Degree Of Hearing Loss Research Articles

Recreational reading as a leisure activity: Perspectives from Georgian and Finnish hearing and deaf students

AbstractThe benefits of recreational reading for academic success are clear. However, the full potential of recreational reading for socialisation and well‐being remains untapped by young readers. Studies of young readers' recreational reading intentions and perceived barriers to translating intentions into reading are scarce. Deaf and hard‐of‐hearing students have been particularly excluded from research on leisure reading. Using a mixed methods approach, this study investigates Finnish and Georgian students' attitudes towards leisure reading and the relationship between their reading intentions and actual reading. Students' engagement in recreational reading is assessed through a quantitative survey, while their attitudes and intentions towards reading are revealed through focus group interviews. The results of this study suggest that students generally have positive attitudes towards reading, regardless of their country of origin and degree of hearing loss. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a wide range of barriers to reading, the most common of which are long school days, large amounts of homework, limited free time and preferences for other leisure activities. Some speculative findings from this study will be used as a basis for further research, focusing on reading during COVID‐19.

“Fresh vs dry grafting in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty”

BackgroundChronic otitis media is a common middle ear disease that leads to varying degrees of hearing loss and otorrhoea. Tympanoplasty is a common surgery used for the reconstruction of sound conductive pathways in mucosal-type COM.AimsThe study aims to compare the fresh and the dry grafting technique in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty amongst the patients of inactive mucosal type chronic otitis media.ObjectivesThe objectives of the study are to compare graft uptake rate, pre-op and post-op AB gap, residual hearing loss, and average graft epithelialization time between the fresh and the dry grafting technique in interlay type-1 tympanoplasty.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 48 patients of COM inactive mucosal-type who underwent interlay type-1 tympanoplasty between July 2020 and March 2022.ResultsOut of 48 patients, in 23 patients, the fresh graft was used, while in the rest 25 patients, the dry graft was used. The overall (fresh + dry group) graft uptake rate at the end of three months was 97.9%. The graft uptake rate was 100% with the use of the fresh graft and 96% with the use of the dry graft. The pre-op average air-bone (AB) gap was 12.21 ± 4.23 dB in patients where the fresh graft was used and in patients where the dry graft was used. An overall pre-op average AB gap was 13.35 ± 3.81 dB. The average time for epithelialization was 24.43 ± 4.17 days with the use of the fresh graft and 49.75 ± 6.93 days with the use of the dry graft. It was also statistically significant with a P-value of 0.001.ConclusionsThe fresh graft in the interlay type-1 tympanoplasty shows higher graft uptake rates, reduced epithelialization time, and better hearing improvement compared to dry graft. However, different complication rates are similar with the use of both types of grafts.

Practice Patterns in Asymmetric Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Survey Data.

Although screening protocols for patients who present with asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL) exist, there are no clear guidelines to direct practitioners. In particular, various thresholds have been proposed for the degree of hearing loss that should prompt MRI studies, but the topic remains understudied. This project aims to compare protocols followed by practitioners to guide their imaging practices. Web-based survey. Otolaryngology faculty at academic medical centers. A list of 530 otolaryngologists (276 otology/neurotology specialists, 254 general otolaryngologists) was compiled. A survey consisting of three parts: demographics, general practice patterns, and simulated patient cases was distributed. A total of 468 surveys were successfully distributed, resulting in 88 (18.8%) responses. The majority of respondents (63.8%) self-reported their definition of ASNHL as ">30 dB hearing asymmetry at one frequency OR >20 dB hearing asymmetry at two continuous frequencies OR >10 dB hearing asymmetry at three contiguous frequencies." Overall, general otolaryngologists were more likely to observe asymmetric findings with serial audiogram alone, whereas otology/neurotology specialists were more likely to obtain imaging. There is significant variability between providers with regard to managing patients with ASNHL and evidence-based guidelines would be useful in guiding imaging practices. NA Laryngoscope, 134:4745-4753, 2024.

