Is there any predictive bone parameter for implant stability in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional radiologic images?

OBJECTIVES: This ex vivo study aimed to compare radiomorphometric parameters between 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-dimensional (3-D) radiographs and evaluate the influence of preoperative radiologic bone parameters on the clinical outcomes of implant stability. STUDY DESIGN: Implant recipient sites in fresh bovine blocks were evaluated on panoramic radiographs for gray value (GV), fractal dimension (FD), number of connected trabeculae (Co), and density of connected trabeculae (CoD). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were evaluated for trabecular thickness (TbTh), cortical thickness (CTh), degree of anisotropy (DA), FD, and Co. Insertion torque (IT) and implant stability quotient (ISQ) were measured. RESULTS: GV was significantly correlated with all parameters in 2-D and 3-D images except FD in 2-D and Co in 3-D, and with all surgical parameters (P ≤ .029). Co and CoD values on panoramic radiographs had significant correlation with TbTh, CTh, and DA values on CBCT images (P < .001). All 2-D parameters and TbTh and CTh in the CBCT data were significantly correlated with IT only (P ≤ .047). Only GV was correlated with ISQ measurements (P ≤ .029). CONCLUSIONS: GV, Co, and CoD values on panoramic radiographs reflect the architecture of trabecular bone and the thickness of cortical bone, and might help predict implant stability in clinical situations.

Evaluation of maxillary sinus expansion in children due to maxillary first molar extraction.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at understanding the effects of maxillary first molar extraction on the expansion of maxillary sinus in children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 119 patients (aged 11-17 years) who had only one extracted maxillary first molar were included in the study. The superoinferior differences of the sinus floor position were measured in both dentate and edentulous sites on panoramic radiographs. The expansion of the maxillary sinus after maxillary first molar extraction was investigated in relation to fixed anatomic structures. The interorbital line (IL) and two zygomatic process lines (IZ) were used as a reference. The vertical distances between the IL and the inferior border of the maxillary sinus (IS) in edentulous (ISX) and in dentate sites (IST) were measured. The data was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The amount of maxillary sinus expansion in ISX was statistically significant in comparison to IST (p<0.001). The most prominent sinus expansions were found in subjects with extractions over six months prior to analysis (p<0.001). A negative correlation was detected between the amount of maxillary sinus expansion and IST (r = -0.438, p<0.001). There was a positive correlation between the amount of maxillary sinus expansion and IZT (r = 23.8, p<0.009). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the extraction of one maxillary first molar resulted in a negligible amount of sinus expansion in children. The results could be attributed to there being only one tooth extraction and a transferring of functional forces to the area of the neighboring teeth.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30).

OBJECTIVE: To culturally adapt the Turkish version of Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Dentistry (TREALD-30) for Turkish-speaking adult dental patients and to evaluate its psychometric properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After translation and cross-cultural adaptation, TREALD-30 was tested in a sample of 127 adult patients who attended a dental school clinic in Istanbul. Data were collected through clinical examinations and self-completed questionnaires, including TREALD-30, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), two health literacy screening questions, and socio-behavioral characteristics. Psychometric properties were examined using Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis. RESULTS: Internal consistency (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.91) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99) were satisfactory for TREALD-30. It exhibited good convergent and predictive validity. Monthly family income, years of education, dental flossing, health literacy, and health literacy skills were found as stronger predictors of patients'oral health literacy (OHL). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed a two-factor model. The Rasch model explained 37.9% of the total variance in this dataset. In addition, TREALD-30 had eleven misfitting items, which indicated evidence of multidimensionality. The reliability indeces provided in Rasch analysis (person separation reliability = 0.91 and expected-a-posteriori/plausible reliability = 0.94) indicated that TREALD-30 had acceptable reliability. CONCLUSION: TREALD-30 showed satisfactory psychometric properties. It may be used to identify patients with low OHL. Socio-demographic factors, oral health behaviors and health literacy skills should be taken into account when planning future studies to assess the OHL in both clinical and community settings.

