Ear Complaints in Fibromyalgia: A Narrative Review.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with fibromyalgia (FM) have innumerable complaints due to the central amplification of somatic stimuli. The aim of this paper was to review the ear complaints in patients with FM. METHODS: A review of articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus from 1966 to June 2023 was performed. RESULTS: Seventeen papers were included in the review. They showed that patients with FM have a higher hearing loss rate, mostly at high frequencies, and hyperacusis. The prevalence of vestibular symptoms (tinnitus, dizziness) and hyperacusis was higher than in the general population, reaching 87.0% of the sample. Subjective findings did not always correspond to objective results. In some studies, the degree of FM severity was associated with ear symptoms; in others, it was not. CONCLUSIONS: Ear complaints in patients with FM are linked to subjacent disease and may be related to stimuli central amplification.

Endovascular stenting using a sagittal sinus approach for sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence related to intractable pulsatile tinnitus: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence can lead to pulsatile tinnitus with a significant decrease in quality of life, occasionally leading to psychiatric disorders. Several surgical and endovascular procedures have been described for resolving dehiscence. Within endovascular procedures, the sagittal sinus approach could be a technical alternative for tracking and accurate stent positioning within the sigmoid sinus when the jugular bulb anatomy is unfavorable. CASE PRESENTATION: A retrospective case series of three patients with pulsatile tinnitus due to sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence without intracranial hypertension was reviewed from January 2018 to January 2022. From the participants enrolled, the median age was 50.3 years (range 43-63), with 67% self-identifying as female and 33% as male. They self-identified as Hispanic. Sigmoid sinus dehiscence was diagnosed using angiotomography, and contralateral transverse sinus stenosis was observed in all patients. Patients underwent surgery via a navigated endovascular sagittal sinus approach for sigmoid sinus stenting. No neurological complications were associated with the procedure. Pulsatile tinnitus improved after the procedure in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Superior sagittal sinus resection for sigmoid sinus wall stenting is a safe and effective technique. Pulsatile tinnitus due to sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence could be treated using the endovascular resurfacing stenting technique. However, further research is needed to evaluate the potential benefit of contralateral stenting for removing sinus dehiscence when venous stenosis is detected. However, resurfacing sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence results in symptomatic improvement.

Quality of life and level of physical activity of individuals with temporomandibular disorders with and without otological symptoms: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Otological symptoms (OS) are highly prevalent in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS. However, no studies have evaluated whether OS is associated with lower Quality of Life (QoL) and worse levels of physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL and level of physical activity of individuals with TMD with and without OS. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 62 individuals with TMD were allocated into 2 groups: TMD with OS (n = 36) or TMD without OS (n = 26). Self-reported complaints of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, ear fullness, or hypoacusis were considered as OS. QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref and physical activity with the IPAQ-SF. Independent t-test and chi-squared test were used for analysis between-groups. Effect sizes were reported using Cohen's d. A Pearson correlation was used to compare the number of OS and QoL scores. A significance level of p < 0.05% and 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The total generic scores for QoL were not different between-groups (p = 0.076), but individuals with TMD with OS had lower satisfaction (p = 0.015; d: 0.63) and physical domain (p = 0.015; d: 0.64) scores with a moderate effect size. In TMD with OS, 69.4% of individuals were irregularly active and 50% for the TMD without OS, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The number of OSs was inversely and weakly associated with the QoL total score. CONCLUSION: Individuals with TMD and OS are associated with worsened QoL (physical domain and satisfaction) when compared to individuals with TMD without OS. The higher the number of OS, the worse the QoL score. Individuals with TMD with and without OS had similar levels of physical activity, but a high prevalence of irregularly active and sedentary individuals within TMD diagnosed population was found.

