Structure and scaling of the middle ear in domestic dog breeds.

Although domestic dogs vary considerably in both body size and skull morphology, behavioural audiograms have previously been found to be similar in breeds as distinct as a Chihuahua and a St Bernard. In this study, we created micro-CT reconstructions of the middle ears and bony labyrinths from the skulls of 17 dog breeds, including both Chihuahua and St Bernard, plus a mongrel and a wolf. From these reconstructions, we measured middle ear cavity and ossicular volumes, eardrum and stapes footplate areas and bony labyrinth volumes. All of these ear structures scaled with skull size with negative allometry and generally correlated better with condylobasal length than with maximum or interaural skull widths. Larger dogs have larger ear structures in absolute terms: the volume of the St Bernard's middle ear cavity was 14 times that of the Chihuahua. The middle and inner ears are otherwise very similar in morphology, the ossicular structure being particularly well-conserved across breeds. The expectation that larger ear structures in larger dogs would translate into hearing ranges shifted towards lower frequencies is not consistent with the existing audiogram data. Assuming that the audiograms accurately reflect the hearing of the breeds in question, oversimplifications in existing models of middle ear function or limitations imposed by other parts of the auditory system may be responsible for this paradox.

Cause, severity, and efficacy of treatment for hearing loss in children with Trisomy 18: A single institution-based retrospective study.

Trisomy 18 is a common chromosomal aberration syndrome, characterized by variable clinical manifestations, including cardiovascular, pulmonary, genitourinary, and musculoskeletal findings, leading to a shorter survival and severe developmental delay in survivors. However, recently, intensive therapeutic intervention has allowed for prolonging survival. In terms of otological complications, only a limited number of relevant reports have been published. To demonstrate the characteristic of hearing loss (HL) in children with Trisomy 18, we retrospectively evaluated 22 patients (44 ears) by comprehensive auditory evaluation with the auditory steady-state response (ASSR) test and temporal bone computed tomography (CT). ASSR revealed that 20 patients (91%) had bilateral moderate to profound HL, more frequent and severe than that in Trisomy 21; among 42 ears having HL, 12 ears (29%) had conductive HL, and 26 ears (62%) had mixed HL. CT scans of 38 ears revealed that 34 ears (89%) had an external and middle ear malformation. Hearing aids (HA) were fitted in 17 patients (air and bone-conduction HAs). The threshold hearing with HA was improved in all of them. Accurate otological evaluation using ASSR and CT and intervention by HAs could be a feasible choice for children with Trisomy 18.

Vocalization-induced middle ear muscle reflex and auditory fovea do not contribute to the unimpaired auditory sensitivity after intense noise exposure in the CF-FM bat, Hipposideros pratti.

Behaviors and auditory physiological responses of some species of echolocating bats remain unaffected after exposure to intense noise, but information on the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we studied whether the vocalization-induced middle ear muscle (MEM) contractions (MEM reflex) and auditory fovea contributed to the unimpaired auditory sensitivity of constant frequency-frequency modulation (CF-FM) bats after exposure to broad-band intense noise. The vocalizations of the CF-FM bat, Hipposideros pratti, were inhibited through anesthesia to eliminate the vocalization-induced MEM reflex. First, the anesthetized bats were exposed to intense broad-band noise, and the findings showed that the bats could still maintain their auditory sensitivities. However, auditory sensitivities were seriously impaired in CBA/Ca mice exposed to intense noise under anesthesia. This indicated that the unimpaired auditory sensitivity in H. pratti after exposure to intense noise under anesthesia was not due to anesthetization. The bats were further exposed to low-frequency band-limited noise, whose passband did not overlap with echolocation call frequencies. The results showed that the auditory responses to sound frequencies within the noise spectrum and one-half octave higher than the spectrum were also unimpaired. Taken together, the results indicate that both vocalization-induced MEM reflex and auditory fovea do not contribute to the unimpaired auditory sensitivity in H. pratti after exposure to intense noise. The possible mechanisms underlying the unimpaired auditory sensitivity after echolocating bats were exposed to intense noise are discussed.