The effect of adenoid hypertrophy on maxillofacial development: an objective photographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Deformity in the dental arc and facial skeleton by adenoid hypertrophy due to chronic mouth breathing is a well-known process. Most of the related studies have been based on cephalometric analyses. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of skeletal deformities on the soft tissue by analyzing distances and angles on photographs. METHODS: Ninety-seven children having between 25 and 100 % of adenoids, ages 4-12 years (48 boys, 49 girls), and 90 cases having 0-25 % adenoid tissue, ages 4-12 years (54 boys, 36 girls), were studied by clinical history, physical examination (including endoscopy), and standardized clinical photographs. The children and parents were asked if any of the following were present in the children: snoring, sleep apnea, daytime sleepiness, poor school performance, mouth breathing during sleep, smoking parents, and restlessness during sleep. RESULTS: The assessment of linear and angular measurements on the clinical photographs showed, in the group having thicker adenoids compared with controls, a statistically significant increase in the distance between nasion and tip and nasion and subnasale and in the angle between Frankfort horizontal plane-gnathion-angulus mandible; there was also a statistically significant decrease in the distance between endocanthion and exocanthion and the angles between tragion-angulus mandible and gnathion and between nasion-angulus mandible and gnathion. CONCLUSIONS: The analyses showed a significant increase in the anterior face height and increase in the angle between Frankfort horizontal plane-gnathion-angulus mandible and a retropositioned and posterior-rotated mandible due to thicker adenoids. TRIAL REGISTRATION: 2010/140 Date: 04 January 2010.

Scleroderma: a case report.

Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder which is characterized by fibrosis of visceral organs, skin and blood vessels. This condition can be localized or systemic. Its estimated prevalence is 250 cases in a million and it is more common in women than in men. Resorption of the mandibular angle and coronoid process can be observed in patients with scleroderma. Pressure of fibrous mucocutaneous tissues is thought to be the cause of the resorption. Decreased number of wrinkles due to sclerosis and distinct facial features because of the atrophy of ala nasi are among common clinical characteristics of this condition. The aim of this case report is to present a 40-year-old female patient with scleroderma who presented with signs of resorption at the angle of mandible, coronoid process, as well as widening of the periodontal space.

Comparison of clinical differences between patients with allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis.

We conducted a retrospective study to investigate the clinical differences between subtypes of rhinitis patients. Our findings were based on a detailed history and nasal examination. The study population was made up of 910 patients who had at least two rhinitis symptoms. These patients were categorized into one of three rhinitis groups: nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR); there were 212 patients (23.3%) in the NAR group, 473 (52.0%) in the SAR group, and 225 (24.7%) in the PAR group. In addition to demographic data, we compiled information on the season when each patient presented, specific symptoms and their triggers, parental history, associated allergic diseases (e.g., skin, lung, and eye allergies), and nasal examination findings. The SAR patients represented the youngest of the three groups. Most SAR patients presented in spring and summer, and this group had the highest incidence of eye itchiness, pharyngeal itchiness, eye redness, and palatal itchiness. In terms of triggering factors, a visit to a green area was significantly more common in the SAR patients, while detergent odor, sudden temperature change, and cold air were significantly more common in the NAR patients. On nasal examination, a pale nasal mucosa was significantly more common in the NAR group. In clinical practice, it is crucial to differentiate between allergic and nonallergic rhinitis. We conclude that relevant information from the history can predict allergic rhinitis. Future studies of prevalence should take into consideration the important findings of our study, including the significance of age and the seasonality of exacerbation of rhinitis symptoms.

Craniofacial features of children with celiac disease.

