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Conclusion: The results indicate that electrogustometry and the filter paper disc method are reliable methods to measure taste with a high degree of reproducibility. Objectives: To thoroughly evaluate the reliability of electrogustometry and the filter paper disc method for taste assessments. Methods: Thirty-nine healthy test persons without any history of chronic middle ear disease, aged between 27 and 62 years, were recruited. In all, 772 electrogustometry and 30 filter paper disc assessments were made. A nerve decay test was performed, with measures taken before and after eating sweet, sour, bitter, salt, a mild or spicy meal, after smoking, and after taking Swedish tobacco snuff (''snus''), as well as before and after local anesthesia of the tongue. Measurements were performed on 5 consecutive days and repeatedly during 1 day. The correlation between electrogustometry and the filter paper disc method was also studied. Results: The results indicate that electrogustometry and the filter paper disc method are reliable methods to measure taste with a high degree of reproducibility. The only actions causing significant changes in the electrogustometry readings were eating bitter a substance and having local anesthesia of the tongue. The correlation between the methods was statistically significant except for the bitter flavor, where the correlation was just below the level of significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) function results can vary between individuals with different middle ear conditions. Therefore, by analyzing VEMP results after paper patching, we can predict the condition of the middle ear in chronic otitis media (COM) patients. Objectives: VEMP responses decrease with impairment of sound transmission, such as in conductive hearing loss (CHL). COM with tympanic membrane (TM) perforation is a common disorder that causes various degrees of CHL. The aim of this study was to evaluate and clarify the VEMP responses in patients with COM with different middle ear pathology. Methods: This study included 50 patients with unilateral COM with TM perforation. Initial pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and VEMP responses were recorded. After paper patching, PTA and VEMP were re-performed. Each VEMP response was compared with those of the healthy controls. Moreover, VEMP responses between pre- and post-paper patching were compared. Results: There was a positive correlation between normalizing of VEMP parameters, such as p13 and VEMP asymmetry ratio (VAR), and reduction of air-bone gap in patients with COM after paper patching. The VEMP response in patients with COM with intact ossicle and clean mucosa was more normalized compared with those in patients with COM with different middle ear conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is no comprehensive and up-to-date overview of audiovestibular approach to the posterior fossa tumors in the literature. This paper reviewed the literature relating to tumors at the posterior cranial fossa to find red flags alerting a posterior fossa lesion from audiovestibular perspectives. This review was developed from articles published in those journals listed on the journal citation reports. Through the PubMed database, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library, 60 articles were finally obtained based on the PRISMA guidelines for reporting reviews. The presence of one red flag indicates a positive predictive value of 33% for detecting a posterior fossa lesion. Clinical features, namely, 1) mid-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), 2) bilateral sudden SNHL, and 3) rebound nystagmus may indicate a posterior fossa lesion, representing one, two, and three red flags, respectively. Those with 1) mid-frequency sudden SNHL, 2) bilateral sudden SNHL, and 3) rebound nystagmus trigger one, two, and three red flags, respectively, alerting clinicians the possibility of a posterior fossa lesion, which warrant MR imaging to exclude life-threatening or treatable conditions. Patients with posterior fossa tumors may have potential life-threatening outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Conclusion: The airflow velocity and flux in maxillary sinuses were much lower than those in the nasal cavity, and the temperature in maxillary sinuses was much higher than the temperature in the middle meatus. With the increase of maximum diameter of the ostium, the above indices changed little. Objectives: The purpose of the paper was to investigate, first, the flow and temperature distribution inside normal maxillary sinus in inspiration, and second, flow and temperature alteration with the increase of maximum ostium diameter. Methods: Three-dimensional models with nasal cavities and bilateral maxillary sinuses were constructed for computational fluid dynamics analysis. Virtual surgeries were implemented for the maxillary ostium, the maximum diameters of which were 8, 10, 12, and 15 mm, respectively. The finite volume method was used for numerical simulation. The indices of velocity, pressure, vector, and temperature were processed and compared between models. Results: The airflow velocity in maxillary sinuses (average velocity 0.062 m/s) was much lower than that in the middle meatus (average velocity 3.26 m/s). With the increase of ostium diameter, airflow characteristics distributed in the maxillary sinuses changed little. The normal temperature in the maxillary sinus remained almost constant at 34°C and changed little with the increase of ostium diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion:Clinical studies and meta-analyses