Rede de cuidado especializado em pacientes com zumbido no Brasil: perfil profissional, métodos e técnicas de avaliação e intervenção / Network of specialized care for patients with tinnitus in Brazil: professional profile, assessment and intervention methods and techniques / Red de atención especializada a pacientes con acúfeno en Brasil: perfil profesional, métodos y técnicas de evaluación e intervención

Introdução: O zumbido é um sintoma de alta prevalência na população, que necessita de cuidado especializado e centrado no paciente e suas individualidades. Objetivo: investigar a rede de cuidado especializado em pacientes com queixa de zumbido no Brasil. Método: Realizou-se uma busca a nível nacional com 152 profissionais que atendem o público com zumbido, por meio de redes sociais, além de utilizar a técnica "snow ball". Foram selecionados os profissionais com atuação clínica ou participação de grupo de pesquisa em zumbido. Aos selecionados, foi enviado por e-mail ou rede social um questionário do Google Forms composto por doze questões objetivas, a fim de identificar o perfil desses profissionais, bem como do atendimento oferecido por eles. Os dados foram categorizados e tabulados em planilha digital para posterior análise estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: os resultados mostraram que há profissionais atuantes em zumbido em 21 estados brasileiros, sendo a maior parte nas regiões Sudeste e Nordeste, inseridos principalmente no setor privado e a maioria em equipes multidisciplinares que contam, pelo menos, com um otorrinolaringologista e um fonoaudiólogo, apresentando práticas avaliativas e terapêuticas semelhantes. Conclusão: foi possível observar que, embora o número de profissionais ainda seja um número reduzido, além de não serem bem distribuídos geograficamente, há uma semelhança quanto aos métodos de avaliação e tratamento utilizados, bem como a abordagem multidisciplinar tem se tornado uma realidade na prática clínica, ainda que mais presente no setor privado, o que renova as perspectivas do público acometido pelo zumbido, para um futuro próximo. (AU)

Introduction: Tinnitus is a highly prevalent symptom in the population, which requires specialized care centered on the patient and their individualities. Objective: to investigate the specialized care network for patients complaining of tinnitus in Brazil. Method: A national search was carried out with 152 professionals who serve the public with tinnitus, through social networks, in addition to using the "snowball" technique. Professionals with clinical experience or participation in a tinnitus research group were selected. To those selected a Google Forms questionnaire was sent via email or social media, consisting of twelve objective questions, in order to identify the profile of these professionals, as well as the service they offer. The data were categorized and tabulated in a digital spreadsheet for subsequent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Results: the results showed that there are professionals working in tinnitus in 21 Brazilian states, most of them in the Southeast and Northeast regions, mainly in the private sector and the majority in multidisciplinary teams that include at least one otorhinolaryngologist and one speech therapist, presenting similar evaluative and therapeutic practices. Conclusion: it was possible to observe that, although the number of professionals is still small, in addition to not being well distributed geographically, there is a similarity in the evaluation and treatment methods used, as well as the multidisciplinary approach has become a reality in practice clinic, although more present in the private sector, which renews the perspectives of the public affected by tinnitus, for the near future. (AU)

Introducción: El acúfeno es un síntoma altamente prevalente en la población, que requiere atención especializada centrada en el paciente y sus individualidades. Objetivo: investigar la red de atención especializada a pacientes que se quejan de acúfeno en Brasil. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda nacional profesionales que atienden al público con acúfeno, a través de las redes sociales y la técnica de la "bola de nieve". Se seleccionaron profesionales con experiencia clínica o participación en un grupo de investigación de acúfeno. Se les envió a través de correo electrónico un cuestionario de Google Forms, compuesto por doce preguntas objetivas, con el fin de identificar el perfil de estos profesionales, así como el servicio que ofrecen. Los datos fueron categorizados y tabulados en una hoja de cálculo digital para su posterior análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. Resultados: los resultados mostraron que hay profesionales que actúan en acúfeno en 21 estados brasileños, la mayoría en las regiones Sudeste y Noreste, principalmente en el sector privado y la mayoría en equipos multidisciplinarios que incluyen al menos un otorrinolaringólogo y un logopeda, presentando prácticas evaluativas y terapéuticas similares. Conclusión: se pudo observar que, si bien el número de profesionales aún es pequeño, además de no estar bien distribuidos geográficamente, existe similitud en los métodos de evaluación y tratamiento utilizados, así como el enfoque multidisciplinario se ha vuelto una realidad en clínica de práctica, aunque más presente en el sector privado, que renueva las perspectivas del público afectado por acúfeno, de cara al futuro próximo. (AU)

