Non-technical hearing screening using a self-assessment questionnaire in a mobile app offers a low-cost solution for at-risk populations. The present study developed Kannada-language hearing questions using health literacy principles-plain language, simple phrasing, and dialect inclusion-to improve accessibility for underserved groups. To evaluate the effectiveness of culturally relevant Kannada hearing questions in detecting hearing loss compared with technical screening. The objectives were to assess the content validity of the new questionnaire, compare the accuracy of technical and non-technical screening apps against conventional pure-tone audiometry, and measure client satisfaction. Eighty-four participants aged 20 to 45 years with minimal-to- moderate hearing loss were evaluated using a comparative research design. A standardised adult hearing questionnaire was developed and content-validated. Each participant underwent hearing screening with both technical and non-technical mobile apps, followed by a client satisfaction survey. Conventional pure-tone audiometry (0.5-8 kHz) was used to determine hearing thresholds. The technical screening app demonstrated 97% sensitivity and accuracy, with 95% specificity. Although the non-technical app initially showed lower accuracy, employing a two-refer threshold improved its performance to 86% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and 97% accuracy. Additionally, user satisfaction ratings were higher for the non-technical app. With a two-refer threshold, the accuracy of the Kannada non-technical screening app was comparable to that of the technical screening method. The self-guided technical app benefits individuals with technical proficiency, while the non-technical screening is ideal for native speakers with dexterity issues or limited technical skills.

Septoplasty is standard surgical procedure performed for correction of deviated nasal septum; it affects middle ear ventilation through altering Eustachian tube function. To determine the effect of septoplasty on Eustachian tube function regarding deviation side. A randomized, prospective controlled trial, in which 40 adult patients who underwent septoplasty (80 ears) were divided into: group A: 40 ears in which Eustachian tube function assessment was done on the affected side (deviated nasal septum), and 40 ears in which the function of Eustachian tube assessment was done on the contralateral side "group B". The nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale was used to analyze surgical satisfaction, ventilation of middle ear was assessed via Eustachian tube functions by the 7-Item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) test scale, insufflation tests (Valsalva and Toynbee), and tympanometry. These parameters were analyzed and compared, before and after septoplasty. Among the 40 patients, the mean NOSE score was 13.68 ± 2.69 preoperatively and decreased to 5.76 ± 4.48 postoperatively; ETFQ-7 scores decreased from 12.48 ± 4.78 preoperatively to 7.56 ± 3.4 postoperatively; there were 22 functional Eustachian tubes (55%) preoperatively, which increased to 37 (92.5%) postoperatively, while dysfunctional Eustachian tubes decreased from 18 (45%) preoperatively to 3 (7.5%) postoperatively. Type-A curve tympanogram was (52.5%) preoperatively, which increased to (96.25%) postoperatively, while type-C tympanogram was (47.5%) preoperatively and decreased to (3.75%) postoperatively. Basal middle ear pressure was -33.56 daPA for group A and -29.24 daPA for group B preoperatively, and it changed to -18.96 daPA and -12.18 daPA postoperatively, respectively. Septoplasty had a beneficial impact on the Eustachian tube function "ventilation of middle ear".

IntroductionHeadache is a common complaint among otolaryngology patients, often presenting with an apparent diagnosis ofsecondary headachedue to sinusitis. However, associated symptoms may also be linked toprimary headachedisorders such as migraines. The overlapping symptomatology of various headache causes poses a diagnostic challenge. The present study aims to evaluate the headache profiles of patients visiting the otolaryngology department.ObjectiveThe present study aims to evaluate the headache profiles of patients visiting the otolaryngology department.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 128 otolaryngology patients presenting with headaches. The headaches were categorized according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICHD-3), based on detailed history, examination, nasal endoscopy, and imaging studies.ResultsPrimary headaches were diagnosed in 45.31% of the cases, while 54.69% presented secondary headaches. Sinusitis was the most common diagnosis, found in 40.63% of the patients. Various causes of primary and secondary headaches were correlated and were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001 each). Statistical significance was observed when correlating primary headache with laterality (p < 0.001). The correlation of secondary headache with laterality and age range also showed statistical significance (p < 0.001 and 0.035 respectively).ConclusionSinonasal symptoms may accompany headaches, with or without a direct causal link. The accurate diagnosis and treatment of headache disorders requires a thorough understanding of the latest guidelines and a multidisciplinary approach. This comprehensive strategy is essential to provide high-quality healthcare and significantly improve the quality of life of individuals suffering from this common and often debilitating condition.

