Pediatric normative data for a novel and fast speech perception test in noise.

OBJECTIVES: Communicating in noisy settings can be difficult due to interference and environmental noise, which can impact intelligibility for those with hearing impairments and those with normal hearing threshold. Speech intelligibility is commonly assessed in audiology through speech audiometry in quiet environments. Nevertheless, this test may not effectively assess hearing challenges in noisy environments, as total silence is rare in daily activities. A recently patented method, known as the SRT50 FAST, has been developed for conducting speech audiometry in noise. This new method enables the acceleration and simplification of free field speech audiometry tests involving competition noise. This study aims to establish normative scores and standardize the SRT50 FAST method as a test for evaluating speech perception in noise in pediatric patients. METHODS: The study included 30 participants with normal hearing, consisting of 11 females and 19 males, ranging in age from 6 to 11 years. A series of speech audiometry tests were conducted to determine the speech reception threshold 50% (SRT50) in competing conditions. This included testing both the fast mode (SRT50 FAST) currently being studied and the traditional method (SRT50 CLASSIC). The SRT50, or Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) at which 50% of speech recognition occurred, was investigated for both methods. RESULTS: The mean SRT50 FAST test score was -2.69 (SD = 3.15). The dataset exhibited a normal distribution with values ranging from 3.60 to -8.60. Since the scores are expressed in SRT, higher scores indicate poorer performance. We have established a threshold of 3.60 as the upper limit of the normal range, therefore, patients with scores above this threshold are considered to have abnormal results. CONCLUSIONS: This study aimed to establish normative data for the evaluation of free field speech in noise recognition using the SRT50 FAST method in the pediatric population. This method accurately investigates the necessary signal-to-noise ratio for achieving 50% recognition scores with bisyllabic words in a quick manner. The ultimate objective is to employ this test to identify the optimal configuration of hearing rehabilitation devices, particularly for pediatric patients with hearing aids and/or cochlear implants. Additionally, it can be used to assess pediatric patients with unilateral hearing loss.

Italian Fast Speech Reception Threshold Test: A New Method to Investigate Adult Auditory Impairment in Noise.

INTRODUCTION: Purpose of our study was to compare two competing methods of performing bisyllabic word speech audiometry for the detection of the 50% speech reception threshold in noise (SRT50). METHODS: Classic method is performed submitting multiple word lists at a fixed signal-to-noise ratio. A newer Fast method - Italian Fast Speech Reception Threshold 50 (IFastSRT50) - is performed by means of program software with a single list of bisyllabic words and noise intensity shifting. RESULTS: Means comparison between SRT50 Classic and IFastSRT50 shows a slight significant correlation (r = 0.263; p = 0.044) and a wide significant difference: SRT50 Classic = -2.763 dB (SD = 4.1) and IFastSRT50 = -7.803 dB (SD = 2.1) (p < 0.0001). There is a high difference between the test execution time means (SRT50 Classic = 11 min, IFastSRT50 = 2 min; p < 0.0001). The correlation between test results and execution times was higher for SRT50 Classic than IFastSRT50. CONCLUSION: IFastSRT50 test is a reliable method to quickly investigate signal-to-noise ratio needed to obtain 50% of recognition scores with bisyllabic words; it allows less execution time than SRT50 Classic method and can avoid patient fatigue and other limitations of different speech discrimination tests in noise as sentences based ones.

Music in noise recognition: An EEG study of listening effort in cochlear implant users and normal hearing controls.

Despite the plethora of studies investigating listening effort and the amount of research concerning music perception by cochlear implant (CI) users, the investigation of the influence of background noise on music processing has never been performed. Given the typical speech in noise recognition task for the listening effort assessment, the aim of the present study was to investigate the listening effort during an emotional categorization task on musical pieces with different levels of background noise. The listening effort was investigated, in addition to participants' ratings and performances, using EEG features known to be involved in such phenomenon, that is alpha activity in parietal areas and in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), that includes the Broca's area. Results showed that CI users performed worse than normal hearing (NH) controls in the recognition of the emotional content of the stimuli. Furthermore, when considering the alpha activity corresponding to the listening to signal to noise ratio (SNR) 5 and SNR10 conditions subtracted of the activity while listening to the Quiet condition-ideally removing the emotional content of the music and isolating the difficulty level due to the SNRs- CI users reported higher levels of activity in the parietal alpha and in the homologous of the left IFG in the right hemisphere (F8 EEG channel), in comparison to NH. Finally, a novel suggestion of a particular sensitivity of F8 for SNR-related listening effort in music was provided.