Non-invasive treatments improve patient outcomes in chronic tinnitus: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relative effectiveness of various Non-Invasive Treatment Techniques (NITs) in chronic tinnitus management. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from the time of data construction to December 31, 2022. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, NITs were evaluated, including Aacceptance and commitment therapy (A), Cognitive behavioral therapy (C), Sound therapy (S), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (T), Electrical stimulation therapy (E), Virtual reality therapy (V), tinnitus Retraining therapy (R), general psychotherapy (D), and Placebo (P). The outcome indicators included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety-Depression (HADS-D), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Visual Analogue Scales-Loudness (VAS-L), and Visual Analogue Scales-Distress (VAS-D). Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 for NMA. RESULTS: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 22 randomized controlled trials comprising 2,354 patients. The treatment effects varied on each scale. For THI, S (86.9%) was the most effective, whereas P (6.5%) was the worst. For TQ, C (89.5%) was the most effective, whereas D (25.4%) was the worst. For HADS-D, A (82.4%) was the most effective, whereas D (9.47%) was the worst. For ISI, A (83.2%) was the most effective, whereas R (20.6%) was the worst. For VAS-L, S (73.5%) was the most effective, whereas E (18.9%) was the worst. For VAS-D, C (84.7%) was the most effective, whereas P (18.1%) was the worst. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of acoustics and cognitive behavioral therapy may be an effectively treat patients with chronic tinnitus. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: How common is the problem? Level 2. Is this diagnostic or monitoring test accurate? (Diagnosis) Level 1. What will happen if we do not add a therapy? (Prognosis) Level 1. Does this intervention help? (Treatment Benefits) Level 1. What are the COMMON harms? (Treatment Harms) Level 1. What are the RARE harms? (Treatment Harms) Level 1. Is this (early detection) test worthwhile? (Screening) Level 1I.

Havana syndrome: Overview for otolaryngologists.

Havana Syndrome is used to describe the array of deficits seen in diplomats stationed in Cuba from August 2016 to September 2017.1 Patients from this cohort were clinically studied, investigating their symptoms, audition and vestibular deficits, and imaging abnormalities seen on MRI.1-3 The primary studies were retrospective, looking at how these symptoms could be classified or fit into diagnostic criteria. The cohort had many similarities: a sound at the onset of symptoms, a mix of neurologic and otologic symptoms, and persistent symptoms that lasted for months.1-3 Theories of the cause of Havana Syndrome have led to no conclusive answer. Potential viral etiologies, mass psychogenic illness, and head trauma were examined as causes.1-5 Diseases with established diagnostic criteria were used to compare the patients' symptoms to try to find a disease that fits Havana Syndrome.3 Recent information from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence suggested the most likely cause to be mass psychogenic illness. With the cause of Havana Syndrome still unknown, a review of reported cases and reports helps otolaryngologists understand Havana Syndrome so they diagnose it only when appropriate and do not miss other conditions that may present with similar symptoms and that might respond well to targeted treatment.

A global bibliometric analysis on the relationship between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This global bibliometric review aimed to investigate trends in publications relating to tinnitus and TMD. METHODS: A search was performed in eight databases (June/2022), by independent researchers with relevant keywords about tinnitus and TMD, without restriction of date or language. Original research or case report/series evaluating prevalence, association and risk related to tinnitus and TMD were included. Independent examiners selected studies by title and abstract and performed data extraction. Data about publication and researchers, study population, objective, study design and diagnostic criteria for tinnitus and TMD were exported to VintagePoint® for bibliometric analyses. Data about the direct association between tinnitus and TMD were extracted. RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen articles from 25 countries were included, most observational (68.4%) and evaluating association (N = 60; 44.8%). Among the 60 studies of association, 22 (36.6%) presented results of a direct association between the presence/absence of tinnitus and the presence/absence of TMD. Brazil (19.5%) and the United States (12.7%) were the countries with the most publications, and Dentistry (48.6%) was the main publication area. A growth in publications in Dentistry was observed in the past 30 years and in the past 10 years in Medicine. Half of the studies included the elderly population (50.2%). The main diagnostic criterion for both tinnitus (37.8%) and TMD (28%) was general questionnaires and/or self-report. CONCLUSION: There is a growing trend in publications relating to tinnitus and TMD, especially in Dentistry, with a predominance of observational and association studies in the elderly population using questionnaires and/or self-report. More research with robust diagnostic methods and other study designs should be encouraged in the future.

