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Endolymphatic hydrops has been documented as a possible complication of cochlear implantation; however, few studies have addressed its treatment. We describe the first case ever reported of delayed endolymphatic hydrops after a cochlear implant successfully treated with intratympanic gentamicin injection. A detailed discussion of this case with a focus on its management and outcomes will be provided in comparison with literature data. The intratympanic gentamicin injection has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for symptomatic endolymphatic hydrops after cochlear implantation. We advocate further studies to validate this strategy as a promising alternative to surgical labyrinthectomy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recurrent otitis media and conductive hearing loss in the early preschool period often cause fluctuating hearing condition that significantly affects a child’s appropriate speech and language development. The possibility of phonological disturbances is increased. Material, subjects and methods: The examined children comprised 206 children aged between 4.04 and 5.06 years, who participated in the speech and language screening test at the age of five years in Health Centres in north-eastern Slovenia from March to August 2021. Results: The incidence of otitis media in children is 55%. Problems in phonology, language problems, and problems in pragmatics have been shown to be the most common consequences of otitis media. Conclusions: Multiple prolonged episodes of otitis media can cause hearing fluctuations or conductive hearing loss, which causes speech and language problems.

Abstract The glycerol test is an easy‐to‐use instrument to elucidate fluctuations of electrical hearing in patients with Meniere's disease and it might be also used as a therapeutic option.

The glycerol test is an easy‐to‐use instrument to elucidate fluctuations of electrical hearing in patients with Meniere's disease and it might be also used as a therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Fluctuating hearing loss is a distinctive feature caused by SLC26A4 variants. We investigated whether cochlear implantation had protective or deleterious effect on hearing fluctuation in patients with biallelic SLC26A4 variants.Methods: Patients with biallelic SLC26A4 variants (N = 16; age = 10.24 ± 9.20 years) who had unilateral cochlear implantation and consecutive postsurgical, bilateral pure-tone audiograms more than 3 times were selected. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records from 2008 to 2019 obtained from a tertiary medical center and used the auditory threshold change (Shift) over time as a marker of hearing fluctuation. Fluctuation events were counted, and the Shift of the implanted and contralateral ears was compared using logistic regression with a generalized estimating equation and linear mixed model. A total of 178 values were included.Results: The odds of fluctuating hearing frequency were 11.185-fold higher in the unimplanted ears than in the implanted ears postoperatively (p = 0.001). The extent of fluctuation at 250 and 500 Hz was also significantly lower in the implanted ears than in the unimplanted ears after adjusting for every other effect (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). Notably, higher residual hearing was rather associated with lesser fluctuation in frequency and the extent of fluctuation at 500 Hz, indicating residual hearing function is not the positive predictor for hearing fluctuation.Conclusion: In patients with biallelic SLC26A4 variants, cochlear implantation may reduce the frequency and extent of hearing fluctuations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: 1) To establish criteria for significant hearing fluctuation by assessing the range and occurrence of hearing fluctuations over the course of Meniere's disease; 2) to determine if audiometric evidence exists to support the notion that Meniere's disease is a pathophysiologic process involving the whole cochlea; and 3) to suggest prognostic implications for initial hearing fluctuation in patients with Meniere's disease.Study Design: Retrospective case series review.Methods: A total of 488 patients diagnosed by 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Meniere's disease criteria for whom audiometric data were prospectively collected (2 cohorts: 341 and 146 patients initially seen between April 2002 to July 2003 and between January to December 2010, respectively). Based on several definitions for significant hearing fluctuation, change in hearing was categorized as "same," "worse," or "better" between any two consecutive evaluations. The relationship of initial hearing fluctuation to future hearing fluctuation and future hearing loss was evaluated.Results: Hearing fluctuation was evident in Meniere's disease patients with heterogeneous audiometric follow-up; and the characteristics of these hearing fluctuations, including the mean incidence, is described. Audiometric data suggests that there is a high congruence in Meniere's disease between changes in low- and high-frequency thresholds. Initial hearing fluctuation is associated with the occurrence of future and more frequent hearing fluctuations.Conclusion: Understanding the range of hearing fluctuations establishes a basis for determining audiometric thresholds used in evaluating future therapeutic trials aimed at the prevention of hearing loss in Meniere's disease. This knowledge will also inform the counseling directed toward patients diagnosed with Meniere's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluates the outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in residual hearing in children candidates. The study uses the audiometry for the analysis of the features and outcomes of the groups of 53 children with residual hearing. Results show that the condition of the children with hearing loss was not improved 10 years after the implantation.

This study aimed to assess the extent and implications of short-term hearing fluctuation in Meniere's disease. Thirty-six subjects diagnosed with Meniere's were recruited to measure their own hearing using in-situ audiometry via a hearing aid (Widex Diva) and a portable programmer (SP3). Self-hearing tests measuring up to 14 frequency bands were conducted three times a day over eight weeks using the expanded SensogramTM. Twenty-three ears showed low frequency fluctuation while ten fluctuated in mid frequencies with some 'double peak' audiogram configurations. Eight ears in the later stages of Meniere's, contrary to expected, also recorded fluctuation across all frequencies. Self-hearing testing Meniere's ears over eight weeks revealed great hearing fluctuation with significant changes in audiogram configuration. It suggests that as endolymphatic hydrops progresses through the cochlea, low frequency fluctuation is followed by fluctuation in the mid frequencies, leading to fluctuation across all frequencies. Use of a self-hearing test may facilitate diagnosis and hearing aid fitting for this population, as clinical audiograms may not provide accurate information of hearing fluctuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirteen subjects made consecutive long-term recordings of binaural intensity and pitch matches in their homes using portable equipment to assess hearing fluctuations. Two groups of subjects were used; one with monaural fluctuating low-frequency hearing loss (FLFHL) without vertigo, and one with monaural Meniere's disease (i.e. FLFHL with vertigo). The subjects measured binaural pitch matches using a 0.25- or 1-kHz reference tone presented at 60 dB SPL to one ear, and a loudness-matched test tone of adjustable frequency presented to the other ear during one to several weeks. Their results were compared to those previously obtained from ten normal-hearing subjects. Both groups of subjects showed fluctuations in binaural intensity and pitch matches not seen in the normal-hearing group. We calculated the average day-to-day difference in matched intensity and frequency for each subject's test period as a measure of disease activity. This measure indicated that the group with Meniere's disease has a higher disease activity than the group with FLFHL without vertigo, and that both these groups of subjects had higher disease activity than normal-hearing subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]