The Effectiveness of Targeted Electrical Stimulation via Cochlear Implant on Tinnitus-Perceived Loudness.

Introduction: The cause of tinnitus improvement in cochlear implant (CI) users is not understood. On the basis that a spatially limited dysfunction in the auditory pathway could cause tinnitus, we used single-channel stimulation to evaluate any variation of tinnitus-perceived loudness and identify the cochlear regions involved. Materials and Methods: It was an observational prospective case-crossover study. After the first mapping, 21 adults with unilateral CI and chronic tinnitus expressed their tinnitus loudness based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score (0-10) at baseline (L0), during a 10 s single-channel stimulation with C-level of electric current (L1) and 30 min after CI activation (L2). Tinnitus reduction [R T = (L0 - L1) × 100/L0] > 50% was considered significant. VAS outcomes were compared between baseline (L0) and (each) single-channel stimulation (L1) to find the channel with the greatest R T (suppressive channel-SC), whose frequency range revealed the cochlear region involved. Seven patients with asymmetric hearing loss underwent the pitch-matching test to identify the actual frequency evoked by the SC. We compared selective (L1) and non-selective (L2) intracochlear stimulation using paired t-test. Preoperative Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score was compared with those at 1, 6, and 12 months with paired t-tests to evaluate long-term tinnitus perception. Results: We observed a significant reduction of tinnitus loudness during the experimental procedure [L0 (6.4 ± 2.4) vs. L1 (1.7 ± 2.7), p = 0.003]. A total of 15/21 patients (71.4%) had a significant (R T > 50%) and selective improvement, reporting a mean L1 of 0.4 ± 2.0 (p = 0.0001). In 10/15 (66.6%) patients, the SC was in the apical turn, within 1,000 Hz; in 5/15 patients (33.4%) within 4,000 Hz. The cochlear region 125-313 Hz was the most affected by tinnitus improvement (p = 0.0074). Targeted stimulation was more effective than non-selective stimulation [L1 vs. L2 (4.3 ± 2.5), p = 0.0022]. In 3/7 patients, the perceived pitch did not fall within the SC frequency ranges. All patients with selective attenuation described tinnitus as monotone. Patients with non-selective attenuation had polyphonic tinnitus and better THI results after 1 year. Conclusion: Targeted intracochlear electrical stimulation improved chronic tinnitus perception, especially in monotone tinnitus, and the apical region was mainly involved. Our results provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of tinnitus and targets for innovative therapeutic strategies.

Benefit of cochlear implantation in a patient with Myhre syndrome.

Myhre syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by short stature, skeletal anomalies, facial dysmorphism and hearing loss (HL), resulting from heterozygous mutations of the SMAD4 gene. We describe the benefits of cochlear implant (CI) in a patient with sensorineural HL carrying a mutation (NM_005359.6: c.1498A>G; p.lle500Val) within the SMAD4 gene, detected by whole-exome sequencing. The CI was inserted through the round window despite otospongiotic abnormalities. Pure-tone audiometry improved up to 20 dBHL. Speech perception in noise (Simplified Noise Reduction - SNR +10) increased from 0% pre implantation with hearing aids to 50% post implantation. The postoperative setting of the electrical stimulation limits yielded an asymmetric map, with lower levels for central electrodes and higher levels for lateral ones. Action potential could not be evoked via medial electrodes, suggesting a cochlear nerve dysfunction. Outcomes related to quality of life and cognitive impairment improved. CI was shown to be an effective auditory rehabilitation strategy.

Prospective Evaluation of Cognitive Functions After Rehabilitation With Cochlear Implant or Hearing Aids: Preliminary Results of a Multicentric Study on Elderly Patients.