BACKGROUND AND GOALS: Growth retardation is one of the most important signs of childhood celiac disease (CD); however, it is not very well known whether craniofacial growth is also affected. We aimed to carry out a detailed craniofacial morphological study to derive a conclusion on the craniofacial features of children with CD. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Eighty-four 2-16-year-old children with biopsy-proven CD and 84 age-matched and sex-matched healthy children were included. Of these, 37 children (44.0%) had been newly diagnosed and 47 (56.0%) were on a gluten-free diet. Anteroposterior and lateral photographs were evaluated using the Scion Image software program for the measurements of the distances between reference points on the face. RESULTS: Except for nasofrontal angle (nfa), nasolabial angle (nla), pronasale height (prnh), nasal dorsum height (ndh), and nasal radix height (nrh), all measurements were significantly greater in patients compared with controls. In celiac children, all facial proportions except forehead/face height (t-gl/t-gn) and nose length/face height (n-ns/t-gn) were significantly different from those of controls. Except for nla, prnh, ndh, nrh, t-gl/t-gn, face height to total face height ratio (sn-gn/t-gn), n-sn/t-gn, ear length to face height ratio (s-sba/t-gn), and face width to face height ratio (z-z/t-gn), all measurements were statistically different in those on a gluten-free diet and newly diagnosed children. CONCLUSION: Most of the facial measurements and proportions of celiac children were different from those of controls. Our data confirm those of a previous study reporting that the forehead proportion is not altered in childhood CD. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these alterations are not clear but disruptions of growth during certain critical periods may be responsible.

Findings of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia: a report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (FCOD) is a benign jaw lesion originating from periodontal ligament tissues usually asymptomatic and diagnosed accidentally at routine dental radiographic examination. The purpose of this paper is to report three cases diagnosed as FCOD with their clinical, radiographic and histological findings. METHODS: Radiologic and clinical symptoms of three cases diagnosed as FCOD are presented. Serum alkaline phosphatase test and biopsy taken from two of the patients are discussed to eliminate the Paget's disease. RESULTS: Three patients diagnosed as FCOD and called for routine follow-up. Because of no sign of infection or osteomyelitis, conservative treatment was applied. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic examination is significant for the diagnosis of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, especially in the asymptomatic cases. The roles of the dentist are to ensure the follow-up of the diagnosed patients and to take the necessary measures for preventing from the infections.

[Efficacy of local heparinoids on preventing edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty]. / Lokal heparinoidlerin rinoplasti sonrasi ödem ve ekimozun önlenmesindeki etkinligi.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the effect of local heparinoids on prevention of periorbital edema and ecchymosis due to rhinoplasty was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients (12 males, 8 females, mean age 23.3 years; range 19 to 34 years) who had bilateral osteotomy were randomly administered postoperative local heparinoid on one periorbital region, without performing any care in the other one. One and a half centimeter of heparinoid was applied once a day for nine days. The other periorbital region was used as control group. The heparinoid was applied additionally, 8 mg dexamethasone i.v was administered to all patients 30 minutes before the surgery and 24 hours after the surgery. Photographs of each patient which were taken on postoperative days 1, 3, 5 and 9 were evaluated as double-blind by two observers. Scoring was performed according to edema and ecchymosis scales. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference with respect to edema and ecchymosis between local heparinoid treated and control eyes. CONCLUSION: No hypersensitivity to drugs occurred in any patients. After analysing the scores, we observed that heparanoids administered locally was not effective in preventing periorbital edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty (p>0.05).

Long-term effectiveness of projection control suture in rhinoplasty.

The aim of this study is to report the long-term effectiveness of septocolumellar projection control suture (PCS). Fourteen cases underwent rhinoplasty including projection control suture have been included into the study. The long-term effectiveness of PCS is investigated on patients' early and late postoperative photographs. Mean durations between operation and early and late postoperative photographic documentations were 1.28 +/- 06 (range 1-3) and 23.27 +/-7.84 (range 12-48) months, respectively. The measurement of the nasal tip projection by using Goode and Byrd-Hobar techniques were accomplished on the lateral view photographs. The Scion Image software program was utilized for numerical analysis. There was no statistically significant change in nasal tip projection on early and late postoperative periods. The Goode and Byrd-Hobar ratios were measured as 0.584 and 0.572 in preoperative photographs. There were statistical significant differences between the preoperative and postoperative results (p = 0.001 for Goode and p = 0.0001 for Byrd-Hobar). The mean Goode's ratio was 0.614 +/- 0.035 in the early postoperative period, and 0.616 +/- 0.035 in the late postoperative period. The mean Byrd-Hobar's ratio was 0.673 +/- 0.037 in the early postoperative period, and 0,668 +/- 0,039 in the late postoperative period (p = 0.336 for Goode, p = 0.374 for Byrd-Hobar). There was no projection loss in any of our cases after a two years follow-up period. According to these preliminary results on a limited number of patients, PCS seems to be a reliable and effective surgical method to create the desired nasal tip projection for a long time.

