bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochlear Implant in Far Advanced Otosclerosis
Authors: Ruiz Hector E. , Curet Carlos , Salvadores Maria I. , Romani Carolina , Rubiño Luis , Queirolo Adriana , Dotto Gabriela 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate clinical characteristics of these patients, with otosclerosis, complications,and observations of the benefits of implants to medium and long term.MethodThirty two adult patients, age 50 years old, 22 women and 10 men, with profound sensorineural hearing loss, and otosclerosis far advanced, were treated with multi‐channel cochlear implants. All had otological examination, psychological, audiometry, and 0% of speech discriminations with‐well‐fitted hearing aid, CTS (4 with RMI) to determine hypodensity or morphologic changes.ResultsCTS with morphologic changes in the cochlea in 24/32 patients (Rottevel’s grading): 9 had type 2 (localized retrofenestral disease), 6 type 3 (retrofenestral diffuse). Full insertion inside the cochlea in 28/32 cases, where in 6 patients it was necessary to drill the bone in 4 to 6 mm in the tympanic basal turn. four patients had partial insertion of electrodes, 1 of them with 2 electrodes in IAC and leakage of CSF, 1 with stimulation of the facial nerve (type 3). Three patients were reinplanted. Tinnitus with sensation of resounds was observed in 5 patients. Good discriminations in speech was evidenced in 26/32 patients.ConclusionPatients with far advanced otosclerosis demonstrated good performance with CI in 26/32 cases. In otosclerosis type 3, 5 out of 6 patients had more difficulty in the insertion of electrodes, 1 of them with 2 electrodes within the IAC and leakage of LCR, and 5 of them with tinnitus and smaller auditory outcome.
Cochlear Implant Performance after Round Window Insertion
Authors: Kang Bryan J. , Petti Derek , Kim Ana H. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo compare speech performance after undergoing round window (RW) electrode insertion with those who underwent traditional cochleostomy (C) cochlear implant (CI) surgery.MethodStudy design: Prospective study. Setting: Academic cochlear implant center. Patients who met CI criteria with favorable intraoperative RW anatomy who underwent RW CI electrode insertion were included. Patients meeting CI criteria who underwent traditional cochleostomy surgery were matched for age, duration of deafness, and preoperative hearing to serve as the comparison group. Intervention: RW versus traditional C electrode insertion. Main outcome measures: Postoperative speech performance using the consonant‐nucleus‐consonant (CNC) speech perception tested between 3 to 24 months after CI implantation.ResultsEighty‐seven patients underwent RW insertion between 2007 to 2011. Thirty‐two patients had pre‐ and postoperative speech perception data for analysis. Age ranged from 9.7 to 79.4 years (mean, 53.9 ± 16.1 years). A total of 18 patients who underwent C insertion were identified, ranging in age from 37.8 to 68.3 years (mean, 51.4 ± 16.1 years). No significant differences in postoperative CI speech perception scores were noted between the RW and C group at 1 year post‐CI (RW group 53.6 ± 23.2% versus C group 56.2 ± 21.4%; P =. 73).ConclusionOur study suggests that in patients with favorable RW anatomy, RW cochlear implant electrode insertion demonstrated comparable speech performance compared to the traditional cochleostomy insertion.
Cochlear Implantation: Role of Language, Income, and Ethnicity
Authors: Willis Elena , Bent John P. , Masur Jonathan 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo compare postcochlear implantation (CI) speech perception (SP) outcomes between a non‐English speaking ethnic minority study group and an English speaking ethnic majority control group.MethodWe performed a retrospective case‐control study at an academic tertiary care children’s hospital. Records were reviewed of 49 children who underwent CI from February 2005 to September 2011. Children with abnormal cognitive function (n = 12), postsurgical complications (n = 1), or incomplete SP testing (n = 24) were excluded. The remaining 12 cases (implantation age 1‐10 years; mean, 4.3 years) were reviewed for language, income, ethnicity, and SP scores. Their scores were compared to those from the Childhood Development after Cochlear Implantation (CDaCI) study. The CDaCI is a demographically balanced and multicenter‐based pediatric cohort from which publications are beginning to define normative post‐CI SP outcomes. Both groups had equivalent neurological status and age.ResultsOf our 12 children, 7 were Hispanic, 2 white, 2 multi‐ethnicity, and 1 Russian. Four were non‐English speaking, 5 spoke English as a second language, and 7 were bilingual. Three received bilateral CI. Early Speech Perception (ESP) scores were collected at 6 and 12 months. At both follow‐up intervals the study group performed significantly worse than the control group. (6‐month P =.048, 12‐month P =. 01)ConclusionsThis study suggests that among pediatric CI recipients, those from predominantly non‐English speaking, socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds develop SP at slower than normal rates. Future interventions should be directed at overcoming these obstacles.