Objective Recent literature has shown a growing interest in the relationship between presbycusis and cognitive decline, but significant evidence about the long-term benefit of rehabilitation on cognitive functions has not been reported yet. The aim of the study was to analyze audiological and neuropsychological performances in patients with cochlear implant (CI) or hearing aids (HAs) over time. Materials and Method Forty-four bilaterally deaf patients aged more than 60 years (25 with CI candidacy and 19 with HA candidacy) were enrolled. Patients were subjected to audiological evaluation, to a battery of neuropsychological tests (Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE], Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Task [RAVLT], Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure Test, Digit/Corsi Span Forward and Backward, Multiple Features Target Cancellation, Trail-Making Test, Stroop Test, and Phonological and Semantic Word Fluency), and to a quality of life assessment (Short Form 36, Glasgow Benefit Inventory, Glasgow Health Status Inventory) at the baseline and after a long-term follow-up (6-12 months). Results Speech recognition scores in quiet and in noise were significantly improved even 6 months after auditory rehabilitation. Significant differences between pre- and post-rehabilitation scores were reported in physical and emotional impacts in life, general global health, vitality, and social activities. MMSE and RAVLT scores were significantly improved in both groups after 6 months of follow-up, suggesting a global involvement of memory domain. Mnesic performances remained unchanged between the first and second follow-up, but a further significant improvement in executive functions (Stroop Test) was detected in patients with CI reevaluated 12 months after implantation. A significant correlation of the RAVLT with signal-to-noise ratio at +10 dB speech-in-noise scores and the MMSE with signal-to-noise ratio at 0 dB speech-in-noise scores suggests the pivotal role of executive functions in recognition in noisy environment. Conclusions Our preliminary data confirm that hearing deprivation in aged patients represents a truly modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, which can be positively faced by acoustic rehabilitation. The improvement of short- and long-term memory performances and the amelioration of executive and attentive functions suggest that hearing restoration with both HAs and CI may provide a recovery of superior cognitive domains probably through a reallocation of cortical resources altered by hearing deprivation.

Antileukotrienes improve naso-ocular symptoms and biomarkers in patients with NARES and asthma.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to analyze the montelukast effectiveness in improving oculonasal symptoms, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and eosinophilic biomarkers in patients with nonallergic rhinitis eosinophilic syndrome (NARES). METHODS: We enrolled prospectively 80 symptomatic patients treated with 10 mg once a day of montelukast in monotherapy for 2 months. All patients were investigated before and after treatment. Nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itching), ocular symptoms (redness/puffiness, watery eyes), and other PROs (olfactory dysfunction, difficulty going to sleep, nighttime awakenings, and nasal congestion on awakening) were scored by visual analogic scale. The following clinical scores were assessed: Total Nasal Symptom Score (T4NSS), Total Ocular Symptom Score (T2OSS), Total Symptom Score of Patient-Reported Outcomes (TSS-PROs), and a Composite Symptoms Score (CSS). Patients were classified as responders when a reduction of at least 50% of the CSS was observed. Before and after treatment, the eosinophilic biomarkers in nasal lavage were analyzed: nasal eosinophilia (number of eosinophils per high power field), eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2. RESULTS: After treatment, significant reductions were observed for all the symptom scores. Forty-two of 78 patients were considered responders. A significant reduction of eosinophils in nasal mucosa and of levels of eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 in nasal lavage were observed after treatment in responder patients. Patients with asthma had an increased probability to be responders. CONCLUSION: NARES patients may benefit from treatment with montelukast. In particular, the presence of concomitant asthma may be predictive of a greater efficacy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 Laryngoscope, 129:551-557, 2019.

Herpes simplex virus-1 and cytomegalovirus DNAs detection in the inner ear of implanted patients with non-congenital infection.

CONCLUSIONS: The detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) genome in perilymph of patients with negative serology or clinical history for congenital infections supports the hypothesis that Herpesviridae, even after acquired postnatal infections, could remain in latent phase in the spiral ganglion and damage the cochlea by a possible subsequent reactivation. Further studies are needed to identify the markers of such reactivation. OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence of certain viral species in the endolabyrinthic fluid of deaf patients with non-congenital infection. The research of viral DNA within the inner ear is the only direct way to increase our knowledge about the viral role in postnatal damage to the cochlea. METHODS: Thirty-six patients (1-69 years) suffering from bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were subjected, during cochlear implant (CI) surgery, to a sample taking of inner ear fluid. Several types of viral genome (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV and Enterovirus) were investigated in each sample through multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Radiological exams, serology (specific IgG and IgM) and PCR of peripheral blood were also performed. RESULTS: While the research of the viral genome in peripheral blood was negative in all patients, multiplex PCR on endolabyrinthic fluid samples was positive in three patients (two cases of CMV-DNA and one case of HSV-1 DNA).