IntroductionOne of the main factors that lead to increased hearing loss consequences and progression is inadequate knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management modalities. In Saudi Arabia, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians are the primary source of knowledge about hearing loss and its management. The aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management among ENT physicians in Saudi Arabia.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study is to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management among ENT physicians in Saudi Arabia.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study with 106 ENT physicians working at different hospitals in Saudi Arabia from January to May 2023. A questionnaire consisting of 2 sections with 20 questions was used to assess the knowledge and practice of hearing screening and hearing loss management for children.ResultsThe current study showed inadequate knowledge of hearing loss and its management. The mean knowledge score was of 12.4 ± 2.12. The knowledge scores of the different types of ENT professionals were compared, and no statistically significant differences were observed (p = 0.489).ConclusionMore research should be conducted to assess the practice of hearing screening in Saudi Arabia. Our recommendation is the provision of more educational sessions about the recent guidelines on hearing loss screening.

Understanding the relationship between blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) and auditory functioning can provide valuable insights into individual differences in hearing ability and potential risks for hearing loss. To assess the impact of blood group on auditory functions. It examined contralateral suppression of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), speech perception in noise (SPIN), and binaural integration using the dichotic consonant-vowel (DCV) test. There were 60 female participants, from the blood groups A, B, AB, and O, aged 18 to 30 years with normal hearing were included. This study's preliminary assessments included pure-tone audiometry, immittance audiometry, and otoscopy to exclude hearing loss and middle ear dysfunction. Suppression of TEOAE was measured with and without contralateral broadband noise, while SPIN was tested at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of -10, 0, and +10 dB. The DCV test assessed binaural integration with the presentation of prerecorded consonant-vowel stimuli simultaneously. The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed no significant differences in TEOAE suppression amplitudes, SPIN scores across SNRs, or DCV scores across the four blood groups. These findings suggest that blood type has no discernible effect on central auditory functions, such as binaural integration, speech perception in noisy environments, or efferent auditory system functioning. This research, thus, highlights the need for further investigation with diverse methodologies and larger cohorts, to better understand the role of blood groups in auditory processing.

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). The 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a major oxidative DNA adduct, and its levels have been noted as a triggering factor for inflammation-related carcinogenesis, but have not been assessed in CRSwNP. The MAPK/ERK pathway importance in the pathogenesis of CRSwNP has previously been reported. Mutations in RAS family genes occur in neoplastic and non-neoplastic proliferative lesions, and it has been previously demonstrated that KRAS mutations do not occur in CRSwNP. To assess the levels of 8-OHdG in nasal polyps occurring in CRSwNP, to associate these levels with clinicopathological parameters, and to investigate HRAS and NRAS hotspot mutations in the same samples. Both the HRAS (codons 49 and 61) and NRAS (codon 61) mutations were investigated through Sanger sequencing, and the levels of 8-OHdG were determined using ELISA in 14 freshly collected snap-frozen samples of nasal polyps occurring in CRSwNP. The associations between the levels of 8-OHdG and patients' age, presence of asthma, and eosinophil counts in nasal polyps were tested. No mutations were detected. The association between higher levels of 8-OHdG and higher eosinophil counts was observed, whereas there was no association between it and age or the presence of asthma. Based on the results in the present cohort, higher levels of 8-OHdG, indicative of oxidative stress, are associated with higher eosinophil counts in CRSwNP. Additionally, HRAS and NRAS mutations do not occur in nasal polyps or occur at a very low frequency.