demonstrated that betahistine is effective and safe in the treatment of Ménière’s disease, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuronitis, and other types of peripheral vertigo.Objectives:The goal of this paper is to review the pharmacological profile of betahistine and the evidence for its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of peripheral vertigo.Methods:Selection criteria for the publications on betahistine included randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of betahistine vs placebo or active control in the treatment of peripheral vertigo. Recent meta-analyses were also included. Databases searched included PubMed, the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register, and ICTRP. The review also presents an update on the mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of betahistine.Results:Efficacy and safety of betahistine has been demonstrated in numerous clinical trials. The precise mechanism of action of betahistine is still not completely understood, but the clinical experience demonstrated the benefit of betahistine in different types of peripheral vertigo. In more than 40 years of clinical use, betahistine has shown an excellent safety profile with the usual dose range from 8–48 mg daily. According to clinical studies, betahistine 48 mg daily during 3 months is an effective and safe option for the treatment of peripheral vertigo. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion: A formulation based on sodium hyaluronate (NaHYA) was the most promising candidate vehicle for intra-tympanic drug administration regarding conductive hearing loss, inflammatory reactions, and elimination. Objectives: Recent advances in inner ear research support the idea of using the middle ear cavity for drug administration to target the inner ear. This paper presents rheological and safety assessments of three candidate polymer formulations for intra-tympanic drug administration. Method: The formulations were based on sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), sodium hyaluronate (NaHYA), and poloxamer 407 (POL). Rheological studies were performed with a controlled rate instrument of the couette type. Safety studies were performed in guinea pigs subjected to an intra-tympanic injection of the formulations. Hearing function was explored with ABR before and 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the injection. Elimination of the formulations marked with coal was explored with an endoscopic digital camera 1, 2, and 3 weeks after injection. Middle and inner ear morphology was examined with light microscopy 6 days after injection. Results: The results speak in favor of NaHYA, since it did not cause prolonged hearing threshold elevations. The results of the elimination and morphological investigations support the conclusion of NaHYA being the most promising candidate for intra-tympanic administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: The mutation c.508_511dup in GJB2 gene has been incorrectly named as other mutations. It is essential to standardize mutation nomenclature to describe complex mutations. Objectives: This paper aimed to verify a series of patients with the frame-shift mutation c.508_511dup in the GJB2 gene and review the literature on related mutations. Methods: All the included patients with non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) carried the 504insAACG or c.508_511dup mutation of the GJB2 gene in the present study. Their parents were encouraged to participate. After written informed consent and clinic data had been obtained, genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood of participants. The target fragments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and subjected to bidirectional sequencing to identify sequence variations. Results: A total of 14 patients with prelingual NSHL and 6 normal parents were recruited. Genotyping revealed that one mutation, c.508_511dup (not 504insAACG), was homozygous in 1 patient, heterozygous in 2 patients and 3 parents, and compound heterozygous in 11 patients. Twelve patients had hearing loss caused by c.508_511dup in a homozygous or compound heterozygous form, and further study showed that it was wrongly named as 504insAACG. Additionally, according to the standard nomenclature, the previously reported mutations with distinct names from the literature review may be replaced by c.508_511dup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: By consulting an ENT-doctor, patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), in the general population, receive disease information and adjustment of treatment which can improve disease-specific Quality-of-Life and may improve objective measurements. Objectives: This study aims to follow persons with clinical diagnosed CRS from the general population, to evaluate their benefit from consultation with an ENT-doctor in terms of severity of symptoms and Quality-of-Life. Methods: As part of a trans-European study, selected respondents to a survey questionnaire were invited for a clinical visit. Based on the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps, persons were diagnosed with CRS and followed for 2 years. Quality-of-Life was measured using the Sino Nasal Outcome Test 22 and European Quality-of-Life - 5 Dimensions. Clinical examination included rhinoscopy, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow, smell test, and skin prick test. Results: Out of 91 persons with CRS, only 42% had previously consulted an ENT-doctor, and 51% were in current treatment for CRS. Most patients were advised medical treatment and 20% underwent surgery. Disease-specific Quality-of-Life, peak