Imaging findings of isolated congenital middle ear malformation on high-resolution computed tomography.

PURPOSE: This study aims to analyze the imaging features of isolated congenital middle ear malformation (CMEM) on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). METHODS: We retrospectively collected patients with surgically confirmed diagnosis of isolated CMEM in our hospital between January 2018 and June 2023. All patients underwent HRCT before surgery. The preoperative imaging findings were analyzed by neuroradiologists with full knowledge of the intraoperative findings. RESULTS: 37 patients were included in this study, including 25 males and 12 females, with a median age of 16 years. A total of 44 ears underwent surgery. The most commonly affected structures were incudostapedial joint, incus long process, and stapes superstructure, followed by stapes footplate, oval window, incudomalleolar join, tympanic segment of the facial nerve canal, incus body, incus short process and malleus. All incus defect/hypoplasia/malposition, stapes superstructure deformity, malleus deformity, incudostapedial joint discontinuity, and facial nerve canal malposition/abnormal bifurcation could be observed on HRCT. Additionally, 96.0% of stapes superstructure defect, 85.7% of oval window atresia, and 41.7% of incudomalleolar joint fusion, could be visualized on HRCT. HRCT could not show ossicular soft tissue pseudo-connection and stapes footplate fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative HRCT is an important tool for diagnosing isolated CMEM. The advantages of HRCT lie in its ability to detect ossicular defects/deformities, incudostapedial joint discontinuity, oval window atresia, and facial nerve abnormalities. However, it has a low detection rate for incudomalleolar joint fusion and cannot show ossicular soft tissue pseudo-connection and stapes footplate fixation.

Evaluation of the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Using the Video Head Impulse Test in Patients with Unilateral Chronic Otitis Media.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) using the video head impulse test (vHIT) as a vestibular function assessment method in patients with unilateral chronic otitis media (COM). METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with unilateral COM scheduled for middle ear surgery, including 12 males and 16 females with a mean age of 54.5 years, successfully underwent preoperative vHIT. vHIT variables, including VOR gain, VOR gain asymmetry, and the incidence of corrective saccades, were compared between the ipsilesional and contralesional ears. RESULTS: Ten (35.7%) patients reported varying degrees of disequilibrium or lightheadedness. The VOR gain in the ipsilesional and contralesional ears was 1.01 ± 0.10 and 1.04 ± 0.11, 0.97 ± 0.12 and 0.94 ± 0.13, and 0.97 ± 0.13 and 1.04 ± 0.15 in the horizontal canal (HC), anterior canal, and posterior canal (PC), respectively. The average VOR gains in the ipsilesional ears were within the predefined range of normal values; however, the gains in HC and PC significantly decreased compared with those in contralesional ears (p = 0.038 in HC and p = 0.015 in PC). The prevalence of corrective saccades, including overt and/or covert saccades, did not differ significantly between the two ears. CONCLUSION: This study assessed the pathophysiology of the inner ear affected by chronic middle ear infection by quantitatively comparing the VOR using vHIT. It demonstrated that vHIT can be a practical assessment of vestibular function in patients with COM.

Middle-Ear Salivary Gland Choristoma with Congenital, Single-Sided Hearing Loss.

Middle-ear salivary gland choristoma (SGCh) is a rare, benign tumor that causes conductive hearing loss owing to middle-ear morphological abnormalities. Early diagnosis is challenging, and surgical resection is indispensable for a definitive diagnosis. We report the case of a 3-year-old boy diagnosed with middle-ear SGCh during the follow-up period for left-sided hearing loss discovered at newborn hearing screening (NHS). Long-term follow-up after the NHS result, subsequent computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, and surgical resection led to its relatively early diagnosis and treatment.

Bone cement repair of malleus handle fractures: Intraoperative video and case report of two patients.