EEG signals from tinnitus sufferers at identifying their sound tinnitus.

The present database contains brain activity of subjective tinnitus sufferers at identifying their sound tinnitus. The main objective of this database is to provide spontaneous Electroencephalographic (EEG) activity at rest, and evoked EEG activity when tinnitus sufferers attempt to identify their sound tinnitus among 54 tinnitus sound examples. For the database, 37 volunteers were recruited: 15 ones without tinnitus (Control Group - CG), and 22 ones with tinnitus (Tinnitus Group - TG). For EEG recording, 30 channels were used to record two conditions: 1) basal condition, where the volunteer remained in a state of rest with the open eyes for two minutes; and 2) active condition, where the volunteer must have identified his/her sound stimulus by pressing a key. For the active condition, a sound-tinnitus library was generated in accordance with the most typical acoustic properties of tinnitus. The library consisted in ten pure tones (250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 3 kHz, 3.5 kHz, 4 kHz, 6 kHz, 8 kHz, 10 kHz), a White Noise (WN), a Narrow Band noise-High frequencies (NBH, 4 kHz-10 kHz), a Narrow Band noise-Medium frequencies (NBM,1 kHz-4 kHz), a Narrow-Band noise Low frequencies (NBL, 250 Hz-1 kHz), ten pure tones combined with WN, ten pure tones superimposed with NBH, ten tones with NBM and ten pure tones combined with NBL. In total, 54 sound-tinnitus were applied for both groups. In the case of CG, volunteers must have identified a sound at 3.5 kHz. In addition to EEG information, a csv-file with audiometric and psychoacoustic information of volunteers is provided. For TG, this information refers to: 1) hearing level, 2) type of tinnitus, 3) tinnitus frequency, 4) tinnitus perception, 5) Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and 6) Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). For CG, the information refers to: 1) hearing level, and 2) HADS.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Stapedectomy: Systematic Review.

Introduction Stapes surgery was traditionally performed with the use of microscopy either through postauricular, endaural or transcanal approaches. Endoscopic stapedectomy ushered a revolution as a new technique with less complications. Objective To review the outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery with an emphasis on intraoperative and postoperative clinical and audiological results. Data Synthesis A literature review on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was conducted. Endoscopic stapes surgery or stapedotomy were the main keywords used, and we searched for studies and research published from January 2015 to October 2021. Articles on endoscopic stapes surgery were included, and qualitative and descriptive analyses of the studies and outcomes data regarding audiometric changes and postoperative complications were conducted. Articles including patients with cholesteatoma were excluded. A total of 122 studies were retrieved for qualitative and descriptive analyses and to measure the outcomes of endoscopic stapedotomy; only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and the rest was excluded. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in hearing improvement. The gain in air-bone gap ranged from 9 dB to 16 dB. A low rate of operative and postoperative complications was reported. Conclusions Endoscopic stapes surgery appears to be a reasonable alternative to microscopic stapes surgery, with shorter operative times, low complication rate, and significant hearing improvement. The endoscopic technique enabled a better visualization and less scutum drilling, which was confirmed by all included studies.

In Silico Study in MPO and Molecular Docking of the Synthetic Drynaran Analogues Against the Chronic Tinnitus: Modulation of the M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor.

Tinnitus is a syndrome that affects the human auditory system and is characterized by a perception of sounds in the absence of acoustic stimuli, or in total silence. Research indicates that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), especially the M1 type, have a fundamental role in the alterations of auditory perceptions of tinnitus. Here, a series of computer-aided tools were used, from molecular surface analysis software to services available on the web for estimating pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The results infer that the low lipophilicity ligands, that is, the 1a-d alkyl furans, present the best pharmacokinetic profile, as compounds with an optimal alignment between permeability and clearance. However, only ligands 1a and 1b have properties that are safe for the central nervous system, the site of cholinergic modulation. These ligands showed similarity with compounds deposited in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory chemical (ChEMBL) database acting on the mAChRs M1 type, the target selected for the molecular docking test. The simulations suggest that the 1 g ligand can form the ligand-receptor complex with the best affinity energy order and that, together with the 1b ligand, they are competitive agonists in relation to the antagonist Tiotropium, in addition to acting in synergism with the drug Bromazepam in the treatment of chronic tinnitus.