nasal inspiratory flow, olfactory function, and the nasal volume significantly increased over the 2-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conclusion: Diazepam can reduce the excitability of lateral amygdala and eventually suppress the excitability of the auditory cortex in rats following salicylate treatment, indicating the regulating effect of lateral amygdala to the auditory cortex in the tinnitus procedure. Objective: To study the spontaneous firing rates (SFR) of the auditory cortex and lateral amygdala regulated by diazepam in the tinnitus rat model induced by sodium salicylate. Materials and methods: This study first created a tinnitus rat modal induced by sodium salicylate, and recorded SFR of both auditory cortex and lateral amygdala. Then diazepam was intraperitoneally injected and the SFR changes of lateral amygdala recorded. Finally, diazepam was microinjected on lateral amygdala and the SFR changes of the auditory cortex recorded. Results: Both SFRs of the auditory cortex and lateral amygdala increased after salicylate treatment. SFR of lateral amygdala decreased after intraperitoneal injection of diazepam. Microinjecting diazepam to lateral amygdala decreased SFR of the auditory cortex ipsilaterally and contralaterally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Lateral canal plugging with endolymphatic sac decompression (LCPESD) is a new therapeutic approach to intractable Meniere's disease. Further clinical data will be required. Objective: The objective of this paper is to present a new surgical procedure, i.e. lateral canal plugging (LCP) with endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD), which we defined as LCPESD. Two cases of intractable Meniere's disease, a 48-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, were successfully treated by this method. Methods: LCPESD was performed under general anesthesia. First ESD was undertaken followed by LCP. The bone was drilled up to the 'blue line' in the central portion of the bony lateral canal; then a 2 mm segment of canal was skeletonized to create a fenestra. A plug comprising temporalis fascia, bone pate, and fibrinogen glue was inserted through the fenestra to compress the endosteum and membranous labyrinth. Results: The attack of Meniere's disease was completely controlled and the hearing threshold did not change after the surgery for 2 years. Obliteration of the horizontal canal was confirmed by MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conclusion: Our results encourage the notion that the pharynx could be an extragastric reservoir of Helicobacter pylori (HP). The study confirmed the presence of HP in adenotonsillar tissue in children. It could have importance in the pathophysiology of upper respiratory diseases. However, its precise role in these processes remains unclear and requires further studies. Objective: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate the presence of HP in tonsillar and adenoid tissue in children. The study focused on real-time PCR analyzing CagA and VacA genotypes of HP strains. Methods: A total of 37 consecutive pediatric patients with adenotonsillar hypertrophy indicated for surgery were observed in a prospective study. Adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy was performed in each patient; 49 specimens were taken, 32 from adenoids and 17 from tonsils. The presence of HP and its genotype were tested in all samples by real-time PCR analysis. Results: Of 49 samples analyzed, 48 were positive for the presence of HP (98%), so only 1 sample was negative. While the genotype VacAs1bm2 was definitely dominant in adenoid tissue, wider distribution was observed in tonsillar tissue. Cag+ strains represented one-fifth of all samples (21%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Oto-Laryngologica is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conclusion: A system for robotic cochlear implantation (rCI) has been developed and a corresponding surgical workflow has been described. The clinical feasibility was demonstrated through the conduction of a safe and effective rCI procedure. Objectives: To define a clinical workflow for rCI and demonstrate its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness within a clinical setting. Method: A clinical workflow for use of a previously described image guided surgical robot system for rCI was developed. Based on pre-operative images, a safe drilling tunnel targeting the round window was planned and drilled by the robotic system. Intra-operatively the drill path was assessed using imaging and sensor-based data to confirm the proximity of the facial nerve. Electrode array insertion was manually achieved under microscope visualization. Electrode array placement, structure preservation, and the accuracy of the drilling and of the safety mechanisms were assessed on post-operative CT images. Results: Robotic drilling was conducted with an accuracy of 0.2 mm and safety mechanisms predicted proximity of the nerves to within 0.1 mm. The approach resulted in a minimal mastoidectomy and minimal incisions. Manual electrode array insertion was successfully performed through the robotically drilled tunnel. The procedure was performed without complications, and all surrounding structures were preserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Finnish head and neck cancer (HNC) patients show signs of severe malnutrition already at presentation, measured by bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA). BIA may be a practical method to detect malnutrition, analyze body composition, and to identify high-risk patients in this population. Objectives: BIA is a