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Objective: In 1997, the Task Force on Rhinosinusitis (TFR) set forth symptom-based diagnostic guidelines for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). In the present study, we examined radiologic correlates of the TFR diagnostic criteria for rhinosinusitis.Study Design and Setting: One hundred twenty-five consecutive patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scans of the sinuses were studied at Oregon Health and Science University. Patients were evaluated prospectively with a questionnaire based on the TFR criteria, and their CT scans were graded according to the Lund-Mackay scoring system.Results: Of the 125 patients, 115 met the symptom criteria for CRS. However, 40 of 115 had negative scans (Lund-McKay score, 0) despite meeting the diagnostic criteria for rhinosinusitis. Of 115, 75 had positive scans (Lund-McKay score, >1). Of the 10 patients who had negative diagnoses for rhinosinusitis, 9 had a positive CT scan. The Kappa coefficient was -0.103 (+/-95% confidence interval, -0.201 to -0.004), indicating poor agreement between CRS positivity and CT positivity. The sensitivity of TFR criteria for detecting a positive scan was 89%, but the specificity was poor at only 2%.Conclusion and Significance: Based on these pilot data, it appears that the specificity and predictive value of the current TFR criteria may not be adequate to serve as a diagnostic standard for rhinosinusitis. Additional validating data may provide guidance for improving the sensitivity and specificity of symptom-based diagnostic instruments for rhinosinusitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among children is increasing. Experts have recommended implementation of hearing conservation education programs in schools. Despite these recommendations made over the past three decades, basic hearing conservation information that could prevent countless cases of NIHL remains absent from most school curricula. This paper reviews existing hearing conservation education programs and materials designed for children or that could be adapted for classroom use. This information will be useful as a resource for educators and school administrators and should encourage further development, implementation, and dissemination of hearing conservation curricula. The overall, and admittedly ambitious, goal of this review is to facilitate implementation of hearing conservation curricula into all US schools on a continuing basis. Ultimately. implementation of such programs should reduce the prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among children and adults, (J Sch Health. 2002;72(2):51–57) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main objectives were 1) to determine the percentage of cases of chronic tinnitus in a specialized clinic that resulted from head or neck injuries; 2) to describe the characteristics of this population; and 3) to compare patients with head or neck trauma with patients whose tinnitus onset was not associated with head or neck injuries., Study Design: Retrospective analysis of tinnitus clinic patient data., Methods: Detailed questionnaires were mailed to 2400 patients before their initial appointment at the Oregon Health and Science University Tinnitus Clinic (Portland, OR). All of the patients experienced and received treatment for chronic tinnitus. Patient data were entered into a database and later analyzed., Results: Two hundred ninety-seven patients (214 male and 83 female patients) reported that their chronic tinnitus started as a result of head or neck injuries. Compared with patients whose tinnitus onset was not associated with trauma, patients with tinnitus associated with head or neck trauma were younger; had better hearing thresholds; experienced headaches more frequently; reported greater difficulties with concentration, memory, and thinking clearly; were more likely to experience current depression, but not lifetime depression; rated their tinnitus as louder on a 1-to-10 scale; matched their tinnitus to louder sounds on the right side; and had higher Tinnitus Severity Index scores., Conclusions: Tinnitus is a significant symptom that commonly occurs as a result of head or neck trauma. The fact that tinnitus resulting from head or neck injuries tends to be more severe (and is often accompanied by a greater number of co-symptoms) than tinnitus resulting from other causes should be taken into account by clinicians treating these patients.