Dextran Therapy in Sudden Deafness: A Quasi Study
Authors: Cheng Po‐Wen , Wang Chi‐Te , Chou Hsu‐Wen , Fang Kai‐Min , Lai Mei‐Shu 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the treatment outcome of low‐molecular‐weight dextran in the management of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL), we conducted this quasi‐experimental study to investigate whether subjects receiving additional dextran therapy demonstrated better hearing outcomes than patients receiving corticosteroid alone.MethodClinical records of 169 patients of ISSHL were reviewed from 2002 to 2010. Gathered information included age, gender, pretreatment hearing, delay of treatment, presence of vertigo and DM. Treatment methods include 1) oral prednisolone (1 mg/kg/d for 7 days) and 2) oral prednisolone plus dextran infusion (500 mL, twice daily).ResultsInitial analysis revealed that patients who received dextran therapy tended to have more severe hearing loss and shorter delay of treatment than the steroid group (P <. 01). Therefore, we applied propensity score to control for selection bias. Subjects with the same propensity score represented the same chance of receiving specific treatment. As a result, we re‐identified 50 pairs of propensity‐score‐matched subjects (N = 100) with a homogenous distribution of all clinical factors (P >. 05). Average hearing gain in subjects receiving dextran therapy (plus steroid) were 36.9 ± 20.1 dB, which does not differ from 34.7 ± 22.3 dB for subjects receiving steroid only (P =. 60).ConclusionMatching of propensity score successfully balanced the heterogeneity between the dextran and steroid group. Analytical result demonstrated that the addition of low‐molecular‐weight dextran to steroid therapy does not increase therapeutic effectiveness in managing ISSHL. Therefore, routine dextran administration in treating ISSHL should be carefully weighed against its potential hazards.
Differences in Quality of Life for Acoustic Neuroma Patients
Authors: McLaughlin Eamon J. , Bigelow Douglas C. , Lee John Y. K. , Ruckenstein Michael J. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveUsing the disease‐specific, validated Penn Acoustic Neuroma Quality of Life (PANQOL) survey we proposed the following study objectives: 1) Understand the demographics for patients with acoustic neuromas undergoing conservative management verses stereotactic radiosurgery (gamma knife). 2) Determine if there is a difference in quality of life for these patient groups.MethodA retrospective chart review of acoustic neuroma patients who completed a PANQOL survey between the dates of October 1, 2010 and January 1, 2012 was performed. A total of 76 patients (38 conservative, 38 gamma knife) were included. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and PANQOL data for the 2 groups were statistically analyzed.ResultsPatient age, sex, percentage of extracanalicular tumors, and time elapsed from diagnosis to the PANQOL survey were not significantly different for the 2 groups. There was a statistically significant difference in tumor size between the 2 groups (CON 8.59 mm vs GK 16.45 mm, P ≤. 001). The differences in PANQOL composite scores for hearing, balance, facial nerve symptoms, pain, anxiety, and energy were not statistically significant. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the general composite score (CON 5.97 vs GK 5.32, P =. 015).ConclusionDespite significantly larger tumors, patients undergoing gamma knife experience a similar quality of life when compared to patients who are being conservatively managed. The use of disease‐specific quality of life measures, such as the PANQOL, will contribute to the development of “best evidence” treatment strategies for patients with acoustic neuromas.