validated method for evaluating body composition and detecting malnutrition. Low phase angle (PA) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Vector analysis (BIVA) provides a qualitative measure for hydration and cell mass, independent of body size. This study describes BIA results in Finnish HNC patients at presentation. Methods: Forty-one newly-diagnosed HNC patients at the Helsinki University Hospital were included. BIA measures (resistance, reactance, PA, fat-free mass index [FFMI], and fat mass index [FMI]), body mass index (BMI), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were determined. Results: The majority of patients were men (78%), with a normal average BMI of 25.2. Low FFMI was seen in 44% of women and 28% of men. The PA (median = 4.6; IQ range = 4–5) was lower than the reference values in 76% (n = 31) of cases. In BIVA, only 13 (32%) of the patients were within normal range and 15 (37%) were plotted in the quadrant indicating malnutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling. Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists. Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified. Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0018) and neck dissection (p =.0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Each of eight patients with bilateral microtia and atresia underwent bilateral reconstruction of the auricles and external auditory canals and were fitted bilateral canal-type hearing aids in the operated ears to replace a bone conduction hearing aid. The ability to discriminate inter-aural intensity difference (IID) and even inter-aural time difference (ITD) was retained in all these patients. Objective: This study studied the post-operative sound lateralization ability of patients with bilateral microtia and atresia after total reconstruction of both auricles and external auditory canals, followed by fitting of bilateral canal-type hearing aids. Methods: Eight patients with bilateral microtia and atresia ranging in age from 13–43 years were recruited in this study. Each of them underwent bilateral reconstruction of the auricles and external auditory canals and were fitted canal-type hearing aids in both the operated ears to replace a bone conduction hearing aid. A sound lateralization test was conducted to determine IID and ITD discrimination ability thresholds. Results: In all the patients, the IID discrimination ability thresholds of the patients were more than 3-fold those of the controls, the ITD discrimination ability threshold was more than 5-fold those of controls, and binaural hearing was retained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Alterations within a novel putative Exon 1a within the gap junction beta 2 (GJB2) gene may play a role in the development of genetic hearing impairment in Austria. Objectives: Mutations in the GJB2 gene are the most common cause of hereditary sensorineural deafness. Genome-wide screening for alternative transcriptional start sites in the human genome has revealed the presence of an additional GJB2 exon (E1a). This study tested the hypothesis of whether alternative GJB2 transcription involving E1a may play a role in the development of congenital sensorineural deafness in Austria. Methods:GJB2 E1a and flanking regions were sequenced in randomized normal hearing control subjects and three different patient groups with non-syndromic hearing impairment (NSHI), and bioinformatic analysis was performed. Statistical analysis of disease association was carried out using the Cochran-Armitage test for trend. Results: A single change 2410 bp proximal to the translational start site (c.-2410T > C, rs7994748, NM_004004.5:c.-23 + 792T > C) was found to be significantly associated with the common c.35delG GJB2 mutation (p =.009). c.35delG in combination with c.-2410CC occurred at a 6.9-fold increased frequency compared to the control group. Additionally, one patient with idiopathic congenital hearing loss was found to be homozygous c.-2410CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: In most cases, both diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopy are well tolerated under local anaesthesia (LA) or under local anaesthesia with sedation (LAS), with reasonably low patientreported discomfort. Sialendoscopy can be considered a patient-friendly and relatively painless, glandpreserving, minimally invasive procedure suitable for day surgery. Objective: To investigate patient experience and compliance in sialendoscopy under LA/LAS. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at an academic tertiary-care university hospital. During a period of 22 months, 89 patients between ages 16-81 years underwent diagnostic or interventional sialendoscopy under LA (20%) or LAS (80%). After the operation the patients filled in a questionnaire formulated by the authors concerning their procedure-related experiences. Patients' demographic data, ASA status score, pre- and intra-operative blood pressure and heart rate measurements, affected gland, operation time, intervention type, as well as pre-, peri-, and postoperative medication were gathered later from the medical records. Results: The level of discomfort and pain experienced during the operation was assessed as 'mild' or 'none' by 85% and 89% of the patients, respectively. The level of pain experienced after the operation was 'major' in 4% of patients and 'mild' or 'none' in the majority (87%) of patients. The patients' estimations showed no significant difference between the diagnostic and interventional procedures, although it seems that patients who underwent stone removal by transoral incision experienced the operation as a bit more