Mean Pure Tone Average Research Articles

Intratympanic steroid therapy in moderate sudden hearing loss: A randomized, triple‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

To investigate the efficacy of an intratympanic steroid as a first-line therapy in patients affected by moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Prospective, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty patients presenting with moderate idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss involving all frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz (a flat audiogram) were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two groups of 25 each. The first group (intratympanic steroid) underwent a daily intratympanic administration of prednisolone for 3 consecutive days. Subjects in the second group (control) received a daily intratympanic injection of a saline solution for 3 consecutive days. Audiometric tests were performed at day 7 after the beginning of therapy (T1), and then 10 and 30 days after T1. The patients in both groups who did not show a complete recovery at T1 were treated with oral prednisone at a tapering dose. In the intratympanic steroid group, 19 out of 25 patients presented at T1 complete recovery (76%), whereas in the control group the number patients who recovered completely at T1 was five out of 25 (20%). The mean pure-tone average (PTA) recorded at T1 shows a statistically significant improvement in the hearing threshold of the first group compared to the control group (P < .01). The mean PTA recorded after the first-line approach (T1) demonstrated a significant therapeutic action of the short-duration intratympanic steroid therapy on moderate ISSNHL, with a flat audiogram shape, compared to the natural course of the disease and the placebo effect at that time point.

New Closed Skin Bone-Anchored Implant

To report preliminary results of a new closed-skin, transcutaneous bone conduction device (BCD) in 6 children with high-grade ear atresia. Tertiary care center; prospective study; we evaluated the gain with masking of the contralateral ear and the benefit of hearing rehabilitation with the transcutaneous BCD in noise: speech-in-noise tests, conducted in real life condition (with contralateral ear unmasked and fitted with a hearing device if done before implantation), with and without BCD, with determination of the speech reception threshold (SRT). Children and parent's satisfaction was assessed. Patients' ages ranged from 6 to 9 years. All had high-grade ear atresia with a preoperative mean pure-tone average (PTA) loss of 71.46 +/- 6.59 dB on air conduction and 14 +/- 4.98 dB on bone conduction. At M6, all children used the implant 5 to 12 hours daily (mean, 10) without pain or cutaneous complications. At M6, the mean air conduction PTA with transcutaneous BCD was 28.45 +/- 1.68 dB, the mean gain 43 +/- 6.96 dB, and the mean SRT gain 33.33 +/- 10.75 dB. Using speech-in-noise tests in real-life conditions, the mean SRT was statistically improved with the transcutaneous BCD (-8 +/- 2.83 dB, p = 0.0313). Both children and parents reported being satisfied or very satisfied. These preliminary results show satisfactory functional gain, cutaneous tolerance, and patients' satisfaction with the new transcutaneous BCD.

Functional Results and Quality of Life After Retrosigmoid Vestibular Neurectomy in Patients With Ménière’s Disease

Severe Ménière's disease (MD) may be debilitating and compromising, despite intensive medical treatment. Vestibular neurectomy (VN) is considered an effective surgical treatment for disabling MD. Our aim was to analyse the medium- to long-term outcome after retrosigmoid VN with special regard to vertigo, quality of life (American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria), and pure tone average (PTA). Retrospective evaluation of patients with disabling MD treated with retrosigmoid VN at the university hospital of Bern (1992-2009), after unsuccessful attempts at medical treatment. Demographics, clinical signs and symptoms, quality of life, thresholds of hearing, and adverse events were documented at baseline, 1 week, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. Medium to long-term follow-up data were available from 44 of 78 patients, who had undergone retrosigmoid VN (19 men; mean age, 50.3 ± 11.0 yr). Vertigo disappeared in 34 (77.3%) of 44 patients and improved in 6 (13.6%) of 44 patients. Quality of life significantly improved postoperatively (mean American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 0.68 ± 1.14 [1 yr] and 0.57 ± 1.19 [2 yr] versus 5.11 ± 0.66). Mean PTA decreased (52.3 ± 19.2 dB versus 56.2 ± 21.6 dB [1 wk] and 60.4 ± 20.5 dB [1 yr]; p < 0.001). Ten (22.7%) of 44 patients showed improved PTA after VN. These patients had significantly higher baseline PTA (69.4 dB versus 47.9 dB; p = 0.001). Retrosigmoid VN is a valuable and safe surgical option to treat disabling MD that has proved resistant to medical treatments. It may also be indicated for patients with preoperative severely impaired thresholds of hearing, in whom a certain hearing gain may be observed.

