Glasgow Benefit Inventory Questionnaire Research Articles

Long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on quality of life: a prospective cohort study.

Nasal valve insufficiency is known to have a negative impact on both nasal patency and quality of life. The titanium butterfly implant is a surgical treatment proven to have a positive effect on these aspects up to 6months postoperative. This study aimed to determine the long-term effects of the titanium butterfly implant on nasal obstruction symptoms and quality of life in adult patients with nasal valve insufficiency up to 5years after procedure. A prospective single cohort study was performed including 29 patients that underwent the titanium butterfly implant in one tertiary medical center. Data was obtained before and at least 5years after surgery using three questionnaires: the Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness questionnaire, the Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire. A significant decrease in total NOSE score was seen compared to baseline measurements. The SNOT-22 scores also showed a significant decrease, whereas the GBI scores showed no significant changes at the late follow-up. Seven years after placement the titanium butterfly implant still has a statistically significant improvement on otorhinologic-related quality of life compared to preoperative measurements.

Balloon dilation improves both the hearing level and the quality of life in patients suffering from obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction

PurposeChronic obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD) can lead to tympanic membrane (TM) retraction and middle ear effusion (MEE) which can cause conductive hearing impairment, which among other ear symptoms can lower the quality of life (QoL). In this prospective study we assess hearing results and subjective changes in QoL following balloon Eustachian tuboplasty (BET) in treatment of OETD.MethodsTotally 25 ears with TM retraction and 18 ears with MEE due to chronic OETD underwent BET as the sole intervention. Outcomes including otoscopy, ability to perform the Valsalva maneuver, tympanometry, audiometry, Eustachian tube inflammation scale and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire (GBI) were obtained on all patients preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.ResultsHearing thresholds improved statistically significantly (p < 0.05) with means of 3 dB in the TM retraction group and 9 dB in the MEE group. Total GBI results indicated a positive influence on patients’ QoL. Valsalva success rate was 80% in patients with TM retraction and 67% in patients with MEE. Tympanometry results improved in 50% of TM retraction patients and in 33% of MEE patients.ConclusionsHere we demonstrated that the BET has a positive impact on patients’ conductive hearing loss and QoL in patients with TM retraction or MEE. Results were better in TM retraction group than in MEE group.

Audiological assessment with Matrix sentence test of percutaneous vs transcutaneous bone-anchored hearing aids: a pilot study.

The study evaluated if there were differences between two types of bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA), percutaneous vs transcutaneous implants in terms of audiological and psychosocial outcomes. Eleven patients were enrolled. Inclusion criteria were: patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss in the implanted ear with a bone conduction pure-tone average (BC PTA) of the hearing threshold at 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000Hz ≤ 55dB HL, aged > 5years. Patients were assigned to two groups: percutaneous implant (BAHA Connect) and transcutaneous implant (BAHA Attract). Pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, free-field pure-tone and speech audiometry with the hearing aid, and Matrix sentence test were performed. The Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) were used to assess the psychosocial and audiological benefits provided by the implant, and the variation in the quality of life after the surgery. No differences were found comparing the data of Matrix SRT. APHAB and GBI questionnaires did not show a statistically significant difference comparing each subscale and the global score. The comparison of scores obtained from the SADL questionnaire demonstrated a difference in the "Personal Image" subscale with a better score for the transcutaneous implant. Furthermore, the Global Score of the SADL questionnaire was statistically different between groups. Other subscales did not show any significant difference. A Spearman's ρ correlation test was used to evaluate if the age could influence the SRT results; no correlation was found between age and SRT. Furthermore, the same test was used to confirm a negative correlation between SRT and the global benefit of the APHAB questionnaire. The current research confirms the absence of statistically significant differences comparing percutaneous and transcutaneous implants. The Matrix sentence test has shown the comparability of the two implants in the speech-in-noise intelligibility. Actually, the choice of the implant type can be done according to the patient's personal needs, the surgeon's experience, and the patient anatomy.

Single-Sided Deafness: Emotional and Social Handicap, Impact on Health Status and Quality of Life, Functional Hearing, and the Effects of Cochlear Implantation.