Auditory training for tinnitus treatment: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to verify the evidence of auditory training employed in the audiological treatment of tinnitus in adults and older adults. METHODS: Scoping review based on a search for articles in journals available in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), LILACS (BVS), and Cochrane Library. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were assessed by peers, following the eligibility criteria; they were afterward read in full text, and the references were hand searched in the results found. Studies' level of evidence was classified into very high (Level A+), high (Level A), moderate (Level B), limited (Level C), low (Level D), or very low (Level D-) based on the Critically Appraised Topics. RESULTS: 2160 records were identified in the searching stage and 15 studies were eligible for data extraction. Study design, sample characterization, auditory training tasks, sound stimuli, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Frequency discrimination training was the most frequent strategy, followed by auditory attentional skills training and multisensory training. Almost all studies with daily auditory training sessions reported significant benefits demonstrated in at least one outcome measure. Studies that used auditory discrimination training and attentional auditory skill stimulation to treat tinnitus obtained quality evidence levels ranging from limited to high (C‒A) and studies that applied multisensory training or attentional training combined with counseling and passive listening in tinnitus patients reached a high-quality evidence level (A). CONCLUSION: Recent studies had higher levels of evidence and considered attentional factors and multisensory pathways in auditory training strategies.

Audiometric evaluation in different clinical presentations of otitis media.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the hearing thresholds in acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media (non-suppurative, non-cholesteatomatous suppurative and cholesteatomatous) and to compare the hearing outcomes with non-diseased ears (in bilateral cases) or contralateral healthy ears (in unilateral cases), since hearing loss is the most frequent sequel of otitis media and there is no previous study comparing the audiometric thresholds among the different forms of otitis media. METHODS: Cross sectional, controlled study. We performed conventional audiometry (500-8000Hz) and tympanometry in patients with otitis media and healthy individuals (control group). Hearing loss was considered when the hearing thresholds were > 25 dBHL. RESULTS: Of the 112 patients diagnosed with otitis media (151 ears), 48 were men (42.86%) and 64 were women (57.14%). The average age was 42.72 years. Of those, 25 (22.32%) were diagnosed as AOM, 15 (13.39%) were diagnosed with OME and the remaining 72 (63.28%) were diagnosed with COM (non-suppurative COM, n=31; suppurative COM, n=18; cholesteatomatous COM, n=23). As compared with controls, all forms of otitis media had significantly higher bone-conduction thresholds (500-4000Hz). Conductive hearing loss was the most frequent type of hearing loss (58.94%). However, the number of patients with mixed hearing loss was also relevant (39.07%). We noted that the presence of sensorioneural component occurred more frequently in 1) Higher frequencies; and 2) In groups of otitis media that were more active or severe in the inflammatory/infective standpoint (AOM, suppurative COM and cholesteatomatous COM). CONCLUSION: All types of otitis media, even those with infrequent episodes of inflammation and otorrhea, had worse bone conduction thresholds as compared with nondiseased ears (p<0.01). We observed worse hearing outcomes in ears with recurrent episodes of otorrhea and in ears with AOM, especially in high frequencies.

Auditory training for tinnitus treatment: a scoping review

Abstract Objectives Our study aimed to verify the evidence of auditory training employed in the audiological treatment of tinnitus in adults and older adults. Methods Scoping review based on a search for articles in journals available in MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), LILACS (BVS), and Cochrane Library. Titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were assessed by peers, following the eligibility criteria; they were afterward read in full text, and the references were hand searched in the results found. Studies' level of evidence was classified into very high (Level A+), high (Level A), moderate (Level B), limited (Level C), low (Level D), or very low (Level D−) based on the Critically Appraised Topics. Results 2160 records were identified in the searching stage and 15 studies were eligible for data extraction. Study design, sample characterization, auditory training tasks, sound stimuli, outcome measures, and results were extracted. Frequency discrimination training was the most frequent strategy, followed by auditory attentional skills training and multisensory training. Almost all studies with daily auditory training sessions reported significant benefits demonstrated in at least one outcome measure. Studies that used auditory discrimination training and attentional auditory skill stimulation to treat tinnitus obtained quality evidence levels ranging from limited to high (C‒A) and studies that applied multisensory training or attentional training combined with counseling and passive listening in tinnitus patients reached a high-quality evidence level (A). Conclusion Recent studies had higher levels of evidence and considered attentional factors and multisensory pathways in auditory training strategies.