Association between hearing loss and gout based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Mendelian randomization analysis

Hearing loss(HL) represents a significant public health concern. This study aimed to determine the association between hearing loss and gout and to elucidate the underlying causative mechanisms. Data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and Mendelian randomization (MR) basic databases. Initially, baseline characteristics of individuals with and without gout were compared. A nonlinear relationship between pure tone audiometry (PTA) values and gout prevalence was confirmed through restricted cubic spline (RCS) curve analysis. Subsequently, hearing loss was categorized into different levels based on PTA values, and multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to calculate the impact of varying degrees of hearing loss on the risk of gout. Finally, MR analysis was conducted to further elucidate the causal relationship between hearing loss and gout. A total of 3,258 individuals were included in this study, with a gout prevalence of 3.7%. Significant differences were observed between the gout group and the non-gout group in variables such as age, gender, blood uric acid level, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. RCS curve analysis revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between PTA values and gout risk, particularly when PTA values exceed a specific threshold, where the curve flattens. Based on different levels of hearing loss derived from PTA values, multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that mild and moderate hearing loss significantly increased the risk of gout, remaining statistically significant after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio (OR) = 2.10–3.48, P < 0.05). MR analysis further confirmed the causal relationship between hearing loss and gout. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was employed as the primary method, revealing that both individuals with hearing difficulties (OR = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–0.999, P = 0.012) and those without hearing impairment (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, P = 0.012) exhibited a significant causal relationship with gout. Goodness-of-fit tests and sensitivity analyses were used to verify the reliability of the results. Hearing loss has a significant causal relationship with an increased risk of gout, providing a new perspective for the prevention and management of gout. Focused attention and prompt treatment of hearing loss, particularly mild and moderate hearing loss, may significantly reduce the risk of developing gout.

Sensorineural hearing loss among hypertensive patients attending cardiac institute in Tanzania: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION Hypertension is among non-communicable diseases worldwide and it has been associated with sensorineural hearing loss. Almost 1.39 billion people (1 out of 4 adults) have hypertension and this figure is expected to increase. In Sub-Saharan Africa, hypertension is the leading cause of death and disability. Hypertension is associated with sensorineural hearing loss by compromising the blood supply in the cochlea. MATERIALS AND METHODS An assessment of the proportion and patterns of sensorineural hearing loss among hypertensive patients was conducted. 191 patients aged 18 years and above were recruited. History and physical examination including blood pressure, and otoscopy were done. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was conducted. RESULTS Patients aged from 36 to 88 years with a mean age of 60 years and a standard deviation of 10. The patients aged between 61–76 years accounted for 85 (44.5%), whereas 29–44 and &gt; 76 years accounted for 12 (6.3%) each. The female-to-male ratio was 1:1. Sensorineural hearing loss was detected in 144 (75.4%), commonly above 76 years of age which was 11 (91.7%. Mild sensorineural hearing loss was the most common degree revealed. There was no relationship between the degree of sensorineural hearing loss and the grades of hypertension (p-value of 0.113). No relationship between the duration of hypertension with the severity of hearing loss, p-value =0.369. CONCLUSION The prevalence of sensorineural hearing loss among hypertensive patients was 75.4%. The bilateral and mild degree was the commonest presentation. Increasing age was found to be associated with increased hearing loss. The duration and grade of hypertension were not related to the severity of hearing loss.

Needs of Deaf People Using Elevators: Identification of Accessibility and Safety Requirements

As urbanization and population growth continue, cities concentrate an increasing amount of people, energy, and economy. Multi-story buildings enable densification, requiring vertical transport for access to upper floors. This is crucial for people with disabilities, who may face barriers in the built environment. Elevators are essential for accessibility, allowing everyone, including people with disabilities, to comfortably access multi-story buildings. However, barriers to inclusivity remain, often subtle and hard to define. This paper highlights one such example, focusing on elevator use by individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. Currently, they cannot establish one-to-one communication with the outside world if trapped in an elevator. Under EN standards, this issue stems from alarm system requirements that lack effective alternatives to voice communication. Based on this evidence, the research was carried out in two steps, with the aim of understanding the needs of deaf individuals when using elevators by directly involving them in the study. First, a questionnaire conducted in Italy collected information regarding the safety and usability of elevators. Second, a test campaign involving both deaf and normal-hearing participants was carried out to quantify the severity of the issue and evaluate potential solutions to address the identified challenges. The conclusions indicate that current alarm systems in elevators are inadequate for individuals with hearing impairments, and effective alternatives must be implemented.