Diffusion Tensor Tractography of the Facial Nerve
Authors: Escada Pedro A. , Pereira Pedro M. , De Almeida Gonçalo Neto , Taoka Rui Manaças; Toshiaki 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) Demonstrate that preoperative diffusion tensor (DT) tractography can predict the displacement of the facial nerve in the vicinity of vestibular schwannomas. 2) Demonstrate that the course of the constructed tract consistently agreed with the surgical findings in most of the cases.MethodProspective study of 15 patients undergoing surgical removal of vestibular schwannomas. The course of the facial nerve, determined preoperatively by diffusion tensor tractography using the method of Taoka et al was compared with the course of the nerve determined intraoperatively by microscopic inspection and using facial nerve monitoring equipment.ResultsThe displaced facial nerve was identified in 14 patients by diffusion tensor tractography in axial and coronal T1 post‐gadolinium and equivalent tractography images. In 13 patients there was a precise correspondence between the course of the nerve determined preoperatively by diffusion tensor tractography and the course of the nerve found at surgery. In 1 patient the facial nerve was found anterior/cranial to the tumor while tractography seemed to depict an anterior/caudal course.ConclusionDiffusion tension tractography of the facial nerve is a feasible technique that can consistently predict the displacement of the facial nerve in the vicinity of vestibular schwannomas. The technique can be used preoperatively to lower the risk of facial nerve injury during acoustic neuroma surgery.
Effect of Creatine on Rat Inner Ear Stem Cell Culture
Authors: El Garem Hani F. , Mina Amir , El Sallam Sedik Abd , Di Santo Stefano , Ducray Angelique , Widmer Rudolph , Senn Pascal 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveInvestigate whether creatine might enhance the long lasting propagation and differentiation of inner ear stem cells.MethodRat inner ear stem cells were propagated in basal medium. Creatine supplementation was at third passage. Self‐renewal capacity initiated measured by the spheres number in each passage. Cultures was grown for 2 weeks in creatine absence or presence, and neuronal and hair cell numbers were analyzed by beta‐III‐ tubulin and myosin VIIa immunohistochemistry, respectively.ResultsStem cells were propagated for 11 passages for utricle and organ of Corti and 6 for spiral ganglion derived spheres. Creatine significantly enhanced the number of propagated spheres from P3 onward. Creatine promoted the spiral ganglia– derived spheres number and significantly increased the yield of neuronal cells of differentiated progenitors by 40%. It had no effect on differentiation in cultures derived from utricle and organ of Corti.ConclusionCreatine supplementation promoted both the propagation of rat spiral ganglia, utricle, and organ of Corti, as well as neural differentiation of spiral ganglia stem cells.
Effect of Using Earphones for Music‐Induced Hearing Impairment
Authors: Chang Yu‐Tuan , Lin Cheng‐Yu , Kuo Yu‐Liang , Kuo Nai‐Wen , Chao Chun Chih , Wu Jiunn‐Liang 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveNoise‐induced hearing losses (NIHL) have become more common among adolescents because of increased exposure to personal music players. Many adolescents used to listen to music by headphone. We aimed to assess whether the use of earphones has a significant effect on music‐induced hearing impairment in teenage students.MethodThis cross‐sectional study recruited students who habitually listen to music in quiet environments. Listeners with use of earphone and desktop speaker were included. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and completed questionnaire were obtained. Cumulative noise exposure (CNE) was calculated by listening time and volume of using players.ResultsA total of 105 subjects were analyzed. Mean age was 17.03 years. Sixty‐eight subjects (67.76%) used earphones, and the others used desktop speakers. Mean of PTA at high frequency (average of 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz) was 8.97 dBHL (SD = 5.71). DPOAE amplitude level at high frequency was 19.87 dBSPL (SD = 5.11). Mean of CNE was 86.66 dB‐year (SD = 12.14). There was a good dose‐response relationship between CNE and DPOAE amplitude levels at high frequency (P <. 01). Under the similar CNE status, subjects with earphones had worse DPOAE amplitude levels than those with desktop speakers (P <. 05).ConclusionThis study identified that the use of earphones may affect the relationship between music exposure dose and NIHL at high frequency. To preserve hearing, teenage students should avoid using earphones to listen to music for long periods of time.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound for Monitoring Parotid Tumors
Authors: Klotz Laura , Clevert Dirk , Gurkov Robert 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveContrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CE‐US) can be used for noninvasive analysis of functional vascularization. Lesions of the parotid gland are associated with different vascularity compared to the normal gland. The aim of the clinical trial was to evaluate CE‐US as a diagnostic tool for parotid lesion.MethodFor CE‐US measurements, following intravenous SonoVue injection, the intensity‐time curve gradients were calculated from CE‐US data.ResultsThe intensity‐time gradients derived from CE‐US measurements revealed significantly higher perfusion in the malign lesions group than the benign lesions group. Area under curve was significantly higher for malign lesions.ConclusionCE‐US–derived area under curve parameters appear as an independent and quantitative marker for the monitoring of parotid lesions. Clinical experience and further studies will have to validate this method as a reliable diagnostic tool to decide especially whether to proceed with surgery.