White noise effect on listening effort among patients with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds

Abstract Objective This study investigated the effects of WN on LE in subjects with chronic tinnitus and normal hearing thresholds. The study was a prospective, non-randomized, before-and-after, intra-participant intervention. Methods Twenty-five subjects performed the following tests: conventional and high-frequency audiometry, acuphenometry, screening questionnaires for depression and anxiety symptoms, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and high WM test from the Working Memory Assessment Battery, Federal University of Minas Gerais (WMAB) as the LE measure in two conditions: No Added Noise (NAN) and with Added Noise (AN). Results Seventeen participants (68%) performed better on AN condition. Data analysis revealed a 45% improvement in the WMAB total span count on AN setting, with a significant p value (p = 0.001). Conclusion The subgroup of participants without traces of anxiety symptoms, up to mild traces of depressive symptoms, having unilateral tinnitus, and a THI level up to grade 2, had improved WM performance in the presence of WN, which suggests a release of cognitive resources and less auditory effort under these combined conditions. Evidence level 4.

Audiometric evaluation in different clinical presentations of otitis media

Abstract Objectives To assess the hearing thresholds in acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media (non-suppurative, non-cholesteatomatous suppurative and cholesteatomatous) and to compare the hearing outcomes with non-diseased ears (in bilateral cases) or contralateral healthy ears (in unilateral cases), since hearing loss is the most frequent sequel of otitis media and there is no previous study comparing the audiometric thresholds among the different forms of otitis media. Methods Cross sectional, controlled study. We performed conventional audiometry (500-8000 Hz) and tympanometry in patients with otitis media and healthy individuals (control group). Hearing loss was considered when the hearing thresholds were > 25 dBHL. Results Of the 112 patients diagnosed with otitis media (151 ears), 48 were men (42.86%) and 64 were women (57.14%). The average age was 42.72 years. Of those, 25 (22.32%) were diagnosed as AOM, 15 (13.39%) were diagnosed with OME and the remaining 72 (63.28%) were diagnosed with COM (non-suppurative COM, n = 31; suppurative COM, n = 18; cholesteatomatous COM, n = 23). As compared with controls, all forms of otitis media had significantly higher bone-conduction thresholds (500-4000 Hz). Conductive hearing loss was the most frequent type of hearing loss (58.94%). However, the number of patients with mixed hearing loss was also relevant (39.07%). We noted that the presence of sensorioneural component occurred more frequently in 1) Higher frequencies; and 2) In groups of otitis media that were more active or severe in the inflammatory/infective standpoint (AOM, suppurative COM and cholesteatomatous COM). Conclusion All types of otitis media, even those with infrequent episodes of inflammation and otorrhea, had worse bone conduction thresholds as compared with nondiseased ears (p < 0.01). We observed worse hearing outcomes in ears with recurrent episodes of otorrhea and in ears with AOM, especially in high frequencies.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Stapedectomy: Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Stapes surgery was traditionally performed with the use of microscopy either through postauricular, endaural or transcanal approaches. Endoscopic stapedectomy ushered a revolution as a new technique with less complications. Objective To review the outcomes of endoscopic stapes surgery with an emphasis on intraoperative and postoperative clinical and audiological results. Data Synthesis A literature review on the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Embase databases was conducted. Endoscopic stapes surgery or stapedotomy were the main keywords used, and we searched for studies and research published from January 2015 to October 2021. Articles on endoscopic stapes surgery were included, and qualitative and descriptive analyses of the studies and outcomes data regarding audiometric changes and postoperative complications were conducted. Articles including patients with cholesteatoma were excluded. A total of 122 studies were retrieved for qualitative and descriptive analyses and to measure the outcomes of endoscopic stapedotomy; only 12 studies met the inclusion criteria, and the rest was excluded. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in hearing improvement. The gain in air-bone gap ranged from 9 dB to 16 dB. A low rate of operative and postoperative complications was reported. Conclusions Endoscopic stapes surgery appears to be a reasonable alternative to microscopic stapes surgery, with shorter operative times, low complication rate, and significant hearing improvement. The endoscopic technique enabled a better visualization and less scutum drilling, which was confirmed by all included studies.