Esteem 2 Middle Ear Implant: Our Experience

Introduction: The Esteem is a totally implantable hearing system that uses piezoelectric technology. It is indicated in case of moderate to severe stable sensorineural hearing loss with a minimum discrimination score of 60% and a middle ear which is anatomically and functionally intact. Its two components (sensor and driver) are positioned and fixed in the mastoid cavity and coupled respectively to the incus body and capitulum with cement. Study Design: Retrospective study. Settings: Tertiary referral center. Materials and Methods: Pure-tone average (PTA) gain in the implanted ear was calculated at 1, 2, and 4 KHz, word recognition score (WRS) gain at 50 dB SPL, and average WRS (AWRS) gain at 40, 55, and 70 dB SPL. WRS was also evaluated in silence and noise. All patients were asked to fill in the abbreviated profile of hearing aid benefit (APHAB) questionnaire pre- and postoperatively as well as an Esteem questionnaire. Results: Thirteen patients received implants between May 2008 and April 2010. Five minor complications occurred (1 temporary partial facial palsy, 1 secondary healing difficulty, and 3 revision surgeries for poor and deteriorating functional results and progressive gain loss after use of a heart defibrillator). Two patients (15%) suffered major complications and their implants had to be removed 4 months postoperatively because of a Staphylococcus aureus wound infection. One patient underwent reimplantation 6 months later. Mean PTA gain was 25 ± 11 dB, mean WRS gain at 50 dB SPL was 64 ± 33%, and mean AWRS gain was 40 ± 20%. WRS in silence and with a signal-noise ratio of 10, 0, and –5 dB was 91 ± 11, 85 ± 14, 71 ± 19, and 64 ± 30%, respectively. The APHAB questionnaire revealed 84% of satisfaction improvement compared to the previous classic hearing aid. Conclusion: The totally implantable hearing device Esteem 2 can offer good functional and satisfaction results. Careful selection of patients is required, however, based on hearing tests, exclusion of middle ear ventilation problems, and CAT-scan middle ear anatomy. Specific surgical training and experience are also needed. The implant is safe and only associated with classic auditory implant complications.

Hearing preservation in patients with unilateral vestibular schwannoma who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery

The objective of this study was to identify the prognostic factors for hearing preservation that would allow the more accurate stratification of patients who undergo stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for unilateral, sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). In total, 119 patients with VS who had serviceable hearing underwent SRS as primary treatment. The mean (±standard deviation) patient age was 48 ± 11 years, and the mean (±standard deviation) follow-up duration was 55.2 ± 35.7 months. The median marginal radiotherapy dose was 12.0 grays (Gy), and the mean (±standard deviation) tumor volume was 1.95 ± 2.24 cm(3) . The mean (±standard deviation) pure tone average (PTA) score was 26 ± 12 decibels (dB) (range, 4-50 dB), and the mean (±standard deviation) maximum speech discrimination score was 91 ± 12% (range, 52-100%). The mean (±standard deviation) baseline values for the interlatency (IL) of waves I and III (IL I-III) and the IL of waves I through V (IL I-V) on auditory brainstem response were 2.58 ± 0.60 milliseconds (mS) (range, 1.92-4.30 mS) and 4.80 ± 0.61 mS (range, 3.80-6.40 mS), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the PTA score and IL I-V were significant and independent prognostic factors (hazard ratio, 1.072; 95% confidence interval, 1.046-1.098; P < .001; and hazard ratio, 1.534; 95% confidence interval, 1.008-2.336; P = .046, respectively). By using the PTA score and IL I-V, the patients were classified into 4 groups. The ratios of patients with serviceable hearing after SRS were 89.6%, 64.0%, 25.8%, and 6.7%, respectively, in Groups A through D (P < .001). The current results indicated that the classification system based on using the PTA score and the IL I-V of the auditory brainstem response may be useful and specific for predicting the rate of hearing preservation in each individual.

Clinical Indications for Canal Wall‐down Mastoidectomy in a Pediatric Population

To establish clinically derived indications for performing canal wall-up or canal wall-down surgery when treating children with cholesteatoma. Case series with chart review. Tertiary care academic pediatric otolaryngology practice. Retrospective review of 420 children who underwent 700 procedures for cholesteatoma between 1996 and 2010. The canal wall was preserved in 89.5% of cases. Common reasons for removing the canal wall were to provide access to the disease, extensive erosion of key structures, and the desire to avoid further surgery. The mean pure-tone average (PTA) for the canal wall-up group was 30 dB, whereas the canal wall-down group had a mean PTA of 45 dB. A matched-pairs analysis demonstrated that the better performance of the canal wall-up group was independent of preoperative hearing levels. Furthermore, although the presence of the stapes did influence hearing results, the canal wall-up procedure yielded better results even when the condition of the stapes was taken into account. The number needed to treat with canal wall-up to prevent 1 case of hearing loss (ie, mean threshold >30 dB) would be around 6. The need for revision surgery was higher in the canal wall-up group (51%) compared with the canal wall-down group (21%). In the setting of adequate follow-up and open access to surgical resources, most children with cholesteatoma can be managed with an intact canal wall technique. The authors believe that the better audiometric outcomes and easier postoperative care outweigh the need for revision surgery in this group.