To evaluate the functional and subjective outcomes in individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD) treated with a cochlear implant (CI). Eighty-one adult CI users with SSD participated in this study. Functional assessments consisted of speech in noise testing and localization. Subjective assessments consisted of the Speech Spatial Quality of Hearing Scale, the Tinnitus Reaction Questionnaire, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire, the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults questionnaire, and the Glasgow Health Status Inventory and the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaires. SSD has remarkable consequences on quality of life (QoL) and imposes a substantial emotional and social handicap on the individuals. Self-reported QoL improved after CI with tinnitus intrusion significantly reduced as early as 3 months post-CI. A significant improvement was seen in all speech understanding in noise configurations. Localization ability significantly improved with CI on. Our findings demonstrate that SSD reduces social and psychological QoL and imposes a remarkable level of handicap as per general and specific self-assessments tool. CI provided a significant improvement in function including speech understanding in noise and localization ability, as well as improved QoL and reduced tinnitus significantly in both the early and long terms.

Glasgow Benefit Inventory in Cochlear Implantation: A Reliable Though Ancillary Quality of Life Metric.

The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) is a health-related quality of life instrument used to detect changes in health status following otolaryngologic interventions. Despite its use in cochlear implant literature, assessment of utility, reliability, and validity of GBI in an adult cochlear implants (CI) patient population has yet to be performed. Retrospective case series. Academic, tertiary referral center. Postlingually deafened, adult CI patients with at least 1 year of device use. Five hundred fifty-two patients were administered GBI questionnaires at least 1 year following CI activation during follow-up visits. GBI total and subscale scoring were compared to either the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults or Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. Moreover, a factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were performed to determine GBI validity and internal reliability, respectively. The average overall GBI score was 38.6 ± 21.7. This was weakly correlated to the reduction in Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults/Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (τb = 0.282, p < 0.05). High factor loading with minimal cross-loading was noted on a three-factor solution, which emulated the original GBI development. Internal reliability was acceptable for the general benefit (α = 0.913) and social support subclasses (α = 0.706), whereas physical health's was low (α = 0.643). Although GBI possesses adequate convergent and discriminant validity with acceptable reliability, its routine use to capture CI-specific health-related changes should not supersede validated CI-specific QoL instruments.

ASSESSMENT OF PATIENT BENEFIT FROM SEPTOPLASTY WITH TURBINOPLASTY

Patients’ benefits and quality of life are profoundly influencing how health services are delivered. In recent years, there has been a trend in emphasis toward subjective outcome measures. Although the effects of septoplasty are not entirely comparable, various scales have been considered to support more studies based on assessing results following functional nasal surgery. Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) is a standardized patient benefit measure developed specifically for otolaryngological treatments. The aim of this study is the use of GBI to assess the impact of undergoing septoplasty with turbinoplasty on patients’ quality of life after one year. This study was conducted as a retrospective observational study. Patients over eighteen years of age who obtained septoplasty concurrent with turbinoplasty for the treatment of nasal blockage at the Almaty, City Hospital No. 5, were included. GBI questionnaire (-100 to +100) was used to measure the outcomes one year after surgery. A total of 309 patients who meet the eligibility criteria volunteered to participate, 112 females (36.2%) and 197 males (63.8%). The mean age was 26 years (SD=13, range 18-76 years). A total of 87.1% of the patients reported improvement in their quality of life. Better outcomes in the perception of quality of life were observed in the younger population; these findings are consistent with current international existing literature

Retrosigmoidal placement of an active transcutaneous bone conduction implant: surgical and audiological perspectives in a multicentre study.