Isolated malleus fractures are a rare occurrence with few reported cases in the literature. Symptoms include sudden otalgia, hearing loss, tinnitus and aural fullness. Work-up and diagnosis are based on a combination of thorough anamnesis and careful otoscopic evaluation or high-resolution computer tomography. We present two cases of isolated malleus handle fractures who were diagnosed based on a combination of pneumatic otoscopy and tympanometry. Both fractures were surgically repaired using hydroxyapatite bone cement as showcased in the supplemental video material. Post-operative audiometry showed improvement in the pure-tone-average of both patients as well as normalisation of tympanometry. Isolated malleus fracture should be suspected in cases of sudden hearing loss and tinnitus following digital manipulation of the outer ear canal together with a conductive hearing loss with a mostly high-frequent air-bone-gap and hypercompliant tympanometry with hypermobility of the tympanic membrane on pneumatic insufflation. Surgical repair of the fracture using bone cement has good hearing outcomes and leads to improvement in auditory symptoms.

Comparison of capabilities and limitations of endoscopes in endoscopic ear surgeries using 3D printed models.

PURPOSE: Endoscopic ear surgery has become a popular operative approach to treat middle ear diseases. Surgeons use either 0° or 30° endoscopes worldwide. The main aim of the work was to compare the properties of these two types of endoscopes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since this type of evaluation is hard to perform in vivo during the actual surgery, we designed 3D printed temporal bone models with different levels of complexity. The evaluation of endoscopes was based on image analysis or visibility of anatomical structures. RESULTS: The results show that a 30° endoscope offers a view of lateral walls from 4 mm distance, contrary to a 0° endoscope which cannot see lateral walls from this distance at all. On the other hand, visible area of the anterior wall is up to 40 % larger using 0° endoscope, compared to 30° endoscope. Angled endoscope distorts the picture and leads to the deterioration of the image. At commonly used distances above 5 mm from middle ear structures, resolution and image distortion is comparable between both endoscopes. CONCLUSIONS: Our results do not offer a definitive opinion on which endoscope is better for ear surgery. Both types of endoscopes have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the surgeon's personal preference and on the type of planned procedure.

The silent reservoir? SARS-CoV-2 detection in the middle ear effusion of patients with Otitis media with effusion after omicron infection.

PURPOSE: This multicenter, prospective study is designed to investigate whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is present in the Middle Ear Effusion (MEE) of patients developing Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) subsequent to an Omicron infection. The objective is to elucidate any potential association between the virus and the condition. METHODS: This study, conducted from January to June 2023, spanned the Otolaryngology departments of two medical institutions in Eastern China. Patients manifesting OME subsequent to Omicron infection from both hospitals were subjected to comprehensive otolaryngological assessments, including pure-tone audiometry (PTA), tympanometry, otoscopic examination, and nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. Subsequently, MEE samples extracted from these patients were analyzed through RT-PCR to detect SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: In this study, 23 patients (32-84 years; 57.5 ± 14.8 mean age; 47.8 % male) presented OME in 25 ears post-Omicron infection, with 21 (91.3 %) exhibiting unilateral symptoms. The median duration from infection to MEE sampling was 21 days (IQR: 25-46; range: 11-150). Predominantly, 64.0 % exhibited Type B tympanograms, and fluid accumulation was observed in 88.0 % of ears. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 3 MEE samples (12.0 %), with cycle threshold values ranging between 25.65 and 33.30. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the potential effects of COVID-19 on the middle ear, suggesting a link between SARS-CoV-2 and OME onset. The virus, a significant contributor to OME, is detectable in the MEE nearly a month post-Omicron infection, indicating a potential alteration in OME treatment strategies and a risk of recurrence, emphasizing the necessity for otolaryngologist vigilance.

Measuring food insecurity among a national sample of children with recurrent acute otitis media.