Diffusion-weighted images differentiate benign from malignant thyroid nodules.

PURPOSE: To reveal the possible role of diffusion-weighted images (DWI) in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid nodules by comparing the results of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an 18-month period (December 2005 to May 2007), 27 cases with benign thyroid nodules with a total of 52 benign nodules, nine cases with thyroid gland malignancy, and 24 healthy control cases were included in the study. Cases that were indicated to undergo to FNAC examination and sent by a clinician for biopsy to the radiology unit were included in the study to assess the cytopathologic confirmation of the clinic, ultrasonographic, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. RESULTS: The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of thyroid nodules were 2745.3 +/- 601.1 x 10(-6) mm(2)/s (1605-3899 x 10(-6)mm(2)/s) in the benign group and 695.2 +/- 312.5 x 10(-6)mm(2)/s (165-1330 x 10(-6)mm(2)/s) in the malignant group. Normal thyroid tissues had mean ADC values of 1344.1 +/- 276.4 x 10(-6) mm(2)/s (1015-1764 x 10(-6)mm(2)/s). The ADC values of three subgroups were significantly different (P = 0.0001). A reduced ADC was observed in most types of malignant tumors due to the consequent decrease of the extracellular extravascular space. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results showed that ADC values of nodules may provide useful data about the nature of a thyroid nodule.

Endoscopic removal technique of a huge ethmoido-orbital osteoma.

Osteomas are slow-growing benign tumors of the paranasal sinuses. They originate from the sinus wall and generally fills the sinus cavity. Many osteomas are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on radiographs. The well-circumscribed, dense bony appearance on radiographs is usually diagnostic. Osteomas become symptomatic when they extend to the orbit or cranium. We report a rare case of ethmoido-orbital osteoma. Case reports and a review of the literature concerning osteoma and surgical techniques are presented. Treatment is not recommended in asymptomatic osteomas. If treatment is indicated, external or endoscopic approach can be chosen. The choice of surgical approach depends on the size of the lesion, location, and the experience of the surgeon.

Objective measurement of the deviated nose and a review of surgical techniques for correction.

Although many surgical techniques have been introduced, there are few clinical studies investigating postoperative results in crooked nose deformity. The aim of this study is to discuss the surgical choices for specific deformities and to report the long-term quantitative surgical results of our cases. One hundred and twenty cases (38 women, 82 men) with crooked noses (48 I-shaped, 72 C-shaped) operated on by the authors were included in the study. The patients have been followed for 6 to 46 months (mean 19 months) postoperatively. The Scion Image software program was utilized for numerical measurement of the nasal crookedness. In cases with I-shaped and C-shaped crooked nose deformity, preoperative and postoperative angle values were as follows: 6.84 +/- 2.58 degrees, 2.01 +/- 1.53, 152.97 +/- 9.03 degrees and 173.67 +/- 4.55 degrees, respectively. In both groups, postoperative correction rates were statistically significant (p = 0.0001). Despite these results, patients undergoing surgical treatment should be informed about imperfect outcomes, possibility of persistent deformity and the need of revision surgery.

Contralateral normal ear after mastoid surgery: evaluation by otoacoustic emissions (mastoid drilling and hearing loss).

Mastoid drilling can cause transient hearing loss in the contralateral normal hearing ear. A study was designed to evaluate hearing in the contralateral normal ear before and after the mastoid surgery in a longitudinal manner and find out the duration of this temporary hearing loss. Twenty-two patients requiring mastoid surgery in their diseased ears, having contralateral normal ear were included. Pure tone audiometry and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) were utilized for baseline evaluation. OAEs were repeated during the immediate postoperative period and daily up to the 6th postoperative day. The amplitudes of the OAEs of contralateral normal ears were found affected immediately after surgery and progressive improvement was detected with full recovery at 72-96 h. None of the patients had permanent deterioration in OAE amplitudes. The burs used during mastoid surgery can cause temporary hearing threshold changes in the contralateral ears. This adverse effect recovers spontaneously within 72-96 h postoperatively.

Sexual differences in Turkish dentition.