Sensorineural hearing loss in post-COVID-19 patients

&lt;b&gt;Background: &lt;/b&gt;Hearing loss (HL) is one of the most common chronic conditions after hypertension and arthritis. Mounting indices suggest that sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) may be one of the adverse effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Objective: &lt;/b&gt;This work aimed at studying SNHL in post-COVID-19 patients, alongside with exploring the relationship between severity of the disease and degree of hearing disability.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Materials and methods: &lt;/b&gt;This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. It included 100 post-COVID-19 patients selected according to the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pure tone audiometry was done to confirm the presence of HL and to determine its degree.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Results: &lt;/b&gt;Hundred patients with recent oncent hearing symptoms after documented COVID-19 infection were included. Males (71%) were more affected than females (29%). The most of our cases had bilateral moderate HL (45%). Tinnitus was the most frequently associated otological symptom (96.96%). The time of HL onset varied from days to weeks (55% had time onset between 11-30 days post-confirmed infection). Higher thresholds were detected in all frequencies of affected ears with more deterioration of hearing as frequencies increase. All degrees of HL were detected; mild, moderate, severe and profound. There was no significant correlation between severity of COVID-19 infection and severity of HL.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;b&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/b&gt;SNHL is one of the extrapulmonary complications of COVID-19. COVID-19 patients may develop hearing affection regardless the severity of the infection. It is recommended to assess hearing functions in patients after COVID-19 for early detection and proper management.

Assessment of Cochlear Function Among Hypertensive Patients in Bauchi: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study

Background: Hypertension is an important public-health problem, and it has been identified as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality due to the high incidence of end-organ damages. Unlike other complications of hypertension, cochlear dysfunction in hypertensive patients is a hidden and progressive damage that remains undetected (subclinical) for a long time. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of subclinical hearing impairment, as well as the type and degree of hearing loss among hypertensive patients in our environment. Methods: This was a cross-sectional cohort study conducted among adults diagnosed with hypertension previously. Ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained. Previous history of related exposure event (hypertension) and outcome (hearing loss) was assessed. Each participant was then subjected to c-PTA and EHA tests, and findings were analyzed. Results: One hundred and ninety (190) hypertensive patients were enrolled, among which 107 (56.3%) were females and 83 (43.7%) males. Hypertension was more common in the age group of 51-60 years (26.8%) and 61-70 years (30.5%). The overall prevalence of hearing loss was 41.6%, of which 18.4% had subclinical hearing impairment. The most common type of hearing loss was sensorineural 68 (86.1%), found to be in varying degrees of 33.8%, 26.5%, 23.5%, and 16.2% for mild, moderate, severe, and profound hearing loss, respectively. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of hearing loss among hypertensive patients was 41.6%, with a significant proportion (18.4%) having subclinical hearing loss, which is not noticed by the patients. Therefore, routine pure tone audiometric hearing screening for all hypertensives is recommended to enable early detection and treatment of this hearing loss.

Impact of Usher syndrome on athletic performance - navigating silence and darkness

Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder and a leading cause of simultaneous hearing and vision loss. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed review of Usher syndrome, including its pathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, the role of sport in the lives of athletes and sportspeople with Usher syndrome and available therapeutic options. Understanding this disease is crucial for early detection and the implementation of appropriate therapeutic interventions. Currently, Usher syndrome is classified into three main types (I, II, and III), differentiated by the degree and progression of hearing and vision loss. Type I is characterized by profound congenital deafness and early-onset retinitis pigmentosa. Type II presents with moderate to severe hearing loss and later onset of visual problems. Type III is the rarest, with progressive hearing and vision loss that occurs later in life. The genetic basis of Usher syndrome is linked to mutations in various genes that affect proteins essential for the proper functioning of the inner ear and retina. Early diagnosis and an interdisciplinary approach to treatment are key to improving the quality of life for those affected by this disease. Ongoing research into the genetic mechanisms and potential therapies offers hope for future successful treatments.