Scientific research about tinnitus in Brazil: An observational compilation / Pesquisas científicas sobre zumbido no Brasil: Um compilado observacional

ABSTRACT Purpose: to identify the profile of tinnitus research in Brazil and the main procedures adopted by professionals in the field in the national territory. Methods: an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study, in which an active search was made on digital platforms to identify researchers in Brazil who have tinnitus as a study focus. After identifying the tinnitus study groups, an online Form was sent to the researchers comprising 21 questions, so as to know the works in development. The collected responses were extracted and tabulated intoMicrosoft Excel Professional Plus2019 through the absolute and relative frequency measurements of the final sample. Results: 117 researchers were identified, of these, 21 participated in the study, being (90.5%) females, specifically from public universities (81%) in the Southeast region of Brazil (47.7%). These professionals develop clinical research (76.1%), focusing on therapies and/or treatments (38.1%), and use sound therapy (52.38%) as the main technological resource of their studies. Conclusion: the research profile is clinical, with a main focus on therapies and/or treatments for tinnitus. As for the procedures, there is a predominant application of the Visual Analogue Scale- VAS and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory- THI as evaluation protocols and sound therapy as the main technological resource of their studies.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar o perfil das pesquisas sobre zumbido realizadas no Brasil e os principais procedimentos adotados pelos profissionais da área em território nacional. Métodos: estudo de caráter observacional, descritivo e transversal, em que foi feita uma busca ativa em plataformas digitais para identificar pesquisadores no Brasil que têm o zumbido como foco de estudo. Após a identificação dos grupos de estudo sobre zumbido, foi enviado aos pesquisadores um formulário online composto por 21 questões, com o intuito de conhecer os trabalhos em desenvolvimento. As respostas coletadas foram extraídas e tabuladas no Microsoft Excel professional plus 2019 por meio das medidas de frequência absoluta e relativa da amostra final. Resultados: foram identificados 117 pesquisadores, destes, 21 participaram do estudo, sendo (90,5%) do sexo feminino, especificamente de universidades públicas (81%) da região Sudeste do Brasil (47,7%). Esses profissionais desenvolvem pesquisas clínicas (76,1%), com foco em terapias e/ou tratamentos (38,1%) e utilizam a terapia sonora (52,38%) como recurso tecnológico principal de seus estudos. Conclusão: o perfil das pesquisas é do tipo clínico, com foco principal em terapias e/ou tratamentos para o zumbido. Quanto aos procedimentos, há o predomínio de aplicação da Escala Visual Analógica- EVA e do Tinnitus Handicap Inventory-THI como protocolos de avaliação e a terapia sonora como recurso tecnológico principal de seus estudos.

Tinnitus Footprints in the Cochlea.

The purpose of this paper is to show how temporal bone histopathology has been instrumental in adding knowledge about the origin of tinnitus in the cochlea and how it will still be useful for that purpose in the future. The papers published on this subject will be reviewed, and their contributions will be highlighted. The knowledge that is now part of the subject will be pointed out, and future research on this area will be pointed out.