INTRODUCTION: Acute otitis media is one of the most common reasons for pediatric medical visits in the United States. Additionally, past studies have linked food insecurity and malnutrition with increased infections and worse health outcomes. However, there is a lack of information on the risk factors for food insecurity in specific patient populations, including the pediatric recurrent acute otitis media (RAOM) population. METHODS: The 2011 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) datasets were used to obtain a national estimate of the presentation of food insecurity within pediatric patients with RAOM. Relevant sociodemographic information and prevalence were identified. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine sociodemographic risk factors. Calculations were conducted using R with the "survey" package to account for the clustering and sampling of the NHIS. RESULTS: Of 3844 children with RAOM who responded to the food insecurity module, 20.8 % (19.0-22.6 %) were food insecure. Age, race/ethnicity, percentage of federal poverty level status, insurance status, and self-reported health status were significant and were not independent of food insecurity status. Using multivariable regression, this study found the following sociodemographic risk factors: age 6-10 and age > 10 (reference: age 0-2); Black (reference: Non-Hispanic White); 100 % to 200 % and <100 % federal poverty level (reference: >200 % federal poverty level); public insurance or uninsured status (reference: private insurance); and poor to fair self-reported health status (reference: good to excellent). DISCUSSION: Children with RAOM who were older, Black, less insured, living in lower-income households, and of poorer health had a greater association with being food insecure. Due to the frequency of RAOM pediatric visits, identifying at-risk groups as well as incorporating food insecurity screening and food referral programs within clinical practice can enable otolaryngologists to reduce disparities and improve outcomes in a targeted approach.

Efficacy of vibrant sound bridge in congenital aural atresia: an updated systematic review.

PURPOSE: The indications of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) have been expanded to include patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss due to congenital aural atresia (CAA). However, the current evidence supporting the auditory outcomes of VSB is based mainly on case reports and retrospective chart reviews. Therefore, the present systematic review aims to summarize and critically appraise the current evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of VSB in children and adult patients with CAA. METHODS: A systematic literature search retrieved studies that evaluated the outcomes of unilateral or bilateral implantation of VSB in patients with CAA. The bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases from January 2000 to December 2022. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the present systematic review. Overall, the speech perception after VSB was good, with a mean word recognition score (WRS) score ranging from 60 to 96.7%. The mean postoperative speech recognition threshold (SRT) after implantation ranged from 20.8 to 50 dB. The effective gain was reported in 15 studies, ranging from 31.3 to 45.5 dB. In terms of user satisfaction with VSB, the included studies showed significant improvements in the patient-reported outcomes, such as the Speech Spatial and Qualities of Hearing scale and Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile. The VSB implantation was generally safe with low incidence of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: VSB provides significant benefits to individuals with hearing loss owing to CAA, with very good subjective outcomes and a low risk of complications.

Health-related quality of life in vibrant soundbridge patients: generic and specific measures, short-term and long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the study was to determine the short- and long-term outcome of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults implanted with a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). METHODS: Twenty-one adults (8 females, 13 males; mean age at implantation: 57 ±10 years) who received a unilateral VSB for combined or conductive hearing loss, were administered two questionnaires: the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) as a measure of hearing-specific HRQoL, and the Health Utility Index 3 (HUI 3) as a measure of generic HRQoL. The questionnaires were administered before implantation and three, six, 12 and 24 months after processor activation. RESULTS: The NCIQ total score raised significantly from 62 points before implantation to 76 points at three months after processor activation (p < 0.005). Thereafter, no significant increases occurred anymore. The HUI 3 multi-attribute score (MAUS) increased from 0.59 before implantation to 0.70 at three months and at six months after processor activation and then declined slightly to 0.68 at 24 months after processor activation. Similar values were observed with the HUI 3 single-attribute score (SAUS) of Hearing. The increases of the HUI 3 scores were not statistically significant, but all pre-post-implantation differences were clinically relevant. DISCUSSION: VSB recipients experienced a quick improvement of their HRQoL. After just three months of device use, a significant improvement of hearing-specific HRQoL and a clinically relevant improvement of generic HRQoL were seen. After three months, no essential changes of HRQoL occurred in our sample, suggesting that the achieved level of HRQoL may remain stable in the long term.

