision making around cochlear implantation has changed in recent years. Unilateral cochlear implantation in certain circumstances is good practice, independent of the audiological profile when an experienced multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is involved in the decision making process. Decision making using a holistic model approach is key, including involving the parent/carer and, where appropriate, the child/teenager themselves. A staged bilateral cochlear implant is also a good option, where careful monitoring and support for the first implant has resulted in positive outcomes.

Pharmacist-administered audiology screening for pediatric cystic fibrosis patients exposed to high-dose aminoglycosides: A pilot study.

This pilot study successfully implemented a standardized protocol for tablet-based ototoxicity screening in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients exposed to aminoglycosides. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of implementation in a larger number of patients, as well as to determine barriers that may exist at centers with variation in available resources. This method of ototoxicity screening represents an accessible alternative to traditional audiology testing, and given the continued improvements in expected life span for people with CF, it is imperative that patients have regular access to this type of screening to allow for early identification of medication-related toxicities.

Hyperacusis: demographic, audiological, and clinical characteristics of patients at the ENT department.

PURPOSE: To document whether patients with and without hyperacusis differ from each other on demographic, audiological, and clinical characteristics. METHODS: Based on the Hyperacusis Questionnaire's (HQ) cut-off (HQ > 28), a total of 2301 participants were divided into patients with and without hyperacusis. Demographic data, scores on self-reported questionnaires [Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), Visual Analogue Scale of tinnitus loudness (VASloudness), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS)], and audiological parameters were retrospectively analysed to determine differential factors between the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 10.9% of the patients was classified as hyperacusis patients (n = 251). They reported a significant, higher tinnitus severity (mean difference of 19 points on TFI) and mental distress (mean difference of 4 points on the HADS subscales) (p < 0.001) than patients without hyperacusis. Moreover, this group consisted of more women (45% % in hyperacusis group vs. 35% in non-hyperacusis group) and women scored significantly higher on the HQ (p < 0.001) and TFI (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with hyperacusis have distinctive characteristics. The presence of hyperacusis in combination with tinnitus can indicate a higher need for psychoeducation. Patients that present themselves with hyperacusis without tinnitus complaints remain a minority, yet might be underdiagnosed. Hence, future studies should disentangle tinnitus from hyperacusis. In clinical practice, greater efforts are required to increase knowledge about hyperacusis as a primary or secondary complaint and to provide individualized treatment for these patients.