SUMMARYIntroductionThe retrosigmoidal (RS) placement of the Bonebridge system (BB) has been advocated for cases of unfavourable anatomical or clinical conditions which contraindicate transmastoid-presigmoidal positioning. However, these disadvantageous conditions, combined with the considerable dimensions of the implant, may represent a challenge, especially for surgeons with no skull base experience. Moreover, the literature reports only limited experience concerning RS implantation of the BB system.MethodsA multicentre, retrospective study was conducted to analyse the surgical and functional outcomes of a wide population of patients undergoing RS placement of the BB system by means of a surgical technique specifically developed to overcome the intraoperative issues related to this surgery. Twenty patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss and single sided deafness were submitted to RS implantation of the BB system.ResultsAudiological assessment concerning the measurement of the functional and effective gain by pure-tone audiometry (28 dB HL and -12.25 dB HL, respectively) and speech audiometry (24.7 dB HL and -21 dB HL, respectively) was conducted. A high overall subjective improvement of quality of life was recorded with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire. No major complications, such as device extrusions or other conditions requiring revision surgery, were reported during the follow-up period (median: 42 months).ConclusionsIn our study, which has one of the largest cohort of patients reported in the literature, RS placement of the BB system was safe and effective. Our functional results showed comparable hearing outcomes with presigmoidal placement. The effective gain, rarely investigated in this field, may be the object of further research to improve our understanding of bone conduction mechanisms exploited by bone conduction hearing implants.

Using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire to quantify the health benefits of lymphoedema treatment in patients with head and neck cancer

BackgroundLymphoedema is a common side effect after treatment for head and neck cancer. Our treatment protocol involves staging the degree of lymphoedema and then offering treatment comprising skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, simple lymphatic drainage, compression and elastic therapeutic tape. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory is a validated post-interventional questionnaire applicable to otorhinolaryngology interventions which measures changes in health status. The aim of this study was to quantify the health benefits of lymphoedema treatment using the Glasgow Inventory Benefit questionnaire, in patients with a history of treated head and neck cancer.MethodsAny patient who had undergone treatment with curative intent of a primary head and neck malignancy who had been referred for lymphoedema treatment within a 6 month period was eligible for inclusion. Patients completed a questionnaire after finishing the course of lymphoedema treatment.ResultsA total of 15 patients completed the questionnaire. Ten patients (67%) demonstrated some level of improvement in quality of life, while two (13%) reported no benefit and three (20%) reported negative improvements. The average score for the total Glasgow Benefit Inventory scale was + 7.2. The greatest benefit was demonstrated with the physical benefit subscale (+ 13.1). The average general benefit score was + 9.0.ConclusionsLymphoedema treatment involves techniques which can fairly easily be taught to patients to complete at home. In this study, there were mild improvements in patient reported quality of life using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory in the majority of patients. Clinical interest has increased in lymphoedema recently, but there is still limited information about the effectiveness of treatments and future research should look to address these issues.

Changes of Visual Symptoms and Functions in Patients with and without Dry Eye after Lacrimal Passage Obstruction Treatment

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the quality of life (QOL) and quality of vision (QOV) of patients who developed and did not develop dry eye disease (DED) after nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) treatment. Methods: This was a retrospective nonrandomized observational study of 91 patients diagnosed with unilateral NLDO. The subjects underwent lacrimal stent insertion, and the stent was removed after 10–12 weeks. The QOL and QOV of the patients were examined preoperatively and at 6 months after the stent was removed. The postoperative outcomes were assessed subjectively with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaire and an ocular specific questionnaire of 6 symptoms. The best-corrected visual acuity, functional visual acuity, and dry eye scores were also determined. Results: Of the 91 eyes, 19 eyes (20.9%) were diagnosed with DED (D group) and 72 were not (N group). Five of the 6 symptoms improved in the N group, while only 3 symptoms improved in the D group without blurred vision. For the GBI questionnaire, the social support and physical health scores were significantly higher in the N group than in the D group. The functional visual acuity improved significantly in the N group but not significantly in the D group. Conclusions: Patients who develop DED after treatments for NLDO may not have an improvement of their QOL or QOV. Therefore, careful dry eye assessments are important before treatments for NLDO.

The Outcomes of Cochlear Implantation in Elderly Patients: A Single United Kingdom Center Experience.

The average life expectancy in the United Kingdom is currently nearly 80 years for a newborn baby with nearly 15% of the population, by 2040, being >75 years old. Hearing impairment is a common disability in the elderly individual, and there have been significant drives to support this population to lead longer and healthier working lives. We aimed to assess the long-term audiological and health-related quality-of-life benefits of cochlear implants (CI) in elderly individuals. A retrospective and cross-sectional study of patients who received a CI at ≥70 years. Data extracted included speech perception scores, adverse events, telephone use, and patient-reported outcome measures using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. Sixty-four patients aged ≥70 years received a unilateral CI. A significant improvement in speech perception scores in all conditions was noted with no significant difference between differing age groups. Glasgow Benefit Inventory scores showed a significant positive impact on patients' lives and their health status, with no significant difference between the differing age groups. Cochlear implantation is a safe and well-tolerated procedure in the elderly patients with significant improvements observed in audiological performance, health status, and social interactions.

