Background: Sensorineural hearing loss (tinnitus) is common among young adults. There are different medical determinants which caused tinnitus symptoms, but lifestyle determinant is an important cause of tinnitus. This study determines the relationship between lifestyle determinants with tinnitus among adults through systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The study design for this study is a systematic review and meta-analysis; different search engines were used for the literature review: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed/MEDLINE. Those article in which tinnitus caused by tumors, syndrome and medical or surgical caused were excluded. Data synthesis was done, and a total of 10 studies were pooled. Results: Smoking more than four times (odds ratio [OR]: 4.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–4.45), alcohol consumption 27% less likely (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.03–0.96), obesity two times more likely (OR: 2.30, 95% CI: 1.71–5.20), and leisure noise exposure more than one time more likely (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.05–3.78) were significantly associated with tinnitus. Conclusion: There is enough evidence that lifestyle determinants (smoking, obesity, and leisure noise exposure) are related to tinnitus. This study highlights the knowledge gap in association of tinnitus with lifestyle determinants and it will help the future direction of research in this domain of tinnitus.

Bilateral simultaneous external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis with bilateral cholesteatoma is a rare presentation. We present a case report of surgical and audiological management of an elderly male who presented with bilateral EAC stenosis, bilateral cholesteatoma, right-sided inner ear erosion, and bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Purpose: Facial nerve decompression (FND) for traumatic facial palsy with lesion at geniculate ganglion and tympanic segment can be done through transcanal approach, by a microscope or an endoscope without opening the mastoid. The study analyzes the outcomes of transcanal endoscopic approach (TEA) for FND with regard to improvement in facial nerve (FN) function and hearing status, in lesions limited to perigeniculate and tympanic segment of FN. Methodology: This was a retrospective analysis of the case series from a tertiary care center, of the patients with posttraumatic FN paralysis, surgically treated with TEA. From January 2014 to December 2018, nine patients of traumatic facial palsy were selected for surgery. The patients posted for surgery were selected only when they had immediate-onset FN paralysis after trauma and not responding to treatment of systemic corticosteroid for 14 days with, House Brackmann grading (HBG) IV–VI, lesions confined to perigeniculate ganglion and tympanic segment of FN. Outcome analysis following TEA for FND was performed in terms of postoperative FN function and hearing improvement. Results: The TEA showed a postoperative improvement of FN function (HBG I/II) in 77.7% of patients within 6-month follow-up period. There was no significant improvement in FN function between 6th and 12th month. Postoperative hearing improvement was seen in eight cases, and there was no improvement in one case due to preoperative sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion: TEA for FND is a direct approach for lesions confined to perigeniculate ganglion area and tympanic segment without involvement of mastoid segment of FN. It requires minimal bone drilling, provides proper visualization, and accurate surgical site assessment. Surgeries performed even in late presentations may have favorable outcomes.

Background: Otomycosis refers to a subacute or prolonged fungal infection occurring in the outer ear canal, leading to inflammation. Ginger has been known as its antifungal agents which comprises powerful bioactive elements such as phenolic compounds and terpenes. The antimicrobial effect of virgin coconut oil (VCO) stems from the presence of monolaurin, a derivative of lauric acid, which operates by compromising the lipid constituents of microorganisms’ cell membranes. Methods: This experimental animal study is to evaluate the effectiveness of ginger extract and VCO in cases of otomycosis. We used chickens aged 2–3 years that divided into 5 groups. Group 1 as the positive control group was given ointment (imidazole), Group 2 was given 2% ginger extract, Group 3 was given 2% VCO extract, Group 4 was given a combination of ginger extract and 2% VCO, and Group 5 was the negative control group which was not given any treatment. Results: We found statistically significant difference result in hyphae growth inhibition of sample which given ginger extract compared to positive and negative control with P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively. Furthermore, VCO treatment also showed a significant difference compared to negative and positive controls with both P < 0.0001. Nonetheless, combination of ginger extract and VCO treatment achieved the best result to inhibit fungal development. Conclusion: A combination of ginger extract and VCO at a concentration of 2% demonstrates greater potency in restraining the growth of Aspergillus flavus, which is responsible for causing otomycosis in chickens, compared to using either extract alone.

Background: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otolaryngologic emergency that, if left untreated, may result in permanent hearing loss. Our aim was to investigate the morphological effects in areas known as auditory centers in patients with idiopathic SSNHL (ISSNHL). Materials and Methods: In this study, magnetic resonance imaging’s (MRIs) of 22 patients with ISSNHL (study group) and 31 patients without ISSNHL and any neurological disorder (control group) between January 2013 and January 2021 in a tertiary university hospital were retrospectively evaluated in which the volumes and percentages of gray and white matters of the brain, temporal lobe, and brainstem were calculated with an online MRI brain volumetry system known as fully automatic pipeline (vol2Brain). Results: It was found that the brain areas known as the hearing center had a smaller volume in patients with ISSHNL than in normal individuals. Age and gender were found to be effective in volumetric calculations. Conclusıon: Studies that can preserve brain volume for patients with ISSNHL can be included in treatment practices. More literature and clinical research are needed as there is no proven treatment for ISSNHL. Our study findings will support the literature in this regard.