Success and safety of endoscopic versus microscopic resection of temporal bone paraganglioma: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Temporal bone paraganglioma (TBP) are the most common tumors of the middle ear. They pose a challenge in otologic surgery due to their extensive vascularity and intricate location within the middle ear. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of two surgical approaches, microscopic middle ear surgery (MMES) and endoscopic middle ear surgery (EMES), in the resection of TBP. METHODS: Eligible studies published after 1988 were identified through systematic searches of "PubMed", "Scopus" and "Google Scholar". Retrospective studies and randomized/non-randomized control trials reporting on surgical approaches for TBP with a minimum of five adult patients were included. RESULTS: A total of 595 records were initially identified. After removing 229 duplicates, 349 articles were excluded based upon article subject, title and abstract. Following the review of full texts, 13 articles were assessed for eligibility. The pooled analysis included a total of 529 ears, with a complication rate of 7.8% for EMES and 14.2% for MMES. Subgroup differences indicated no significant variation between the two methods (p = 0.2945). CONCLUSION: Both EMES and MMES demonstrated favorable surgical outcomes with low complication rates for TBP resection. These findings suggest that EMES is a safe and effective method for TBP resection and one that is comparable to MMES. Since the risk of bleeding is significant in these tumors, a third-hand technique, endoscopic bipolar cautery or laser-assisted hemostasis should be considered. Conversion to MMES is another option when visibility is critically affected by bleeding.

Long-term results and quality of life after vibrant soundbridge implantation (VSBs) in children and adults with aural atresia.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness and acceptance of the active middle ear implant system Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB®, MED-EL, Austria) in patients with aural atresia or aplasia (children and adults). METHODS: Data from 51 patients (mean age 13.9 ± 11.3 years), 42 (79.2%) children and adolescents, and 11 (20.8%) adults) who received a VSB implant between 2009 and 2019 at the Department of Otolaryngology at LMU Clinic Großhadern, Munich were included in the study. Pure-tone audiometry, speech recognition in a quiet environment and in a noisy environment were performed preoperatively, during the first fitting of the audio processor, after 1-3 years, after 3-5 years, and after 5 years (if possible). The follow-up period ranged from 11 to 157 months with a mean of 58.6 months (4.8 years). Furthermore, the benefit of the VSB was evaluated by self-assessment questionnaires (Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale, respectively, for parents). RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in hearing and speech comprehension immediately after the initial fitting of the VSB system (mean hearing gain 38.4 ± 9.4 dB HL) and at follow-up intervals (1-3, 3-5 and after 5 years) for children and adults (p < 0.01). The values remained stable over the long-term, indicating a sustained functional gain from the VSB (mean hearing gain 38.9 ± 9.2 dB HL). The results of the self-assessments affirm the positive influence on hearing and speech comprehension with the VSB. With the VSB, there was an improvement of 41.3 ± 13.7% in the Freiburg monosyllable test. CONCLUSION: These results (a stable hearing gain over the long term, a good tolerance of the implant and an improvement in quality of life) affirm the recommendation for using the active middle ear implant VSB as early as permitted for aural atresia and aplasia patients. This study represents the audiometric results with the (to date) largest collective of aural atresia patients and with a long follow-up period.

A novel coupling quality index to estimate the coupling efficiency in Vibrant Soundbridge.