Epidemiological Study of Hearing Loss
Authors: Zanoni Alessandra , Cruz Oswaldo Laercio 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo identify the most frequently observed characteristics among patients with hearing impairment in a Brazilian tertiary referral center, the Center of Hearing Impairment at UNIFESP.MethodPatients assisted during the period from 2005 to 2009 with primary complaint of hearing difficulty had their charts reviewed. This study gathered 4467 patients, which underwent an ENT assessment by history taking, physical examination, audiological testing, and, when indicated, imaging examinations as well as other specialties evaluation in order to contribute to a precise diagnosis and treatment definition. A database was developed specifically for registration of patients in this study.ResultsAverage age was about 47 years, with a balanced distribution regarding gender. Mean time between onset of hearing loss and the demand for medical care was approximately 12 years. Hypertension, with or without comorbidities, was most frequently observed in association with hearing loss, reported by 28% of all patients. Presbycusis was the most common etiological diagnosis, followed by unclear sensorineural hearing impairment. Fitting of hearing aids was indicated in almost 70% of all cases.ConclusionResults indicate that there is an excessive delay between the onset of the hearing difficulty and an access to specialized care. Age‐related hearing loss deserves special attention from public and private health systems for its high incidence, and a significant number of patients who need and would benefit from hearing rehabilitation through electronic aids, especially hearing aids. The high prevalence of comorbidities, particularly hypertension, suggests that these diseases may play an important role in the manifestation and evolution of sensorineural hearing loss.
Epidemiology and Complications of Acoustic Neuroma Excision
Authors: Mahboubi Hossein , Ahmed Omar , Oliaei Sepehr , Kiumehr Saman , Djalilian Hamid R. 
Published: February 2015

Objective1) To examine surgical outcomes, charges, and demographics information for patients who have undergone an acoustic neuroma excision. 2) To determine if outcome measures and charges are significantly different between high‐volume and low‐volume centers.MethodCase data for acoustic neuroma excisions performed in California from 2008 to 2010 were examined using California Hospital Discharge Data (CHDD). Cases were identified if they contained the principal procedure ICD‐9‐CM code 04.01. Postoperative complications were identified if cases contained ICD‐9‐CM codes for specific diagnoses and procedures (ie, meningitis, ventriculostomy, etc).ResultsThere were 1158 cases. Most patients were between the ages of 35 and 64 years (72.8%), women (54%), and white (76.0%). The median total charge was $103,485, the average hospital stay was 5.1 days, 90.3% of patients were discharged routinely (ie, home), and 7.3% of patients endured postoperative complications. High‐volume centers (10 ≤ surgeries per year average) had less complications (5.7% of patients had complication(s) vs 13%; P <. 001), shorter hospital stays (4.7 days vs 6.6 days; P <. 001), higher rates of routine discharges (94.8% vs 73.6%; P <. 001), and lower average charges per day and total charges (P <. 001).ConclusionCompared with lower volume centers, high‐volume centers had fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, higher rates of routine discharges, and lower total charges for all services rendered and average charges per day. Interestingly, CHDD demonstrates that median total charges have risen dramatically from data reported in 1996 to 1998 ($103,485 vs $26,862).