Nasal lavage levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and chronic nasal hypereosinophilia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to measure levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) in nasal lavage of patients affected by chronic eosinophilic sinonasal inflammation to clarify the relationship with eosinophilic tissue infiltration and clinical features. METHODS: Between November 2012 and June 2013, we selected 70 patients with chronic eosinophilic inflammation (average age 41.8 years) who were classified into the following groups: persistent allergic rhinitis (group 1), noninfectious non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (group 2) and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (group 3). Finally, we enrolled 20 healthy subjects as controls (group 4). All patients underwent symptoms score questionnaire based on a visual analogue scale, nasal endoscopy and/or computed tomography (CT) scan, and allergy testing. Nasal cytology by scraping of the mucosa and GM-CSF assays in nasal lavage were performed in all subjects. RESULTS: Detectable levels of GM-CSF were found in 34 of 70 (48.57%) patients, with an average concentration of 2.67 ± 0.8 pg/mL, whereas in controls only 1 of 20 individuals showed detectable GM-CSF levels. Eosinophil infiltration was significantly higher in patients with detectable GM-CSF compared to those with undetectable levels (49.4% vs 39.2%, respectively; p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant weakly-moderate correlation was found between GM-CSF levels and percentage of eosinophil infiltration in tissue (p < 0.05). Correlation between symptom scores and GM-CSF levels was significant only in group 2, which showed higher average concentrations of GM-CSF compared to groups 1 and 3 (2.9 pg/mL vs 1.6 pg/mL and 1.8 pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that GM-CSF is more frequently detectable in nasal lavages of patients affected by chronic sinonasal eosinophilic inflammation than in controls. Statistical analyses revealed a significant weakly-moderate correlation between GM-CSF levels in nasal lavage of all patients and percentage of eosinophil infiltration of nasal mucosa.

Nasal fluid release of eotaxin-3 and eotaxin-2 in persistent sinonasal eosinophilic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to measure eotaxin-3 (CCL26) and eotaxin-2 (CCL24) in nasal lavage fluid of patients with different forms of chronic sinonasal eosinophilic inflammation to evaluate their role in the pathophysiology of nasal hypereosinophilia. METHODS: The study was an analytic cross-section study, level of evidence 3b. Patients (n = 80) with nasal hypereosinophilia were randomly recruited and grouped in the following categories: persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) (n = 25), nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome (NARES) (n = 30), and chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP) (n = 25). Non-rhinitic volunteers (n = 20) were recruited as controls. CCL24 and CCL26 concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Quantikine Human Immunoassays (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN) in nasal lavage fluids. Differential cell counts were performed by microscopic cytological examination of nasal tissue scraped from the inferior turbinate. RESULTS: Mean CCL26 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in AR and in NARES (132.0 pg/mL and 187.63 pg/mL, respectively) than in the control group (13.5 pg/mL); in patients with CRSwNP, CCL26 values were increased compared to controls even though the difference was not statistically significant (58.9 pg/mL vs 16.5 pg/mL). Mean CCL24 levels measured in AR, NARES, and CRSwNP were significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to controls (96.7 pg/mL, 135.4 pg/mL, and 107.0 pg/mL, respectively, vs 32.2 pg/mL). Moreover, we observed a significant correlation between CCL24 and CCL26 levels, evaluating them intraindividually by Spearman's rank correlation test. Finally, a significant correlation was found between CCL24 and CCL26 levels and the percentage of eosinophilic infiltration of nasal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CCL26 and CCL24 are likely involved in the pathogenesis of chronic nasal hypereosinophilia, with a complex cooperation and different involvement of the various members of eotaxin family. Further studies are necessary to better understand the actual physiopathologic mechanism, possible clinical relevance, and therapeutic implications.

Adaptation of cochlear implant fitting to various telecommunication systems: a proposal for a 'telephone map'.

CONCLUSIONS: Despite the innovations in cochlear implant (CI) technology in recent years, some auditory tasks remain difficult for CI recipients. This work proposes the creation of specific maps for telephone communication (via conventional phone and via Internet protocol, VoIP). In light of our preliminary results, we believe that our experimental maps might improve conventional telephone and Internet communications for CI recipients. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to: (1) analyze the spectro-temporal characteristics of the signals; (2) evaluate speech recognition scores using two different types of telephone communication; and (3) change some map parameters on the basis of the previous signal analysis, to obtain a specific map for telephone use. METHODS: Eleven Cochlear™ Nucleus® CI recipients were tested for bisyllabic word recognition in quiet using reproduced voice and transmitted voice via conventional telephone and Skype® using the habitual-ACE (SLB) map, and two experimental maps (F- and V-Map). RESULTS: The results showed a worsening of word recognition scores with SLB-Map via telephone (30.5%) and VoIP (18.6%) compared with those achieved with the same map in an anechoic booth. In the experimental listening conditions, 65% and 54% of patients performed better with F- and V-Map, respectively, up to a maximum of performance improvement by 35% via telephone and 25% via VoIP.