BACKGROUND: The objective-based methods for intraoperative monitoring have been suggested to assess the coupling and the outcomes of Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Although several techniques were proposed, they have not been widely adopted due to their complexity and invasiveness. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of a new coupling quality index using an intraoperative ABR threshold via AcoustiAP and its correlation with the perioperative measures. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary center. The medical records were retrieved for all patients who underwent VSB implantation and had an intraoperative objective assessment for the coupling efficiency. AcoustiAP was used to evaluate the intraoperative ABR thresholds, which were assessed directly after the floating mass transducer (FMT) placement using acoustic CE-Chirp signals. The Vibrogram was used for the postoperative audiological evaluation. A new coupling quality index was calculated based on the intraoperative ABR thresholds. RESULTS: Ten patients were eligible for the present study. The ABR thresholds for good coupling ranged from 35 to 60 dBnHL. The loose coupling thresholds ranged considerably from 40 to 100 dBnHL. Overall, the median intraoperative ABR threshold at good coupling was 42.5 (40-60) dBnHL and 60 (40-100) dBnHL at loose coupling. The analysis showed that there was a significant change in the coupling quality index at the good and loose coupling points (24.3 ± 14 vs 38.8 ± 18.2, respectively, p < 0.001). At a cut-off value of 22.6 dB, the coupling quality index had a sensitivity of 70%  and specificity of 90% for discriminating good and loose coupling. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for the utility of intraoperative ABR measurements in predicting the coupling efficiency in patients with VSB. Our results showed that the coupling quality index had an acceptable accuracy in discriminating between good and poor coupling, which can help clinicians optimize the fitting process for individuals and may ultimately lead to improved patient outcomes.

Blue laser for the exclusive endoscopic transcanal approach to middle ear paraganglioma.

BACKGROUND: The management of glomus tympanicum tumours can be challenging. Blue laser coagulation may improve bleeding control thus facilitating an endoscopic transcanal excision. The objective of this presentation is to illustrate the authors' experience using this novel tool. METHODS: Case report of a patient that underwent exclusive endoscopic transcanal blue laser surgery of a class A2 glomus tympanicum tumour in a tertiary referral center. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence of the safety and efficacy of endoscopic blue laser surgery, for the minimally invasive treatment of early-stage glomus tympanicum tumours.

Short-term safety and effectiveness of the mCLIP partial prosthesis.

PURPOSE: This multicentric, retrospective study aimed to analyze the short-term safety and effectiveness of the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. METHODS: Patients underwent tympanoplasty with implantation of a mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. Follow-up examination included ear microscopy and pure-tone audiometry to determine the post-operative pure tone average of the frequencies 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz (PTA4). The post-operative PTA4 air bone gap (ABG) was used to evaluate the audiological outcome. A post-operative minimum and maximum follow-up period was not defined. Thus, the follow-up times of each study center were different, which resulted in different follow-up times for the audiological analysis and for adverse events (AE). RESULTS: 72 (66 adults, 6 children) patients were implanted with the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. 68 (62 adults, 6 children) patients underwent audiological examination; all 72 patients were examined for adverse events. All patients (N = 68): 72.1% of the patients showed a PTA4 ABG of ≤ 20 dB. Individual post-operative bone conduction (BC) PTA4 thresholds were stable in 67 patients. The mean post-operative follow-up time was 78 ± 46 days. Children (N = 6): 5 out of 6 children showed a PTA4 ABG of ≤ 20 dB. None of the children reported a BC PTA4 deterioration of > 10 dB HL after the implantation. The mean post-operative follow-up time was 101 ± 45 days. Adverse events (all patients, N = 72): 15 (14 adults, 1 child) patients had AEs (27 AEs and 2 Follow-Ups). The mean post-operative follow-up time was 375 days. CONCLUSION: Clinical data show satisfactory audiological parameters after implantation of the mCLIP Partial Prosthesis. The prosthesis is safe and effective for implantation in children and adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05565339, 09 September 2022, retrospectively registered.

Endoscopic ear surgery in the treatment of chronic otitis media with atelectasis.