Frequent Association of Cochlear Nerve Canal Stenosis With Pediatric Sensorineural Hearing Loss

To examine the association between cochlear nerve canal (CNC) dimensions and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Retrospective review. Tertiary pediatric hospital. Children with SNHL and CNC stenosis. The CNCs measured in axial and 45° oblique planes on temporal bone computed tomography (TBCT) in children with SNHL were compared with TBCT from children with normal hearing and 100 normal temporal bone specimens. Additional inner ear abnormalities were recorded. Hearing was measured using 4 frequency pure-tone averages (PTAs). The degree of CNC stenosis related to the degree of SNHL. Fifty-three patients (32 female) with SNHL had CNC stenosis in 85 ears (32 bilateral, 21 unilateral). The mean (SD) axial CNC measurement for 85 ears was 0.98 (0.57) mm (range, 0-1.75 mm). The mean (SD) Poschl CNC measurement was 1.30 (0.69) mm (range, 0-2.80 mm). Of 85 ears, 64 had at least 1 additional inner ear abnormality. The mean (SD) PTA was 56.2 (40.8) dB. For each ear separately axial and Poschl plane CNC measurements were highly correlated (P<.001). The degree of CNC stenosis was significantly (P=.02) related to degree of hearing loss, and PTA decreased in the CNC stenosis population by 1.4 dB per year (P=.054). In addition, PTA and additional inner ear abnormalities were found to be significantly correlated (P=.002). Cochlear nerve canal stenosis is associated with SNHL, and the degree of stenosis predicted the degree of SNHL. In addition, the presence of CNC stenosis with additional inner ear abnormalities may affect the severity of SNHL.

Otomycosis with Perforated Tympanic Membrane : Self Medication with Topical Antifungal Solution versus Medicated Ear Wick

In otomycosis with tympanic membrane perforation, many physicians prefer to insert an ear wick medicated with antimycotic cream. This needs multiple visits to the clinic and keeps the ear blocked for several days. Direct instillation of alcohol based antimycotic solution causes severe burning if it reaches the middle ear. In this work we compare patient's self medication with clotrimazole antimycotic solution used on Q-tips with physician-inserted ear wicks; in terms of safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction. STUDY DESIGN #ENTITYSTARTX00026; Prospective controlled study in ambulatory setting. Forty consecutive patients with otomycosis with tympanic membrane perforation were included in the study. Diagnosis of otomycosis was both clinical and with mycological culture. Mean pure tone average (PTA) in the involved ear was measured after cleaning fungal debris. Patients were then, randomized into two groups; Q-tip group patients (n=20) were taught to self-medicate their ears two times daily with the clotrimazole solution on suitable Q-tips for three weeks. In ear wick group (n=20), a gauze wick impregnated with clotrimazole cream was inserted in the ear. Wick was changed every third day for two more visits (one week overall). Patients were followed up for 3 months. After three weeks all patients in Q-tip group and ear wick group had relief of their ear itching and complete disappearance of fungal growth in the deep meatus and on the tympanic membrane. PTA was 22 ± 11dB in Q-tip group and 25 ± 12 dB in ear wick group; the difference was not statistically significant (p= 0.11). Patients in ear wick group had sense of ear blocking and wetness during period of treatment. Transient burning sensation was reported by 2 patients in Q-tip group. During three months, there was recurrence of otomycosis in 5 patients from ear wick group and no recurrence in Q-tip group (p=0.04). Self medication with clotrimazole solution on Q-tips and physician inserted medicated wicks are equally safe in treating otomycosis with perforated tympanic membrane. However, self medication with antimycotic solution on Q-tips gives more patient satisfaction and less rate of otomycosis recurrence.