Signos y Síntomas en 3557 Pacientes con Trastornos Temporomandibulares

Los trastornos temporomandibulares (TTM) tienen una alta frecuencia en la población y pueden presentar síntomas en la región de la cabeza, el oído y la región cervical. Este estudio evalúa la presencia de signos y síntomas en la región de la cabeza y el cuello, incluyendo: cefalea, trastornos del oído, y de la columna vertebral, en una población de 3557 pacientes con TTM. Para este estudio los datos consistieron en los registros de 3557 pacientes consecutivos de TTM referidos a una clínica privada de trastornos temporomandibulares y dolor craneofacial, en Santiago de Chile entre 1998 y 2019. El examen y los registros fueron efectuados por uno los autores (RW), en un programa computacional previamente diseñado. Los resultados fueron analizaron utilizando la distribución de la frecuencia de los datos para evaluar la prevalencia. En esta serie 72.67 % correspondieron a pacientes de sexo femenino. Los síntomas más prevalentes reportados por los 3557 pacientes estudiados fueron rigidez en el cuello 65,25 %, cefaleas 61,01 % y dolor lumbar 57,16 %. Los síntomas relacionados con el oído fueron: mareos en el 46,70 %, dolor de oídos en 32,64 % y tinnitus en el 33,60 % de los pacientes. La asimetría facial estuvo presente en el 74.08 % de los 3557 pacientes. Se observó desviación mandibular en apertura bucal, en el 74.44 % de los 3557 pacientes. Se presentó dolor a la palpación muscular en un alto porcentaje de los pacientes, en los músculos temporales, maseteros, esternocleidomastoideo y trapecio, Este estudio nos permite describir la frecuencia de los signos y síntomas que presentan los pacientes con TTM en una amplia casuística.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are frequently associated with other conditions in the head, ear and neck region, including cervical spine disorders and headache. This study evaluates the presence of signs and symptoms in the head and neck region, including headache, ear disorders, cervical and spine disorders, on a population of 3557 patients with TMD. For this study data consisted of the records of 3557 consecutive TMD patients referred to a temporomandibular disorder and craniofacial pain private clinic in Santiago, Chile between 1998 and 2019. The examination and recordings were made by all the authors. The results were analyzed using the distribution of frequency of the data to asses prevalence. The most prevalent symptoms reported by the 3557 subjects were neck stiffness 65.25 %, headaches 61.01 % and low back pain 57.16 %, the most frequent ear symptom was dizziness 46.70 %. The present study analize the frecuency of signs and symptons presented in a big casuistic of patients with TMD.

Self-Reported Voice-Related Quality of Life in Cochlear Implant Users

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify if cochlear implant (CI) users are perceiving a decrease in life quality due to voice problems. This study evaluated 43 CI user's perception of their voice and how it affects their quality of life through a survey. Approach: Forty-three CI users responded to a survey regarding their demographics, details about their CI, the Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), the Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL), and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). The survey responses were analyzed using univariate linear regression analysis. Results: Few of the CI users scored below the cut off for normal voice related quality of life. CI users averaged 93.4 out of 100 on the V-RQOL and only four scored abnormally for the VHI-10. Lower scores on the V-RQOL were correlated with the participants having an associate degree and with participants visiting friends, family, and neighbors less often due to hearing loss. The VHI-10 scores were correlated with gender, education levels, difficulty in social situations due to hearing loss, noise exposure, and tinnitus. Limitations of the study: The small n was the primary limitation of this study. Originality: This study was one of the first to examine the voice-related quality of life in CI users. Conclusions: Overall, respondents did not perceive much voice-related difficulty. However, they were more likely to perceive voice-related difficulty if they experienced difficulty hearing in noise and avoided social situations due to hearing loss.

Objetivo: Este estudio identificó si los usuarios de implantes cocleares (IC) están percibiendo una disminución en la calidad de su vida debido a problemas de voz. Además, evaluó la percepción de la voz de 43 usuarios de IC y cómo afecta su calidad de vida a través de una encuesta. Enfoque: Cuarenta y tres usuarios de IC respondieron a una encuesta sobre su demografía, detalles sobre su IC, la Hearing Health Quick Test (HHQT), la Voice Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) y el Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Las respuestas de la encuesta se analizaron mediante un análisis de regresión lineal univariado. Resultados: Pocos usuarios de IC puntuaron por debajo del límite para calidad de vida relacionada con la voz. El promedio V-RQOL fue de 93,4/100; solo 4 participantes tuvieron puntuación anormal en VHI-10. Las bajas puntuaciones en V-RQOL se correlacionaron con título de asociado y menos visitas por pérdida auditiva; las puntuaciones VHI-10, con sexo, educación, dificultad en situaciones sociales, exposición al ruido y tinnitus. Limitaciones del estudio: La pequeña n fue la principal limitación de este estudio. Originalidad: Este estudio fue uno de los primeros en examinar la calidad de vida relacionada con la voz en usuarios de CI. Conclusiones: En general, los encuestados no percibieron mucha dificultad relacionada con la voz. Sin embargo, era más probable que percibieran dificultades relacionadas con la voz si tenían dificultades para oír en ruido y evitaban situaciones sociales debido a la pérdida auditiva.