Background: This study aims to detect outer hair cell (OHC) function in patients with tinnitus, by comparing the otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in tinnitus patients with normal hearing and normal-hearing subjects without tinnitus, thereby revealing the role of OHC in the generation of tinnitus. Methods: After approval by the local research and ethics committee, this study was done in the department of otolaryngology and associated hospitals, from April 2022 to January 2023. Consent was obtained from all the participants in the present work after explaining the test procedure. The study group included 60 subjects with bilaterally normal hearing to participate. They were classified into two groups: Group 1, i.e., the control group, comprised 30 subjects who were unaffected by tinnitus, whereas Group 2, i.e., the study group, comprised 30 subjects who were suffering from tinnitus. Basic audiological tests and OAE test were done on the respondents of both the groups followed by a comparison of outcomes. Results: The authors of the present study found a statistically significant difference between the amplitude and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of distortion product OAE (DPOAE) in tinnitus patients and the control group without tinnitus, suggesting that OHCs have a role in the generation of tinnitus. Conclusion: It can be concluded that OHC activity was reduced in patients with tinnitus, as detected by reduced DPOAE amplitude and SNR, suggesting that the dysfunction of OHCs can be attributable to the generation of tinnitus.

Background: Hearing loss and balance disorders are the most commonly diagnosed health conditions. The prevalence of these conditions is on the rise as the population ages and diagnostic and treatment technologies become more advanced. The health-care system still struggles to meet many nations’ needs due to insufficient resources and services. The objective of the study was to evaluate audiologists’ perceptions of hearing and balance health-care resources and services in Saudi Arabia’s public health system. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted through E-mail, social media, mobile phone, and face-to-face with audiologists across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the final sample consisting of 66 audiologists. Results: The majority (92.4%) of audiologists in Saudi Arabia indicated that the services are inadequate because their hospitals lack adequate hearing health-care resources to provide efficient audiology services to patients. Video head impulse test and automated auditory brain stem response were perceived as unavailable in most hospitals. In addition, audiologists reported that vestibular rehabilitation services, cochlear implants, and the number of clinics were limited. Conclusion: Great efforts should be made to develop audiovestibular services, which include enhancing practitioners’ vestibular knowledge by implementing more vestibular workshops; more vestibular clinics are needed to overcome the shortage of vestibular services; creating public awareness campaigns about vestibular and audiology; and hiring additional audiologists where needed within Saudi Arabia.

Background: Otosclerosis is a progressive disease of the otic capsule which presents with conductive hearing loss with an intact tympanic membrane. The description of the disease was first given by Valsalva in 1704. Since then, several techniques are described for otosclerosis. All these procedures have traditionally been performed with microscope. New modifications of surgical techniques have been introduced time to time. The concept of minimally invasive surgical techniques has sprung up lately. Recent advances in optics such as high-definition endoscopes have revolutionized the surgeries in otology. Aim: The study aimed to study the feasibility of primary endoscopic stapedotomy. Objectives: (1) The objectives of the study were to evaluate Air-bone gap (ABG) closure in primary endoscopic stapedotomy and (2) to study intra- and post-operative complications in primary endoscopic stapedotomy. Methodology: Thirty patients with otosclerosis underwent stapedotomy using the standard 0.4 mm 18 cm endoscope and high-definition camera system. Results: Of the 30 cases, 17 were males and 13 were females, with a mean age of 39.84 years. A minimal removal of posterosuperior bony canal wall was required in 21 (70%) cases. The average operative time was 65 min. Among intraoperative complications, chorda tympani injury was seen in 2 (6%) cases, and incus subluxation and stapes footplate subluxation in 1 (3%) case each. Pure-tone audiograms done at an interval of 4 months demonstrated improvement across the three speech frequencies (500–2000 Hz) (50.2 dB vs. 23.7 dB). The average postoperative ABG was within 10 dB in twenty (66%) ears and between 10 and 25 dB in the rest ten (33%) ears. Conclusion: Endoscopic stapedotomy is a good alternative tool to conventional operating microscope. It offers better visualization, less trauma while elevating tympanomeatal flap flap, lesser bone curettage, and provides equivalent results.

Purpose: The present study aimed to assess the effect of practicing yoga on the functioning of sacculo-collic and utriculo-ocular pathways using cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP and oVEMP). Methods: A total of 10 healthy young adults aged 20–25 years participated in the study. Audiological evaluation including pure-tone audiometry, immittance, and otoacoustic emission, cVEMP, and oVEMP was done to ensure a normal functioning audio-vestibular system. Short-term yoga training was provided for all the participants for 10 days, spanning over 2 weeks. It was 1 h/session/day. The latency and peak-to-peak amplitude of cVEMP and oVEMP responses were noted and analyzed before and after yoga training. Results: Paired sample t-test results showed significantly better peak-to-peak amplitude of both cVEMP and oVEMP after short-term yoga training in healthy individuals. The latency of both cVEMP and oVEMP peaks did not show a significant difference before and after yoga training. Conclusion: Short-term yoga training positively affected the functioning of sacculo-collic and utriculo-ocular pathways, leading to enhanced cVEMP and oVEMP responses.