PURPOSE: Atelectasis otitis media (AtOM) is a chronic condition where the tympanic membrane (TM) becomes retracted towards the middle ear and the ossicular chain. Surgical treatment for this condition could be indicated based on stage of atelectasis, patient's clinical condition and hearing loss. Over the years, AtOM has been treated with various types of tympanoplasty under microscopic view. The aim of this study is to present the results of endoscopic ear surgery in AtOM. METHODS: Forty-five patients who underwent endoscopic trans-canal tympanoplasty were included in the study. Preoperative features, intraoperative findings and postoperative outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Preoperatively, none of the study's patients were classified with a Sadè Grade I, whereas grades II, III and IV were 3 (6.6%), 23 (32.1%) and 19 (67.8%) respectively. The 3 patients with Sadè grade II showed a conductive hearing loss higher than 20 dB and a continuous ear fullness, therefore they were surgically treated. The postoperative graft success rate was estimated at 95.5%. During follow-up, 2 patients showed a TM perforation (at 6 and 12 months after surgery) whereas 1 patient experienced a recurrence of atelectasis in the TM (16 months after surgery). The overall success rate at the final follow-up was calculated at 88.8%. The average preoperative air-conduction threshold was 51.1 ± 21.5, which reduced to 34.6 ± 22.1 (p = 0.04) at follow-up. The preoperative air-bone gap decreased from 28 ± 7.2 to 11.8 ± 10 (p = 0.002) after surgery. CONCLUSION: Atelectasis otitis media might be suitable for exclusive endoscopic surgical treatment, as it appears to exhibit a low recurrence rate and promising audiological outcomes.

Exclusive endoscopic tympanoplasty efficacy in the treatment of cholesteatoma without mastoid involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the recurrence rate of cholesteatoma in patients who have undergone exclusive endoscopic tympanoplasty at our tertiary referral institution. A secondary objective is to analyze different clinical aspects that could be considered risk factors for recurrence to establish if it is possible to determine when a second-look procedure is indicated instead of a clinical follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on patients who had undergone exclusive endoscopic tympanoplasty for cholesteatoma in the last eight years and who were followed up for at least one year. The efficacy of the treatment performed only with the exclusive endoscopic technique was analyzed. Then, the anamnestic and intraoperative data were studied to identify possible factors that could increase the risk of recurrence. RESULTS: The recurrence rate (14.5%) in patients (164) who underwent primary surgery with the exclusive endoscopic technique between January 2014 and January 2022 was similar to that in patients who underwent the microscopic technique with mastoidectomy in literature. In addition, we analyzed several clinical factors such as age, ossicular chain erosion, extension and localization of the cholesteatoma finding that only the last one could potentially be a risk factor for recurrence in this selected population. CONCLUSION: Exclusive endoscopic tympanoplasty has been shown to be effective in removing cholesteatoma in patients without evidence of mastoid involvement, with recurrence rates comparable to traditional microscopic technique and a minimally invasive approach, even considering the patient's age, ossicular chain erosion and extension of the disease.

Safety and efficacy of the mAXIS stapes prosthesis.

PURPOSE: Otosclerosis leads to a fixed stapes footplate and thus to hearing loss. The predominant treatment method is surgery, with various types of stapes prostheses available. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis. METHODS: 34 cases of otosclerosis were implanted with the new mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis. Comprehensive clinical assessments, including pre- and postoperative pure tone audiometry was performed at short-term (ST) follow-up at 25 (± 15) days and mid-term (MT) follow-up at 181 (± 107) days. The pure tone average of 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz (PTA4) was calculated. RESULTS: In all cases, the application of the prosthesis was successful and straightforward. The postoperative PTA4 air-bone gap was 10.7 ± 5.2 dB at ST follow-up (n = 34) and 8.3 ± 4.1 dB at MT follow-up (n = 18). In 61% of cases, the ABG-closure was within 10 dB and in 100% of cases within 20 dB at MT follow-up. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study support that the mAXIS Stapes Prosthesis is safe for implantation and shows promising audiological outcome. Future investigations will contribute its long-term efficacy and safety profile.