The evaluation of canal wall up cholesteatoma surgery with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory

PurposeThe aim of the study was to investigate the change in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after canal wall up cholesteatoma surgery, using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI).MethodsData from a consecutive group of 47 adults scheduled for primary cholesteatoma surgery using canal wall up (CWU) with obliteration, from January 2005 to December 2009, were analysed. Information was extracted from a medical database, and complementary data from patient files and audiograms were collected and recorded retrospectively. The GBI questionnaire was used for the assessment of HRQoL after surgery.ResultsThere was no finding of residual or recurrent cholesteatomas in the study group. Hearing was improved at 1 and 3 years postoperatively. No patient suffered a total hearing loss. The overall GBI scores showed an improved HRQoL after surgery. Twenty-nine (85%) patients benefitted from surgery, 1 (3%) had no change, and 4 (12%) expressed deterioration.ConclusionsCholesteatoma surgery using CWU with obliteration gives an improved HRQoL for the majority of patients. The GBI questionnaire provides complementary information to hearing and healing results after cholesteatoma surgery.

Effect on Quality Of Life of Patients Before and After Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.

Rhinosinusitis is defined as an inflammatory process involving the mucosa of the nose and one or more of the paranasal sinuses. Rhinosinusitis is not associated with increased mortality, but may have an impact on the quality of life (QOL). Current study is aimed at investigating the role of FESS in the enhancement of QOL of the patients with rhinosinusitis. Several instruments have been designed to assess the QOL, among which Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) questionnaire, has been used in this study. This cross sectional study of duration of 1year and 6months was conducted on 30 patients between the age group 18-60years in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi. Our results showed that FESS was associated with improved QOL in patients with Chronic Sinusitis. Observations were made on the basis of the GBI questionnaire which is designed to measure outcomes of the surgical procedures in form of 4 different scores. Mean total score before surgery was (-) 65.28 ± 7.39 and after surgery was 21.22 ± 11.24. Mean general Subscale Score before surgery was (-) 60.56 ± 9.14 and after surgery was 25.28 ± 13.40. Mean Social Support Score before surgery was (-) 79.44 ± 14.31 and after surgery was 17.78 ± 16.34. Mean Physical Health score before surgery was (-) 70.00 ± 10.17 and after surgery 10.00 ± 14.25. A statistically significant improvement was observed in all the four scores before and after surgery. The present study demonstrates that radical surgery has led to improvement in the QOL of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Endoscopic Browlift via Endotine Forehead Device in Patients with Facial Palsy

Objective Forehead and brows form a critical aesthetic and functional subunit of the face. Chronical pPeripheral paralysis of the facial nerve or its frontal branch may cause brow ptosis and eyelid deformities with a limited field of vision and loss of facial symmetry. Techniques, especially endoscopic methods have evolved significantly. Endotine Forehead Device, an adsorbable device, is a promising tool for brow suspension. Material and Methods 9 patients underwent brow and forehead lift surgery via Endotine Forehead Device. Intraoperative handling, complications, and the surgical outcome were assessed. To analyze postoperative symmetry FACEgram software was used. Follow-up was about 3,6 months after surgery. As a patient oriented outcome parameter the Glasgow Benefit Inventory Questionnaire was assessed about 10 months after surgery. Results Using the Endotine Forehead Device via an endoscopic approach was helpful to recreate a symmetrical upper third of the face. Few adverse effects could be observed:. One relapse was detected, one patient complained about the palpability of the device. Patients stated an improved quality of life after surgery, overall benefit in quality of life was +29,2 (SD 13,6). Conclusions Endotine Forehead Device is a successful minimally invasive tool for endoscopic brow and forehead lift surgery in patients with facial paralysis.

Retrospective analysis of skin complications related to bone-anchored hearing aid implant: association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit.