Mealtimes are important for patient's autonomy and independence. They are linked to values and are a source of normality and fulfilment. Independence during mealtimes means eating and drinking safely and independently. However, the presence of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) can compromise independence, particularly among patients with neurological conditions. The present cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between functional independence during meal and multidimensional assessment of neurological subjects with OD. Subjects with OD (DOSS score < 6) and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or stroke were recruited. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The swallowing assessment included the Penetration Aspiration Scale (PAS) and the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scales (DOSS) during an instrumented assessment, self-reported questionnaire (Eating Assessment Tool-10 - EAT-10), Body Mass Index, a meal observation scored with the Mealtime Assessment Scale (MAS) and cognitive assessment using the Mini-Mental State Examination. The level of independence was assessed using the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcomes Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) Swallowing Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic models were used to analyze data. Fifty-eight subjects were recruited (18 MS, 20 PD and 20 stroke), among whom 41 (70%) were defined as dependent during mealtime. In the multivariate analysis, EAT-10 score (odds ratio [OR] [95%CI] = 3.25 [1.64-11.08]), diseases duration (OR [ 95%CI] = 0.87 [0.74-0.97]) and MAS safety (OR [ 95%CI] = 1.26 [1.06-1.65]) were significantly associated with independence during mealtime. Subject's performance during meal, self-reported questionnaire, and diseases duration are independently associated with independence. The present study broadens the focus on dysphagia, underling the importance of identifying all variables able to increase subjects' independence and autonomy at mealtime.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a multifactorial condition that has the potential to affect inner ear function, thereby leading to sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. As the population ages, there is an increasing prevalence of sudden auditory impairment and auditory disorders. Therefore, it is essential to investigate this connection. are. To estimate the association between sudden acoustic hearing loss (SAH) and tinnitus/hearing loss, and to evaluate the methodological quality of related research using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria. We employed an analytical cross-sectional design, with a review of observational studies published until April 2025 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish. The evaluation of articles was conducted using the STROBE checklist, and the studies were categorized as adequate , inadequate , or insufficient . The prevalence of hearing impairment presented a significant correlation with hypertension (57.33%), followed by tinnitus (56.3%). Most of the topics were classified as adequate , even though the "Results" sections of the articles presented 12% of inadequacy, and the "Additional Information" sections demonstrated the most insufficiency (80%). Furthermore, the "Discussion" sections revealed a notable concern, with 12.5% of the respondents expressing dissatisfaction. A substantial degree of heterogeneity was observed across studies, underscoring the necessity for standardized future research to facilitate more reliable comparisons.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa triggered by various allergens, leading to nasal congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itching, ocular redness, lacrimation, and postnasal dripping. This condition can also cause sleep disturbances and fatigue, which can affect productivity at work and academic performance, therefore posing substantial economic burden. Positive outcomes rely on efficacy of medications, potential adverse effects of medication, treatment response, and overall prognosis. To investigate the utility of the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test (RCAT) as a clinical tool in Urdu for evaluating and monitoring allergic rhinitis. The RCAT is a self-administered questionnaire consisting of six questions addressing specific rhinitis symptoms. The study included 60 (35 male and 25 female) patients with ages ranging from 18 to 55 (mean: 35) years. The RCAT demonstrated acceptable internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.759. Interitem correlations supported that the questionnaire items reflected related constructs. Paired sample t-tests showed statistically significant improvements in all RCAT items posttreatment ( p < 0.001), except for the compliance-related item (q5; p = 0.166). The overall score increased significantly (mean difference = 9.28; p < 0.001), indicating improved rhinitis control. The RCAT has proven to be a valuable tool for assessing allergic rhinitis control. Its ease of use and adaptability across languages make it an excellent choice for routine monitoring and management of AR. The successful application of RCAT in Urdu further enhances its accessibility and effectiveness for native speakers.

The prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in the population with chronic or recurrent headaches is too high for a relationship not to exist. Publications propose the examination of the masticatory system in all patients with headache. To introduce a new entity within temporomandibular disorders, temporomandibular joint compromise (TMJC), mandibular movement limiting pathology of extra-articular traumatic cause, and evaluate the response rate and safety of treatment. The limiting cause of mandibular movement is the lack of space between the mandibular ramus and maxilla. The main symptoms of TMJC include headache, dizziness, and tinnitus. In many cases, the headache is previously diagnosed as a migraine. Data were collected from 54 patients aged between 6 and 59 years who had a confirmed diagnosis of migraine (according to the the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition [ICHD3]) and were treated for TMJC in a dental clinic. They also presented other otolaryngological symptoms. A retrospective quasi-experimental study without a control group was carried out due to ethical considerations related to the harmless nature of the treatment. After treatment of TMJC, migraine symptoms disappeared in 52 patients (96.3%, p < 0.001) and persisted, although with clinical improvement, in 2 (3.7%). There was also an improvement in the other associated symptoms: dizziness disappeared in 23 out of the 27 affected patients (85.21%, p < 0.001) and tinnitus disappeared in the 31 affected patients (100%, p < 0.001). No significant treatment-related side effects were observed. The present study shows the high rate of response and safety of the treatment of TMJC.