Improvement of telephone communication in elderly cochlear implant patients.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly patients demonstrate more difficulty in telephone communication than in direct conversation. This deterioration in comprehension is due most likely to the narrowing of frequency range of transmission (300-3,400 Hz) and the lack of specific maps in the sound processor to accommodate the reduced information. AIMS: The goal of this study was to create a new 'telephone map' specific for phone use and to verify its effectiveness even in elderly patients. METHODS: Twenty cochlear implant (CI) adult patients divided into two age groups (under 60 and over 60 years) were included in the study. All patients were assessed with a word recognition test presented via recorded, conventional telephone-transmitted voice signal while using their everyday map (SB-map) and while using the experimental map (T-map). The latter was created by lowering the current level to the minimum value for electrodes representing frequencies outside the range of the telephone signal without changing the frequency bands assigned to them. RESULTS: In experimental listening conditions, the average recognition score using the SB-map was 65.5% in patients under 60 and 36.5% in patients over 60, while using the T-map it was 73.5 and 41.5%, respectively. This difference between the two maps was statistically significant in both groups (p ˂ 0.05) and was confirmed by subjective assessment. After 3 months of training provided to the over 60 CI group, subjects showed further improvement. DISCUSSION: The increase in comprehension skills by phone-transmitted speech with the T-map is objective and immediate in both groups of patients and proves to be improved further after training. The results demonstrate that it is possible to reduce the background noise and improve the ability to comprehend the phone message through changes to some map parameters. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the results obtained, we believe that our experimental map, applicable to all types of implants, currently represents a simple and effective solution to improve telephone communication in patients with CI.

Noninvasive management of cochlear implant's inner magnet displacement after magnetic resonance.

MRI is a widespread and greatly helpful diagnostic tool, yet its use on cochlear implant patients is restricted by the presence of an inner magnet. We report on a case of magnet dislodgment after 1.5T MRI in a 31-year-old female with a Hi-Res 90K cochlear implant. In this case, it was possible to implement an alternative, totally noninvasive approach based on an external manual repositioning rather than a surgical procedure of the displaced magnet.

Investigation on the music perception skills of Italian children with cochlear implants.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the music perception skills of a group of Italian-speaking children with cochlear implants to those of a group of normal hearing children; to analyze possible correlations between implanted children's musical skills and their demographics, clinical characteristics, phonological perception, and speech recognition and production abilities. METHODS: 18 implanted children aged 5-12 years and a reference group of 23 normal-hearing subjects with typical language development were enrolled. Both groups received a melody identification test and a song (i.e. original version) identification test. The implanted children also received a test battery aimed at assessing speech recognition, speech production and phoneme discrimination. RESULTS: The implanted children scored significantly worse than the normal hearing subjects in both musical tests. In the cochlear implant group, phoneme discrimination abilities were significantly correlated with both melody and song identification skills, and length of device use was significantly correlated with song identification skills. CONCLUSIONS: Experience with device use and phonological perception had a moderate-to-strong correlation to implanted children's music perception abilities. In the light of these findings, it is reasonable to assume that a rehabilitation program specifically aimed at improving phonological perception could help pediatric cochlear implant recipients better understand the basic elements of music; moreover, a training aimed at improving the comprehension of the spectral elements of music could enhance implanted children's phonological skills.

Safe use of bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT) for nasal surgery in patients with cochlear implants.

Treatment of nasal turbinate hypertrophy with bipolar radiofrequency-induced thermotherapy (RFITT) is a common indication in patients affected by chronic vasomotor rhinitis. Nonetheless, there are no reports about the safety of such a surgical procedure in cochlear implant (CI) users, due to concerns that the spread of electrical current and heat could damage the CI inner component. We report two cases of CI recipients successfully and safely undergoing RFITT performed by means of the Olympus® Celon-ProBreath bipolar coagulation electrode.