uncomfortable and painful than other patients. Afterwards 97% of patients stated that they would agree to a new LA/LAS sialendoscopy in the future if needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: It is considered that a regimen combining pharmacologic management and lifestyle modifications is the most effective treatment for laryngeal granulomas caused by GER. Objectives: This study compared the results of the combination therapy and surgery to determine the best treatment of laryngeal granuloma caused by gastro-esophageal reflux in 51 patients. Methods: Prospective study. Results: In the conservative treatment group, the CR rate was 89.7% and recurrence rate was 2.6%, while the lesions remained in patients (7.7%). This study compared the CR and recurrence rates between conservative treatment and surgery for granuloma. The results showed that the laryngeal granuloma recurrence rate was significantly lower with the conservative treatment regimen compared with surgery (p=.0016). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of Fusobacterium necrophorum (FN) in patients with chronic tonsillitis in the age group 15-23 years. This indicates that FN might play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic tonsillitis in this age group, which is also the age group in which chronic or recurrent tonsillitis is most common. Objectives: The role of FN in patients with acute and chronic tonsillitis is unclear. Thus, this study investigated the occurrence of FN in tonsils of patients with chronic tonsillitis. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of FN in patients that underwent tonsillectomy due to chronic tonsillitis. This study also investigated if FN was found at different areas in the tonsils. Method: One hundred and twenty-six consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy due to chronic tonsillitis were included from the ENT clinics at Sunderby Hospital and Gäallivare Hospital, Sweden. Both children and adults were included to encompass various age groups (age =2-57 years). Culture swabs were taken from three different levels of the tonsils - the surface, the crypts, and the inner core of the tonsils. Selective agar plates for detecting FN were used for culture. Culture was also made for detecting b-hemolytic streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and Arcanobacterium. Results: FN was the most common pathogen (19%). The highest prevalence of FN was found in the age group 15-23 years (in 34% of the patients). FN was detected both at the surface and in the core of the tonsils. Furthermore, in the few patients where FN was not detected in all three areas, FN was always detected at the tonsillar surface, in spite of being an anaerobic bacterium. Streptococci group G and C also occurred most frequently (30%) in the same age group as FN (15-23 years), whereas Streptococci group A was more evenly spread among the age groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Pediatric septoplasty may be associated with short-term symptomatic benefit. This benefit may be greater in female patients and equally achievable in young patients and using less invasive surgical approaches. Objective: To determine the short-term effect of pediatric septoplasty, which is not routinely performed, on sinus and nasal-specific quality-of-life. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of 28 pediatric patients that underwent septoplasty. Pre- and post-septoplasty SN-5 overall (mean of all five items, range=1-7) and visual analog scale (VAS; range=0-10) scores were obtained and compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Comparisons of pre- to post-septoplasty changes by sex (female vs male), age (<13 vs ≥13 years), and surgical approach (open vs closed) were performed using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Median and interquartile range are reported. Results: Overall and VAS scores significantly improved from pre- to post-septoplasty (3.5 [2.8, 4.3] to 2.0 [1.4, 2.8], p<.001; 5.0 [4.0, 6.3] to 8.0 [8.0, 10.0], p<.001). Females reported significantly greater overall and VAS score improvements compared to males (-1.8 [-2.6, -1.6] compared to -1.0 [-1.6, -0.2], p=.01; 5.0 [4.0, 5.0] compared to 3.0 [1.5, 4.0], p=.007). Comparisons of changes by age and surgical approach were not significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Patients with severe vision impairment in combination with severe-to-profound hearing loss seem to have a higher risk for effects on QoL, including: mobility, the ability to provide self-care and perform usual activities, and levels of anxiety and depression, compared with patients with only severe-to-profound hearing loss. Objectives: To study the quality-of-life (QoL) and audiological rehabilitation of the severely visionimpaired patient population among adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss in Sweden. Method: A study of data collected from 543 patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss combined with severe vision impairment among the total of 2319 persons registered in the Swedish Quality Register of Otorhinolaryngology. QoL was measured with the following instruments: EQ5D, PIRS, and HADS. Audiological rehabilitation was described and evaluated. Results: The patients with dual sensory loss were younger, were more likely to live alone, and had a lower level of education than the control group. The QoL of the study group was significantly negatively affected. In total, 89% of the study group had been rehabilitated with hearing aids, while 8% had received rehabilitation with cochlear implants. A total of 32% of the study group had received extended