IntroductionThe bone-anchored hearing aid is an effective form of auditory rehabilitation. Due to the nature of the implant, the most common complications are skin related. A number of alternative surgical implantation techniques have been used to reduce the frequency and severity of skin complications, including the U-shaped graft and the linear incision.ObjectiveTo assess skin complications and their association with surgical technique, quality of life, and audiological benefit in patients with bone-anchored hearing aids.MethodsThis was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary referral center in Bogotá, Colombia. Patients who had been fitted with a bone-anchored hearing aid implant (unilaterally or bilaterally) for at least 6 months were included in the study. The Holgers classification was used to classify skin complications (Grade 0 = none; Grade 1 = erythema; Grade 2 = erythema and discharge; Grade 3 = granulation tissue; and Grade 4 = inflammation/infection resulting in the removal of the abutment). The Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was used to determine quality of life, and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit questionnaire was used to determine the subjective audiological benefit.ResultsA total of 37 patients were included in the study (30 with unilateral implants and 7 with bilateral implant). Of the 44 implants evaluated, 31 (70.3%) were associated with skin complications (7 [15.9%] Grade 1; 4 [9.1%] Grade 2; 15 [34.1%] Grade 3, 5 [11.4%] Grade 4). The U-shaped graft was statistically associated with major complications (Grades 3 and 4) compared with the linear incision technique (p = 0.045). No statistically significant differences were found between Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit scores and severity of complications. Similarly, no differences were found between Glasgow Benefit Inventory physical health questions and skin complications.ConclusionDespite the high frequency, skin complications did not seem to affect quality of life or subjective audiological benefits of patients with bone-anchored hearing aids.

Outcome of a graduated minimally invasive facial reanimation in patients with facial paralysis.

Peripheral paralysis of the facial nerve is the most frequent of all cranial nerve disorders. Despite advances in facial surgery, the functional and aesthetic reconstruction of a paralyzed face remains a challenge. Graduated minimally invasive facial reanimation is based on a modular principle. According to the patients' needs, precondition, and expectations, the following modules can be performed: temporalis muscle transposition and facelift, nasal valve suspension, endoscopic brow lift, and eyelid reconstruction. Applying a concept of a graduated minimally invasive facial reanimation may help minimize surgical trauma and reduce morbidity. Twenty patients underwent a graduated minimally invasive facial reanimation. A retrospective chart review was performed with a follow-up examination between 1 and 8months after surgery. The FACEgram software was used to calculate pre- and postoperative eyelid closure, the level of brows, nasal, and philtral symmetry as well as oral commissure position at rest and oral commissure excursion with smile. As a patient-oriented outcome parameter, the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire was applied. There was a statistically significant improvement in the postoperative score of eyelid closure, brow asymmetry, nasal asymmetry, philtral asymmetry as well as oral commissure symmetry at rest (p < 0.05). Smile evaluation revealed no significant change of oral commissure excursion. The mean Glasgow Benefit Inventory score indicated substantial improvement in patients' overall quality of life. If a primary facial nerve repair or microneurovascular tissue transfer cannot be applied, graduated minimally invasive facial reanimation is a promising option to restore facial function and symmetry at rest.

Reliability of the Arabic Glasgow benefit inventory after otolaryngology interventions.

We aim to translate the Glasgow benefit inventory (GBI) questionnaire into Arabic language and assess its reliability in scoring the benefit of patients after otolaryngology interventions. This is a pilot study of an ongoing prospective cohort study. The original GBI questionnaire was translated into Arabic language and back-translated into English by two different experts. The questionnaire was given to patients who were asked to fill it themselves. A group of consecutive adult patients were included in the study. Fifty-one patients were included. Reliability using Cronbach's α was higher than 0.70 for total score and the three subscales. Five loading factors explained 72.9% of the variance reached. The mean benefit of the GBI total score was 30.0±36.37. Subscales scores were as follows: 35.21±25.98 for the general health, 25.81±45.98 for the physical benefit and 29.08±34.45 for the social support. The Arabic GBI questionnaire is reliable to evaluate the quality of life after otolaryngology interventions for Arabic speaking population.