Cytomegalovirus DNA retrieval in the inner ear fluids of a congenitally deaf child one month after primary infection: a case report.

In the present article we report cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA localization in the inner ear of a 15-month-old deaf boy 1 month after a virologically documented primary infection. CMV DNA retrieval was possible thanks to polymerase chain reaction analysis of the perilymph collected at cochlear implant surgery. To the authors' knowledge this is the first demonstration of CMV persistence in the cochlea of an immunocompetent subject after an acquired infection.

Improving melody recognition in cochlear implant recipients through individualized frequency map fitting.

Recent research has shown that music perception remains very difficult for most cochlear implant (CI) users, who generally report being unsatisfied with the quality of music listening through the CI. In particular, the appreciation of the spectral features of music, which include pitch, melody and timbre, is widely known to be poorer than its rhythmic patterns. One of the possible causes for this may be the misalignment between the conventional frequency band allocation to the electrodes of the array (frequency-place function) and the distribution of pitch percepts generated by electrode stimulation along the array (electrode-pitch function). In this paper the authors investigate whether mismatch correction through individualized fitting of the processor's frequency maps can improve music understanding in ten Nucleus™ cochlear implant users, by comparing scores obtained with experimental and old map; both maps were tested before, immediately after and 1 month after the fitting through a music test battery designed for the purpose of the study.

Transtympanic electrical stimulation for immediate and long-term tinnitus suppression.

Tinnitus is a common symptom which often becomes disabling, affecting the emotional and psychosocial dimensions of life. There are many reports describing tinnitus suppression or attenuation through electrical stimulation of the ear, provided either by cochlear implants or by transtympanic stimulation. Our study project aims to assess the effects of electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) on persistent disabling tinnitus. We enrolled 11 patients affected by postlingual monoaural or binaural profound hearing loss and disabling tinnitus in the worse ear. EPS was performed with direct continuous positive current delivered by an active platinum-iridium needle electrode connected to a promontory stimulator device. The short-term effect on tinnitus was assessed during and immediately after the stimulation. Long-term effects were estimated after one month by comparing pre- and post-EPS Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) scores. Immediately after EPS, five patients (45.4%) reported complete suppression and four (36.4%) reported attenuation of tinnitus. Two patients (18.2%) said it was unchanged. After one month, the THI score was reduced in five patients (45.4%) and remained unchanged in the other six patients (54.6%). The beneficial effects of EPS on tinnitus might be explained by interference with tinnitus generating circuits such as the dorsal cochlear nucleus and the inferior colliculus and by modification of cortical activity. EPS is to be considered a worthwhile attempt at tinnitus suppression, and could help select candidates for the positioning of an implantable electrical stimulator that might provide longer-term beneficial effect on tinnitus.

Modifications in nasal function and nitric oxide serum level in type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we evaluated the modifications of nasal function in type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus [IDDM]) by active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR) to understand if involvement of the nasal nervous system and microcirculation could be detected in nasal mucosa. METHOD: We studied 35 nonsmoking IDDM patients without diabetic complications, nasal pathology, or septal deviation. We measured serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) and nasal airway in three conditions: basal, supine, and after decongestion (phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.25 mg spray) by means of rhinomanometry, determining inspiratory total resistance and nasal airflow. The rhinomanometric results of the IDDM patients were compared with those of control normal subjects. In the IDDM patients, neuropathy was evaluated according to standardized procedures, including the vibration perception threshold test, cardiovascular autonomic tests, conduction velocity test, and fundoscopic examination. RESULTS: The NO serum level was significantly higher in IDDM patients (12.5 +/- 3.8) compared with normal controls (4.8 +/- 1.4). The AAR results showed that in IDDM patients, inspiratory total resistance in the basal (0.82 +/- 0.4 Pa/cm3) and supine (0.94 +/- 0.7 Pa/cm3) positions and after decongestion (0.59 +/- 0.2 Pa/cm3) were increased compared with the control group in three conditions (basal, 0.52 +/- 0.2 Pa/cm3; supine, 0.58 +/- 0.3 Pa/cm3; after decongestion, 0.48 +/- 0.2 Pa/cm3). After decongestion, there was a greater decrease in nasal resistance in diabetic patients than in normal subjects. CONCLUSION: Nasal function is involved in IDDM, rhinomanometry can also be considered an important test in the evaluation of this involvement in patients without other signs of diabetic neuropathy, and an increase in NO could partially explain these alterations.