Extra‐tympanic Electrocochleography in Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Hang Anna X. , He Shuman , Buchman Craig A. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveCompare electrocochleography (ECochG) recordings obtained simultaneously at the round window (RW) and tympanic membrane (TM) in patients with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in order to validate a noninvasive method for assessing site of lesion in these patients. Better understanding of site of lesion may help optimize intervention strategy and ultimately, performance among ANSD children.MethodECochG responses were recorded simultaneously at the TM and RW using single pulse and trains of clicks and tone‐burst stimuli during cochlear implantation in ANSD children. Recorded potentials included the cochlear microphonic (CM) and nerve compound action potential (CAP). Correlation between RW and TM ECochG recordings were analyzed using Pearson correlation test.ResultsECochG responses were successfully recorded at both the TM and RW simultaneously from 7 ANSD patients using all 4 paradigms. Both sites (TM and RW) revealed similar response patterns although RW responses were at least 1 order of magnitude greater than the TM responses. For all patients and conditions tested, the TM and RW ECochG recordings were significantly correlated in 88% of cases. A clear CAP was recorded from a subset of patients. Also, in the click train condition, in patients with a CAP response, the amplitude was noted to rapidly decrease following the first 3 to 4 stimuli.ConclusionRW ECochG recordings have larger amplitudes and better morphology than TM recordings, but still showed positive correlation in most cases. The CAP morphology recorded from a subset of our subjects is consistent with previous literature. CAP amplitude decrement in the click train condition indicates neural adaptation in ANSD.
Hearing Results of Titanium Ossiculoplasty in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chang‐Wei 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe choice of ossicular prosthesis depends on middle ear condition, including ossicle autograft, polycel, and titanium materials. We applied titanium ossicular prosthesis since 2008. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hearing results of ossicloplasty using titanium prosthesis. This is the first report in Asian people.MethodBetween October 2008 and March 2011, we included 76 chronic ear patients with similar hearing levels and pathogens who had undergone ossiculoplasty by the same surgeon with titanium prosthesis. The hearing evaluation was completed at least 6 months postoperatively. Hearing was evaluated by the average of 0.5K, 1K, and 2K.ResultsAmong 76 patients, there were 58 with the postoperative air‐bone gap below 20 dB, accounting for 76%. We divided patients into 2 groups, the traumatic ossicular destruction and chronic ear groups. In the traumatic group, the postoperative air‐bone gap was below 20 dB for 8 out of 9 patients, accounting for 88%, and in the chronic ear group, 49 out of 67 patients, or 73%. Furthermore, the overall extrusion rate is 4%, 3 in 76 patients. The frequently used functional length is 2.0 mm and accounts for 90%.ConclusionWe share our preliminary hearing results using titanium ossicular prosthesis in recent 3 years in Taiwan. The overall results are excellent, about 3 out of 4 patients have air‐bone gap below 20 dB postoperatively, especially in traumatic cases, up to 88%. The extrusion rate is rather low as 4%.
Intratympanic Steroid for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Sichel Jean‐Yves , Muhanna Nidal , Shwartz Yehuda , Peleg Uri , Rodriguez Mercedes , Shaul Hanan , Perez Ronen 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveIntratympanic (IT) steroids are increasingly used in the treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of IT administration of dexamethasone treatment for SSNHL.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed medical records of SSNHL patients who were treated with IT dexamethasone in our hospital from January 2004 to October 2010. Indications for IT treatment: 1) Failure of systemic therapy; 2) Contraindications for systemic therapy; 3) Patients who presented more than 2 weeks after the onset of hearing loss.ResultsA total of 117 patients were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 51.2 years, ranging from 18 to 81 years. Patients were divided into 2 groups: I) Patients who were treated with IT dexamethasone after the failure of initial systemic treatment: n = 80 (68.3%). II) Patients who were treated only with IT dexamethasone: n = 37 (31.6%). Thirty‐nine patients (48%) from group I showed improvement of more than 20 dB in SRT while 14 patients (38%) from group II showed similar improvement. Overall, 87 patients (74.35%) showed some improvement in speech reception threshold (SRT). The presence of vertigo had negative effect on the hearing outcome.ConclusionThis study shows that IT prednisone therapy may be beneficial in the treatment of sudden SNHL. Although the results of this study and other similar ones are convincing, a prospective randomized controlled study is warranted.