Audiogram: Is There a Need to Get Trained Beyond Pure Tones and the Degree of Hearing Loss?

Audiogram: Is There a Need to Get Trained Beyond Pure Tones and the Degree of Hearing Loss?

Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Patients With the m.1555A>G Mutation in the MTRNR1 Gene.

Mutations in the MTRNR1 gene of mitochondrial DNA are associated with non-syndromic hearing loss and increased susceptibility to aminoglycoside ototoxicity. The aim of our study was to determine the clinical characteristics of sensorineural hearing loss caused by the m.1555A>G mutation in MTRNR1. An observational retrospective study of the m.1555A>G mutation was conducted in patients with suspected hereditary bilateral sensorineural hearing loss in the Department of Otolaryngology of the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital (Cantabria, Spain) and in 100 controls with normal hearing. The m.1555A>G mutation was found in 82 individuals from 20 different families and in none of the controls. Variable degrees of hearing loss were observed, ranging from normal hearing to profound deafness. Patients with a history of streptomycin administration exhibited significantly more pronounced hearing loss. The onset of hearing loss occurred from childhood to adulthood, with progression or stability over the years. No associated vestibular alterations or other clinical manifestations outside the ear were found. Two cochlear implant recipients showed significant improvement in speech comprehension. Patients with the m.1555A>G mutation in the MTRNR1 gene often develop bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss, predominantly affecting high frequencies, worsened by streptomycin administration. This mutation does not affect the vestibular function. The variability in the severity of hearing loss, the heterogeneity of phenotypic expression, and the presence of carrier individuals with normal hearing may indicate the existence of modifying factors, both environmental and genetic. Cochlear implantees showed a good response in terms of speech intelligibility. Genetic testing for this mutation is recommended in patients with a family history of hearing loss to prevent the use of aminoglycosides if the mutation is found. 4 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Analysis of the Spanish Auditory Test of Speech in Noise (PAHRE) in a Population with Hearing Loss.

Speech recognition in noise is one of the difficulties faced by people with hearing loss that increases with age. The recently developed Spanish Auditory Test of Speech in Noise (Prueba Auditiva de Habla en Ruido en Español, PAHRE) allows for the identification of these intelligibility difficulties in noise. The aim of this study was to assess speech recognition in noise in people with hearing loss and to test the benefits of the Lombard effect. The participants were 104 people with hearing difficulties, ranging in age from 37 to 98 years. The variables age, degree of hearing loss, presence of high-frequency dropout, and years of formal education were assessed. Psychometric curves were obtained as a function of signal-to-noise ratio as well as threshold values of speech reception as a function of age group for mild and moderate hearing loss. The results indicated that the speech reception threshold increased with both age and the degree of hearing loss, becoming particularly significant after the age of 70. Furthermore, it was found that the combined factors of age, degree of hearing loss, and educational level predicted a high percentage of the variability in the speech reception threshold. Therefore, the Spanish Auditory Test of Speech in Noise could be a useful clinical tool for diagnosis, monitoring, auditory rehabilitation planning, and hearing aid fitting.

Equivalence and test–retest reliability of Tulu sentence lists for measuring speech recognition threshold in noise among individuals with sensorineural hearing loss