Sexual variation in the human skeleton and dentition is of great concern for both anthropologists and odontologists. Assessment of variation in dental size gives a clue about the behavior of a population, and also differences between the sexes. This study deals with sexual differences in a Turkish sample of individuals ranging in age from 20 to 29 years. The sample is composed of 28 buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) dimensions of upper and lower dentition (I1 through M2). Dental casts of 50 males and 50 females were analyzed using discriminant function statistics. The results indicated that 8 of the upper and 7 of the lower dimensions were significantly greater in males. Many of the differences were located in the anterior teeth of both jaws. In a stepwise function applied to both arches, the lower and upper canine BL, lower canine and P1 MD, and lower I2 BL were used as the most discriminating variables. When the front teeth (i.e., I1, I2, and C) are used in separate functions, only the canine BL of the lower jaw and I2 and C BL of the upper jaw were found to have the discriminating variables. Classification accuracy was 81% for the total sample, 76% for upper front and 81% for lower front teeth. In conclusion, dentition in Turkish people seems to be less sexually dimorphic than the populations with which they were compared (Jordanians, Swedish and South Africans) as was determined by the percent of accuracy obtained. In comparison with other populations, as anticipated, Turkish dental size is closest to the Jordanian sample and farthest from the South African whites.

[Laser assisted eustachian tuboplasty: a case report]. / Lazer yardimli östaki tuboplastisi: olgu sunumu.

Surgical treatment of eustachian tube dysfunction is still challenging. Placement of a transtympanic ventilation tube may not be successful and may require multiple applications. We presented a 47-year-old male patient with chronic recurrent otitis media with effusion and retraction due to eustachian tube dysfunction, in whom the number of previous transtympanic tube insertions amounted to 18. He underwent laser assisted eustachian tuboplasty in both ears with endoscopic guidance under general anesthesia. The mucosal, submucosal, and partially the cartilaginous tissues in the posterior pillow of the nasopharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube were ablated by Nd:YAG and holmium:YAG laser. Following surgery, air conduction thresholds decreased from 37 dB to 22 dB, and from 38 dB to 33 dB for the right and left ears, respectively. The preoperative tympanogram curve, which was of type B for both ears was found as type C-1 on the right side, and type C-2 on the left. Limited improvement seen in the left ear was ascribed to insufficient ablation of the posterior pillow of the eustachian tube. No complications were encountered within a follow-up of 12 months.

Radiological evaluation of the styloid process in young adults resident in Turkey's Yeditepe University faculty of dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated and classified the radiographic appearance of the styloid process (SP) patterns of calcification according to subject gender. The relationship between SP length and the limits of mandibular protrusion was studied. STUDY DESIGN: The panoramic radiographs of 55 young adults were analyzed. Elongated SPs were classified with the radiographic appearance based on length, morphology, and calcification pattern. The data were analyzed by using chi-squared and 1-way ANOVA with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: "Elongated" (Type I) SP with "calcified outline" was the most frequent SP type and calcification pattern. No correlation was found between SP type and calcification pattern and subject gender. No differences were proven based on laterality of the SP. A relationship between mandibular protrusive movement and SP calcified length was not proven. CONCLUSION: Elongation of calcification of SP in young adults is common with no correlation to gender, laterality, or mandibular protrusive limitation. "Type I" with "calcified outline" of the SP was observed most frequently in the population studied.

Dose-dependent dual effect of melatonin on ototoxicity induced by amikacin in adult rats.