audiological rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Mandarin-speaking adults can use the Fine Structure Processing (FSP) coding strategy as well as the Continuous Interleaved Sampling (CIS+) coding strategy. No loss in performance was observed after switch-over. Tone identification improves over time with the FSP coding strategy, which is of benefit to tonal-language users. After some time, fine structure was preferred. Objective: This study aimed to determine speech perception, tone perception, and the subjective preferences of Mandarin-speaking adults who received the FSP coding strategy, at upgrade from the CIS + coding strategy. Methods: Thirteen Mandarin-speaking subjects were tested at switch-over from CIS + to the FSP coding strategy ~1-month after switch-over, 2-months after switch-over, and 3-months after switch-over with the Mandarin Hearing in Noise Test (M-HINT), the Mandarin Tone Identification in Noise Test (MTINT), and a visual analogue scale assessing Sound and Speech Assessment (SSA). Results: There were no significant differences in the M-HINT between presentation levels (62 dB SPL vs 65 dB SPL), over time, nor when compared to the CIS + coding strategy. Tone perception improved significantly over time with the FSP coding strategy. Subjects rated the FSP coding strategy with the OPUS 2 as significantly more 'full' and 'rich' than with the CIS + coding strategy after 3-months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Improvement in sleep, emotional distress, and health-related quality-of-life (QoL) accompanied the improvement in dizziness symptoms after vestibular rehabilitation. Persistent sleep disturbance could prevent improvements in self-perceived handicap due to chronic dizziness and anxiety. Objective: The present study investigated prospectively the effects of intervention for dizziness (vestibular rehabilitation) on sleep disturbance, and the relationship between improvements in dizziness symptoms and improvements in sleep disturbance after the intervention. Methods: The participants of this study were 127 chronic dizziness inpatients with comorbid sleep disturbance (Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI-J] global score ≥6). Participants completed the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI, three sub-scales: Physical, Emotional, and Functional), PSQI-J, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and SF-8 (health-related QoL), and underwent gravity center fluctuation measurement before (time 1) and 1 month after (time 2) an in-hospital rehabilitation program. Results: All measured variables were significantly improved at time 2, compared to time 1. At time 2, 80.31% of patients still reported sleep disturbance. Analysis of covariance showed that chronic dizziness patients with sleep disturbance at time 2 had significantly higher DHI total, DHI-physical, and HADS-anxiety scores at time 2 than patients without sleep disturbance at time 2, after adjusting for these scores at time 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: A 30 s observation of geotropic positional nystagmus is sufficient to distinguish persistent geotropic positional nystagmus (PGPN) from transient geotropic positional nystagmus (TGPN) in patients with horizontal canal type of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (H-BPPV) in ENT office. Objective: As a canalith repositioning procedure effectively treats H-BPPV with TGPN, but not PGPN, the differentiation between patients with PGPN and with TGPN is essential. The purpose of this study is to determine the observation period enough to distinguish TGPN from PGPN. Methods: This study first analyzed positional nystagmus images recorded with an infrared CCD camera three-dimensionally in 47 patients with H-BPPV. PGPN is distinguished from TGPN in patients with H-BPPV precisely by means of time constant calculated form analysis of positional nystagmus. Tensecond and 30-s movies were made of positional nystagmus of the all 47 patients. Ten independent otolaryngologists were then asked to distinguish TGPN from PGPN after a 10 s or 30 s observation of the geotropic positional nystagmus images in 47 patients with H-BPPV. Results: The sensitivity and specificity to distinguish TGPN from PGPN was 100% and 97% after 30 s observation, but 100% and 40% after 10 s observation, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusions: Trans-tympanic plugging of the Eustachian tube (ET) with the silicone plug (Kobayashi Plug) induced long-term effectiveness for over 80% of chronic and severe patulous ET (PET) patients. The New Kobayashi Plug was more effective with fewer complication of plug descent to the pharyngeal orifice. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and complications of trans-tympanic plugging of the ET using a Kobayashi Plug for chronic PET. Method: Trans-tympanic plugging of the ET using the Kobayashi Plug was performed for 252 ears of 191 patients. The Prototype Plug (115 ears of 82 patients in 2001-2007) and the New Plug (137 ears of 109 patients in 2008-2013) were inserted for chronic PET patients. Results: The success rate of the Kobayashi Plug for PET was 83.0% of a total (Prototype Plug 80.0%, New Plug 85.4%). In 26 ears, the Prototype Plugs were found to have descended toward the nasopharynx. Conversely, this did not happen with the New Plug. The rate of TM perforation (Prototype 22.6%, New 17.5%), middle ear effusion (Prototype 20.2%, New 10.2%) and ventilation tube placement (Prototype 14.8%, New 4.4%) decreased after transition to the New Plug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: Based on this model experiment, a small tip and low volume electrode show lowest intracochlear pressure values. Insertional support by a tool minimizes fast pressure changes. Higher electrodes volumes affect slow and fast pressure changes as well. Objective: Insertion causing low intra-cochlear pressure is assumed to be important for atraumatic cochlear implant surgery to preserve residual hearing. Cochlear implant electrodes differ in terms of parameters like tip size, length, volume, and technique of insertion. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of different cochlear implant electrodes on insertional intra-cochlear pressure in a cochlear model. Materials and methods: Cochlear implant electrode insertions were performed in an artificial cochlear model and intra-cochlear pressure changes were recorded in parallel with a micro-pressure sensor positioned in the apical region of the cochlear model to follow the maximum values, temporal changes, maximum amplitude, and frequency of changes in intra-cochlear pressure. Insertions were performed with four different electrodes (Advanced Bionics 1j, Helix, HFMS, and LW23). Results: This study found statistically significant differences in the occurrence of initial maximum pressure values correlating with the electrode tip size. The different electrodes and the technique of insertion significantly affected the occurrence of maximum value, amplitude, and frequency of intracochlear pressure occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion:oVEMP could be a useful tool for predicting the prognosis of Bell's palsy comparable to ENoG and H–B grade. Objectives:Several previous studies have reported cases of Bell’s palsy with vestibular function disorder. The basic hypothesis behind this effect lies in the close proximity of the vestibular and facial nerves in the internal auditory canal (IAC). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between Bell’s palsy prognosis and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs). Methods:Total 104 consecutive patients who were diagnosed with Bell?s palsy from January 2012 to December 2014 were enrolled. Patients were divided into complete recovery group and incomplete recovery group. All of patients underwent oVEMP recordings within 1 week after disease onset. For the evaluation of correlation between H–B grades, ENoG, oVEMP and Recovery of Bell?s palsy, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results:The mean value of ocular vemp asymmetry was significantly higher in the incomplete recovery group than the complete recovery group (p< 0.05). No association was found between the ipsilesional PTA threshold, caloric test, and rate of abnormal EMG and recovery state. However, the initial state of ENoG, initial H–B grade, and oVEMP abnormal findings (Latency & Amplitude symmetry ratio) were significantly correlated with the rate of recovery (p = 0.025,p = 0.013, andp < 0.005, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusions:One-shot, low-dose intra-tympanic gentamicin (ITG) treatment was effective and safe for Ménière’s disease (MD) patients. Head thrust test (HTT) and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) test could be used as endpoint indicators for vertigo control in MD patients. Objectives:The present study is to explore end-point indicators of ITG injection in MD. Methods:Patients with MD were reviewed from June 2012 to March 2014. Single-shot ITG at a concentration of 30 mg/ml was administered to patients. The sensitivity and specificity of HTT and VEMPs for vertigo control were measured. Results:All 37 patients with a median follow-up of 26 months were included. Of those 37 patients, 24 patients (64.9%) obtained class A vertigo control and seven patients (18.9%) obtained class B vertigo control. Only six patients had class C control (16.2%). The sensitivity and specificity of HTT for vertigo control were 74.2% and 50.0%. Meanwhile, the sensitivity and specificity of VEMPs threshold were 83.9% and 33.3%. When combined HTT and VEMPs, sensitivity and specificity were 93.5% and 66.7%. Based on the four-tone average thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz, 78.4% patients had no significant change in PTA and 16.2% patients experienced significant improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion:Intra-tympanic dexamethasone injection (ITD) could serve as a first-line intra-tympanic (IT) treatment for Meniere’s disease (MD), regardless of hearing level. Even if the response to initial ITD course was unsatisfactory, a repeated course may be beneficial with some patients. Objectives:This study examined the effect of repeated courses of ITD administered on demand and investigated the possibility of ITD as an initial IT treatment for medically intractable MD patients. Method:Fifty-one patients who had been diagnosed with definite MD and given course(s) of ITD treatment were included. Vertigo control, pure tone average and functional disability scores were evaluated against the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery guidelines for MD. Results:Vertigo disappeared or was substantially controlled in 58.8% and 23.5% of the patients, respectively, after the first ITD course. A repeated course further raised the complete vertigo control rate by 15.7% and intra-tympanic gentamycin injection could be postponed or avoided in 78.6% of the patients who required repeated IT treatment. Hearing was unchanged after the first course of ITD (p > .05). No significant differences were detected in the clinical profiles or laboratory findings between patients receiving single course of ITD and those on multiple courses (p > .05). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]