BackgroundThe difficulty in understanding speech becomes worse in the presence of background noise for individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. Speech-in-noise tests help to assess this difficulty. Previously, the Tulu sentence lists have been assessed for their equivalency to measure speech recognition threshold in noise among individuals with normal hearing. The present study aimed to determine the equivalence and test–retest reliability of Tulu sentence lists for measuring speech recognition threshold in noise among individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.ResultsThe SNR-50 was measured for 13 sentence lists in 20 Tulu-speaking individuals with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Retesting was done by administering all lists to eight participants after an average of 25.25 days (SD = 19.44). Friedman test was administered to check for the list equivalency. Intraclass correlation coefficient was measured to assess test–retest reliability. A regression analysis was performed to understand the influence of pure-tone average on SNR-50. A Kruskal–Wallis test was administered to check the statistical significance of the SNR-50 obtained across different configurations and degrees of hearing loss. Nine of the 13 Tulu sentence lists (lists 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13) were equivalent in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. The mean SNR-50 for these nine lists was 1.13 dB (SD = 2.04 dB). The test–retest reliability was moderate (ICC = 0.727). The regression analysis showed that a pure-tone average accounted for 24.7% of the variance in SNR-50 data (p = 0.026). Individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss obtained the worst SNR-50, followed by mild and high-frequency hearing loss.ConclusionNine Tulu sentence lists are equivalent and reliable and can be used to measure speech recognition threshold in noise among individuals with sensorineural hearing loss who are Tulu speakers.

The relationship between endolymphatic hydrops features and hearing loss in Bilateral Meniere's disease

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between the features of endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss in patients with Bilateral Meniere's Disease.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 77 patients diagnosed with Bilateral Meniere's Disease. The features of endolymphatic hydrops in the affected ear were evaluated through gadolinium-enhanced inner ear Magnetic resonance imaging. The Spearman correlation coefficient, paired t-tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were employed for data analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed a significant correlation between the degree of endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss across all frequencies(0.125–8 kHz), including the cochlear, vestibular, and overall degree of endolymphatic hydrops. The strongest correlation between the overall degree of endolymphatic hydrops and hearing loss was observed at low frequencies (r = 0.571, p < 0.05), followed by mid-frequencies (r = 0.508, p < 0.05), and high-frequencies (r = 0.351, p < 0.05), with a correlation of r = 0.463, p < 0.05 for the staging of Meniere's disease. Affected Ears with endolymphatic hydrops both in the cochlea and vestibule exhibited more severe hearing loss and Meniere's disease staging compared to those with isolated endolymphatic hydrops within the same patient.ConclusionsThe features of endolymphatic hydrops in patients with Bilateral Meniere's Disease were found to correlate with the severity of hearing loss and the staging of Meniere's disease.

Evaluation of the effect of hearing loss on cognitive-vestibular functions in the geriatric population

BackgroundPresbycusis is known to accelerate mental decline processes and to cause secondary consequences such as social isolation and depression when not intervened. The association of presbycusis and presbyvestibulopathy disorders is likely. These changes in vestibular functions are closely related to cognitive functions. This study investigated the effect of hearing loss on cognitive and vestibular functions in a geriatric population.MethodsThis study was conducted with 200 participants over the age of 65. The study was conducted with three groups: individuals with normal hearing, moderate sensorineural hearing loss, and severe sensorineural hearing loss. The relationship between the participants’ responses to the Cognitive Vestibular Function Scale and their hearing levels was examined.ResultsOf the individuals with hearing loss in the study group, 55 had moderate SNHL, and 45 had severe SNHL. The age range of the participants was 65 to 91 years (71.06 ± 4.92). When the control (Group N) and study groups (Group M and Group S) were compared according to CVFS and subscale scores, they were found to be statistically different (p < 0.05). In pairwise comparisons, a significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in all pairwise combinations except Group N and Group M (p = 0.109) for the VSM subscale.ConclusionsIt was concluded that having a healthy hearing is the most influential factor for maintaining cognitive vestibular functions in the geriatric population. It was found that the degree of hearing loss primarily affects cognitive vestibular functions and that cognitive vestibular functions deteriorate more as hearing loss increases.

Genetic investigations on singleton school aged children reveal novel variants and new candidate genes for hearing loss

Hearing loss affects around 5% of the global population. Two preliminary studies have described genetic variants in sporadic individuals with hearing loss from Pakistan. Here we extend these studies to determine the spectrum of variants in a cohort of individuals with no previous history of hearing loss. Individuals with hearing loss born to consanguineous couples were identified from special schools. Audiograms were assessed. DNA from participants negative for GJB2 pathogenic variants was subjected to exome sequencing. Data were filtered to include variants with frequencies < 0.01 in the public databases. The effects of the missense variants on respective amino acids were analyzed by using PyMol software. Among the 44 participants, hearing loss was moderate for two individuals; 14 exhibited moderately-severe hearing loss while 25 had a severe degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss was reported to have been progressive in four participants and was currently profound in three participants. Variants were unambiguously identified in 17 genes, of which the majority affected SLC26A4. CDH23, MYO15A and OTOF were other significant contributors. Deleterious variants detected in two genes suggest new associations for hearing loss. Molecular characterization of hearing loss in our cohort revealed high genetic heterogeneity with a 75% diagnostic rate.

