ABSTRACT
Tympanostomy is the most frequently performed surgery procedure in Germany. It enables middle ear ventilation and discharge of secretion from the middle ear with immediate hearing improvement and avoidance of complications and long-term pathologies of the tympanic membrane and the tympanum. The economical importance is emphasized by the fact that about 300,000 myringotomies are performed yearly. The best type of middle ear drainage and ventilation should be chosen on a case-by-case basis. In this context, the various techniques like conventional myringotomy, laser-myringotomy, short-term and long-term tympanostomy tubes and indications, complications and their treatments are described.
Subject(s)
Middle Ear Ventilation/methods , Otitis Media with Effusion/surgery , Child , Child, Preschool , Drainage/methods , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Laser Therapy/methods , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Tympanostomy is the most frequently performed surgery procedure in Germany. It enables middle ear ventilation and discharge of secretion from the middle ear with immediate hearing improvement and avoidance of complications and long-term pathologies of the tympanic membrane and the tympanum. The economical importance is emphasized by the fact that about 300,000 myringotomies are performed yearly. The best type of middle ear drainage and ventilation should be chosen on a case-by-case basis. In this context, the various techniques like conventional myringotomy, laser-myringotomy, short-term and long-term tympanostomy tubes and indications, complications and their treatments are described.
Subject(s)
Drainage/methods , Middle Ear Ventilation/adverse effects , Middle Ear Ventilation/methods , Otitis Media with Effusion/surgery , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Adenoidectomy , Child, Preschool , Cochlear Implantation/adverse effects , Combined Modality Therapy , Drainage/instrumentation , Equipment Design , Humans , Middle Ear Ventilation/instrumentation , Tympanic Membrane Perforation/etiology , Tympanic Membrane Perforation/therapyABSTRACT
The stereocilia of the inner ear are unique cellular structures which correlate anatomically with distinct cochlear functions, including mechanoelectrical transduction, cochlear amplification, adaptation, frequency selectivity and tuning. Their function is impaired by inner ear stressors, by various types of hereditary deafness, syndromic hearing loss and inner ear disease (e.g. Ménière's disease). The anatomical and physiological characteristics of stereocilia are discussed in relation to inner ear malfunctions.
Subject(s)
Hair Cells, Auditory/physiology , Hair Cells, Vestibular/physiology , Labyrinth Diseases/physiopathology , Stereocilia/physiology , Usher Syndromes/genetics , Adaptation, Physiological , Animals , Auditory Threshold/physiology , Calcium/physiology , Child , Hair Cells, Auditory/cytology , Hair Cells, Auditory/pathology , Hair Cells, Vestibular/cytology , Hair Cells, Vestibular/pathology , Humans , Labyrinth Diseases/metabolism , Mechanotransduction, Cellular/physiology , Myosins/metabolism , Sensory Gating/physiology , Stereocilia/metabolism , Stereocilia/pathology , Usher Syndromes/classification , Usher Syndromes/physiopathologyABSTRACT
The regulation of inner-ear fluid homeostasis, with its parameters volume, concentration, osmolarity and pressure, is the basis for adequate response to stimulation. Many structures are involved in the complex process of inner-ear homeostasis. The stria vascularis and vestibular dark cells are the two main structures responsible for endolymph secretion, and possess many similarities. The characteristics of these structures are the basis for regulation of inner-ear homeostasis, while impaired function is related to various diseases. Their distinct morphology and function are described, and related to current knowledge of associated inner-ear diseases. Further research on the distinct function and regulation of these structures is necessary in order to develop future clinical interventions.