Auditory Gain, Quality of Life, and Audiological Benefits in Bone-Anchored Hearing Device Users in Fundaci&amp;#243;n Santaf&amp;#233; De Bogot&amp;#225;, Colombia

The objective of this study is to determine the auditory gain, quality of life, audiological benefits, in bone-anchored hearing device users (BAHA). It is a retrospective and concurrent evaluation of thirty patients fitted unilaterally and seven fitted bilaterally for at least six months. Patients were assessed with audiometric testing and application of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Regarding sound-field pure audiometry results, we found a statistically significant gain in all frequencies using the bone-anchored device. APHAB scores showed statistically significant subjective audiological gains in all subscales except for the aversiveness subscale. GBI mean scores for all items in both groups were all above 3, suggesting quality of life improvement in conductive and mixed hearing loss patients. BP100 users showed a greater clinical gain in the APHAB global score and subscales compared with Divino users. In conclusion the BAHA provides significant auditory gain, subjective audiological benefits and improves quality of life in all BAHA users. This study shows a significant clinical and statistical benefit of BAHA measured by audiometric testing and by the APHAB and GBI questionnaires.

Patient-perceived benefit of sialendoscopy as measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.

Evaluate the patient-perceived effect of sialendoscopy on patients with obstructive symptoms from the salivary glands. Retrospectively identified cohort used for a prospective study of all consecutive patients at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at Vejle Hospital, Vejle, Denmark, March 2009 to December 2013. By chart review we recorded the patient's age, gender, date of the sialendoscopy, type of gland, sialolithiasis, successful extraction of sialolithiasis, stenosis of salivary ducts, dilation, type of saliva, and surgeon. The follow-up was done by applying the Glasgow Benefit Inventory questionnaire by letter and telephone. There were 130 sialendoscopies performed on 116 patients. Of these, 24 patients were excluded due to subsequent surgery. Thus, 92 patients were eligible, of whom 80 responded, giving an 87% response rate. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory score had a predicted overall mean of 13.4 (95% confidence interval: 9.9 to 17.2). Significant positive outcomes by multiple regression were the presence of stones (P = 0.015) and examination of the parotid gland (P = 0.041). Overall, there is a significant patient-perceived benefit from sialendoscopy, which is comparable to the benefit from tonsillectomy. The benefit is significantly higher if stones are found than not and for examination of the parotid gland as compared to the submandibular gland. 4

Assessing Patient Reported Outcomes after Septorhinoplasty with and without Nasal Packing Using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory

Introduction : Patient-reported outcomes are an invaluable tool to guide clinical decision-making. Nasal packing is a traumatic, painful event for patients, which could negatively impact patient-reported outcomes. We aimed to evaluate if avoiding postoperative nasal packing in septorhinoplasty and rhinoplasty affects patient-reported outcomes. Methods : All septorhinoplasty and rhinoplastyoperations performed over 5 years were identified. The case notes were reviewed to obtain patient demographics, operative details and any post-operative complications. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) was administered via telephone to measure patient-reported outcomes. Results : 167 patients were identified. In 11 the case notes were unavailable. Of the 156 patients remaining, 126 completed the GBI questionnaire (who had undergone 132 operations). No significant difference in GBI scores was found with or without the use of nasal packing. Conclusion : This study suggests that routine nasal packing can be avoided in the majority of patients, but can be used with confidence that patient-reported outcome is not being compromised.

Outcomes after Bonebridge Implantation: Audiological Benefits and Health Related Quality of Life

Objective: Bone conduction implants (BCI) are medical devices for conductive and mixed hearing losses as well as for single side sensorineural deafness (SSD). All direct-drive BCI transmit vibrations directly to the skull bone and can be divided into percutaneous and active transcutaneous devices. Method: We report a case series of 10 patients, suffered from mixed or conductive hearing loss, submitted to Bonebridge implantation. Audiological evaluation was conducted at six months to observe the functional impact of this device. Patients were asked to answer the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI), a retrospective questionnaire, to measure the effect of the surgical intervention on the health-related quality of life. Results: The functional gain was found to range from 25 dB to 40 dB. Speech perception in noise improves in all patients and no post-operative complications were observed. GBI questionnaire has reflected high device satisfaction rate. Conclusion: Active transcutaneous BCI represent an effective and safety solution for people that cannot have adequate benefit from conventional hearing aids, to restore good audiological performance and life satisfaction.