Comparison of horizontal plane auditory spatial discrimination abilities and testing methods in patients with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss

Objective: To evaluate auditory spatial discrimination capabilities in patients with mild to moderately severe symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to compare the impact of different psychophysical testing methods on Minimum Audible Angle (MAA) and test duration. Methods: A total of 105 symmetrical SNHL patients aged from 18 to 60 years old were enrolled from April to July 2023, including 56 males and 49 females. They were divided into three groups based on PTA: mild, moderate, and moderately severe hearing loss, with 35 individuals in each group. Additionally, a control group of 35 individuals with normal hearing was tested, including 18 males and 17 females. Participants underwent four distinct psychophysical discrimination tests: the block up-down, 1-up/1-down, 1-up/2-down, and 1-up/3-down procedures. We recorded the MAA and test duration for each. We employed repeated measures of ANOVA to compare the MAA and test duration across different methods and groups, and Pearson's correlation to assess the relationship between MAA and degree of hearing loss. Results: MAA of sound localization in patients with symmetrical SNHL was significantly positively correlated with the degree of hearing loss (r=0.59, P<0.01). Significant deterioration in MAA was observed as hearing loss progressed to the moderate level (PTA≥35 dBHL, P<0.01). The testing methods significantly influenced MAA and testing duration (F=24.02, P<0.01; F=75.56, P<0.01) and the 1-up/1-down method was the quickest, averaging only (0.69±0.32) mins. Conclusions: The horizontal plane auditory spatial discrimination abilities in patients with symmetrical SNHL is impaired progressively with increasing hearing loss, notably beyond moderate hearing loss levels. Different psychophysical methods influence both MAA and test duration, the quicker 1-up/1-down method is recommended for assessing MAA in symmetrical SNHL patients.

The Predictive Value of Preoperative Measurements of Cochlear Nerve Diameters From MRT and Postoperative Speech Perception in Adult Patients With Cochlear Implant.