The aim of this animal study was to reveal the dose-dependent effects of melatonin on aminoglycoside ototoxicity by utilizing distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). Forty-four adult (aged 12 months) rats were divided into five groups. Rats of the control group (group C) were injected with vehicle, while the melatonin group (group M) received melatonin (4 mg/kg per day); there were four rats in each of these groups. The study groups consisted of 12 rats per group, and they were treated as follows: 600 mg/kg per day amikacin (group A), amikacin plus a low dose (0.4 mg/kg per day) melatonin (group AML) and amikacin plus high dose (4 mg/kg per day) melatonin (group AMH) for 14 days. During the serial measurements on days 0, 5, 10 and 15, the DPOAE results of groups C,M and AML were not significantly changed. Amikacin ototoxicity findings for input/output (I/O) functions were detected on the 3rd measurement of the study in group A. High-dose melatonin clearly enhanced and accelerated amikacin-induced ototoxicity. The DP-gram amplitudes and I/O amplitudes were reduced, and I/O thresholds were increased in group AMH. Group AMH was the group that was affected the most and earliest by amikacin. Our study results showed that while low-dose melatonin protected the inner ear from ototoxicity, high dose melatonin facilitated amikacin-induced ototoxicity, possibly via the vasodilatory effect, leading to an increased accumulation of amikacin in the inner ear. Probably, the protective effect of the melatonin at a dose of 0.4 mg/kg per day is related to its antioxidant properties. Apparently, the vasodilatory effect of melatonin seems to be more prominent than its antioxidant effect in high doses.

The levels of plasma and salivary antioxidants in the patient with recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Despite plenty of research, the cause of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) remains obscure. It has been proposed that, the aetiological factors such as local trauma, smoking, vitamin deficiencies and viral infections lead to aphthae formation via final common pathway based on increased oxidative stress. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) alterations in plasma and saliva, and in addition uric acid (UA) in saliva, in patients with RAS and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with RAS and 30 healthy controls were included into the study. The SOD, CAT, GSHPx and UA levels were measured in plasma and saliva in study and control groups. RESULTS: In the RAS group, although the mean SOD (P<0.001) and CAT (P<0.05) levels of plasma were lower, GSHPx (P<0.001) levels were higher than control group. The salivary concentrations of the SOD (P<0.001), CAT (P<0.05) and GSHPx (P<0.001) in RAS group were entirely opposite to plasma concentrations. UA were not significant between RAS group and controls. CONCLUSION: Since we found salivary SOD and CAT levels were high whereas plasma levels were low, it has been thought that, salivary defence mechanisms via antioxidant agents may be stimulated against to the ulcerous lesion. We consider that the organism might mobilize the antioxidant potential to the sites where they were needed. At this point, decrease of SOD and CAT levels in the plasma may be related to this shift. It is also thought that GSHPx secretion in the saliva may also be increased but the increase in its turnover may be responsible for the diminished activity.

Objective evaluation of the effects of intravenous lidocaine on tinnitus.

OBJECTIVE: Tinnitus is one of the most common and distressing otological symptoms. Although numerous therapeutic modalities have been tried, there is no consensus regarding effective therapeutic agents up to now. The effects of lidocaine on tinnitus have been reported in literature using either subjective or audiologic tests. Nevertheless, the otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) have not been utilized to demonstrate lidocaine's effect on the cochlea in the English literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lidocaine on tinnitus by considering the alterations with tinnitus, it induces on OAEs and subjective symptoms. METHODS: This study was performed in 30 patients with tinnitus. Twenty-eight of the patients had normal hearing and two of them evidenced mild sensorineural hearing loss. To determine the severity of tinnitus, the patients were required to fill out a tinnitus scoring scale before lidocaine infusion on the same day. Then, lidocaine was administered intravenously to each patient at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg body weight over a period of 30 min. Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were measured three times; namely before lidocaine injection, at 25 min after injection and on the next day. The severity of tinnitus was scored again 1 d, 1 wk and 1 mo after lidocaine administration. RESULTS: Immediately after infusion, four patients (13.3%) declared total suppression of tinnitus, whereas three patients (10%) reported only partial relief in tinnitus subjectively. The patients, who had a subjective improved response (group 1) were compared with the patients, who had no response (group 2). Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) in DPOAE response/growth or input/output (I/O) functions were observed at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz frequencies in lidocaine responders and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 kHz frequencies in no responders at different primary stimulus levels. Statistically significant changes (p<0.05) were seen at 2 kHz for 53 dB and at 3 kHz for 62 dB SPL primaries in both groups. When the significant results of these two groups were compared with each other, differences were found insignificant. CONCLUSION: Systematic OAE measurements revealed that no changes occurred in SOAE and DPOAE levels in that alterations disappeared the next day. Subjective relief from tinnitus was stated in some of the patients and lasted for 4 wk at longest.