The current study aims to investigate whether objective measurements of the cochlear nerve (CN), derived from preoperative MRI images, correlate with postoperative speech perception in CI patients. Retrospective cohort study. University Medical Center, tertiary academic referral center. Patients undergoing a cochlear implant surgery including MED-EL (Synchrony 2, FLEX electrode series; MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) Cochlear (slim straight electrodes; Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, Australia), Advanced Bionics (HiRes Ultra 3D CI, HiFocus SlimJ electrodes; Sonova, Zürich, Switzerland), and Oticon (Neuro Zti EVO; Oticon A/S, Smørum, Denmark) between 2020 and 2023. Preoperative MRI images were utilized to measure the volume of the modiolus (VM), the cross-sectional areas of the CN (ACN), and for normalization, the area of the facial nerve (AFN) and the area of the internal ear canal (AIEC). Postoperative speech perceptions were assessed through word recognition scores (WRS) at several stages following the first fitting (FF) of the CI processor: immediately after FF, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after FF. Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. A statistically significant positive correlation between the ratio between ACN and AFN (ACN/AFN) and WRSFF was identified (R = 0.36, p < 0.003). However, this correlation disappeared in subsequent follow-up tests. Moreover, upon grouping patients based on their degree of asymmetrical hearing loss, it was observed that the correlation was primarily driven by patients with moderate to severe asymmetrical hearing loss (AHLm) on the contralateral side (R = 0.62, p = 0.0003). The present results suggest that assessing the size of the CN through MRI has limited predictive utility for postoperative speech perceptions during CI consultations. This limitation seems to be particularly relevant for AHLm patients and is confined to the initial activation period.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: audiological profile during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is an otological emergency that requires prompt recognition and intervention to prevent devastating impacts on people's lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sensory deprivations have been reported in patients positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, including deleterious effects on the auditory pathway. This study aims to describe the audiological profile of individuals with SSNHL during the COVID-19 pandemic and to correlate hearing recovery in subgroups of individuals with or without COVID-19. Prospective cohort including patients diagnosed with SSNHL evaluated in a tertiary care center between March 2020 and September 2022. Hearing loss was confirmed with pure-tone and speech audiometry, with Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) and word recognition score (WRS). Audiometric testing was performed at the moment of diagnosis, then 7, 30 and 120 days after diagnosis. The average degree of hearing loss was assessed by calculating the 4-frequency pure tone average (4fPTA). The investigation of COVID-19 included RT-PCR technique for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and collection of information regarding disease severity. A statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model to compare the 4fPTA between the four groups (with and without a history of COVID-19, unilateral and bilateral cases) at the end of the follow-up period. Fifty-two patients with SSNHL were assessed, 40 (76.9%) with unilateral and 12 (23.1%) with bilateral hearing loss, totaling 64 ears included. Of those, 15 (28.8%) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and were symptomatic for COVID-19. Of all unilateral cases, 22.5% were seropositive and showed symptoms of COVID-19, a number that increased to 50% for bilateral cases. Comparing the COVID-19 positive groups, individuals with unilateral SSNHL went from 40 dB as their average 4fPTA at onset to 20 dB as their average 4fPTA after 120 days, whereas those with bilateral SSNHL went from an initial average of 60 dB to a final average of 66 dB. Although the 4fPTA value of individuals with unilateral SSNHL improved in 7 days, the mean values showed no significant difference between positive and negative groups. There was a higher incidence of bilateral simultaneous SSNHL in patients who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and who presented with symptoms of severe COVID-19. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in more severe SSNHL, in bilateral SSNHL, and in poorer recovery from SSNHL in bilateral cases. Bilateral SSNHL was seen more frequently in patients who had not received vaccination against COVID-19.

Comparative analysis of vestibular endolymphatic hydrops grading methods and hearing loss in Ménière's disease: a retrospective MRI study using 3D-real inversion recovery sequence.

To compare the correlation between different grading methods of vestibular endolymphatic hydrops (EH) and the severity of hearing loss in Ménière's disease (MD), and evaluate the diagnostic value of these methods in diagnosing MD. This retrospective study included 30 patients diagnosed with MD from June 2021 to August 2023. All patients underwent inner ear MR gadolinium-enhanced imaging using three-dimensional (3D)-real inversion recovery sequences and pure-tone audiometry. The EH levels were independently evaluated according to the classification methods outlined by Nakashima et al. (Acta Otolaryngol Suppl 5-8, 2009. https://doi.org/10.1080/00016480902729827 ) (M1), Fang et al. (J Laryngol Otol 126:454-459, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022215112000060 ) (M2), Barath et al. (Am J Neuroradiol 35:1387-1392, 2014. https://doi.org/10.3174/ajnr.A3856 ), (M3), Liu et al. (Front Surg 9:874971, 2022. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsurg.2022.874971 ), (M4), and Bernaerts et al. (Neuroradiology 61:421-429, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00234-019-02155-7 ) (M5), with a subsequent comparison of interobserver agreement. After achieving a consensus, an analysis was performed to explore the correlations between vestibular EH grading using different methods, the average hearing thresholds at low-mid, high-, and full frequencies and clinical stages. The diagnostic capabilities of these methods for MD were then compared. The interobserver consistency of M2-M5 was superior to that of M1. The EH grading based on M4 showed a significant correlation with the average hearing thresholds at low-mid, high-, and full frequencies and clinical stages. M1, M2, M3, and M5 correlated with some parameters. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that M5 significantly outperformed M1, M2, M3, and M4 in terms of diagnostic efficiency for MD. M4 showed the strongest correlation with the degree of hearing loss in patients with MD, whereas M5 showed the highest diagnostic performance.