B064 Cochlear implantation in deaf children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Evaluate the impact of cochlear anomalies on hearing outcomes for pediatric patients with cochlear implants.Retrospective chart review.Tertiary care center.Charts were retrospectively reviewed for cases where pediatric cochlear implant surgery was performed between 2002 and 2018 at a single, tertiary care institution. Patients were divided into groups based on the presence or absence of radiological cochlear abnormalities, which were further classified as low or high risk anomalies. Hearing outcomes were evaluated by measuring pure tone averages and word recognition scores preoperatively, 3 and 12 months postoperatively, in addition to the most recent test results.There were 154 ears implanted in our cohort of 100 patients. 107 ears had normal cochlear anatomy, 31 had low risk, and 16 had high risk abnormalities. The most common modality of preoperative imaging was CT scan. Postoperative mean pure tone average (PTA) was significantly higher in patients with inner ear anomalies compared to those with normal anatomy. No significant difference in PTA was noted between low versus high risk patients. <50% of patients had word recognition scores available within the first year following surgery.Abnormalities of the inner ear significantly influenced hearing outcomes over time following cochlear implant surgery when compared to pediatric patients with normal anatomy. Obtaining hearing testing can be difficult in very young children and therefore future studies are warranted to further investigate the impact that cochlear abnormalities may have on hearing outcomes following cochlear implant surgery.

The development of psychometrically equivalent Cantonese speech audiometry materials

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate speech audiometry materials that can be used to measure word recognition (WR) and speech recognition testing (SRT) in quiet for native speakers of Cantonese. Study Sample: Commonly used bisyllabic and trisyllabic Cantonese words were digitally recorded by native male and female talkers and then evaluated by twenty normal-hearing Cantonese listeners. Design: The recorded bisyllabic words were psychometrically evaluated and arranged into four WR lists and eight half-lists that are relatively homogeneous in audibility. Using logistic regression, SRT materials were developed by selecting 28 trisyllabic words with relatively steep psychometric functions and digitally adjusting their intensity to match the listeners’ mean pure-tone average. Result: The mean psychometric slopes for the WR materials were 7.5%/dB for the male talker and 7.6%/dB for the female talker, with no statistically significant differences between the lists or half-lists. At intensity levels required for 50% intelligibility, the mean psychometric slopes of the male and female talker SRT materials were 14.5%/dB and 14.9 %/dB, respectively. Conclusion: High-quality digital recordings of Cantonese speech audiometric WR and SRT materials were developed and validated in this study. These materials are available on compact disc, indexed by talker gender.SumarioObjetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue desarrollar y evaluar psicométricamente materiales de lenguaje que puedan utilizarse en reconocimiento de palabras (WR) y en pruebas de reconocimiento del lenguaje (SRT) en silencio para hablantes nativos del cantonés. Muestra del estudio: Se grabaron digitalmente palabras bisilábicas y trisilábicas comúnmente usadas en cantonés, usando hablantes nativos, masculinos y femeninos, que luego fueron evaluadas por veinte sujetos de origen cantonés con audición normal. Diseño: Las palabras bisilábicas grabadas fueron evaluadas psicométricamente y dispuestas en cuatro listas para WR y en 8 medias listas que eran relativamente homogéneas en cuanto a audibilidad. Usando regresión logística, se desarrollaron materiales para SRT por medio de la selección de 28 palabras trisilábicas con funciones audiométricas relativamente empinadas y ajustando la intensidad digitalmente para equipararse con el promedio tonal puro de los evaluadores. Resultados: La pendiente psicométrica media de los materiales para WR fue de 7.5%/dB para hablantes masculinos y de 7.6%/dB para hablantes femeninas, sin ninguna diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre las listas y las medias listas. A la intensidad requerida para el 50% de inteligibilidad, las pendientes psicométricas medias de los materiales para SRT, con hablantes masculinos y femeninos, fueron de 14.5%/dB y 14.9 %/dB, respectivamente. Conclusión: Se desarrollaron grabaciones digitales de alta calidad para materiales audiométricos en cantonés para WR y SRT, y se validaron en este estudio. Estos materiales están disponibles en disco compacto, y clasificados por el género del hablante.

Petrous Bone Cholesteatoma Removal With Hearing Preservation

Clinical and radiologic outcome analysis after petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) removal with simultaneous functional reconstruction. Retrospective case review over an observation period of 16 years (1992-2007). Tertiary referral center. A total of 21 patients (17 adults and 4 children) with PBCs were included, accounting for 3.4% of all cholesteatoma cases (n = 621). The average follow-up duration was 7 years (range, 2-15 yr). In all patients, a modified subtotal petrosectomy was performed with simultaneous tympanoplasty, musculoplasty, and meatoplasty in 90%. In 2 patients (10%), the cavity was obliterated. Two others (10%) needed a simultaneous temporal craniotomy. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative findings including signs, classifications, recurrences, hearing, and facial nerve outcomes. In the majority of patients (67%), a supralabyrinthine PBC was found. Complete macroscopic resection was achieved in all patients. During the follow-up period, 4 patients (19%) were identified as having recurrent disease. Hearing was postoperatively preserved in 14 of 17 patients with preoperative hearing (82%; 4 preoperative dead ears), of whom, 13 had functional hearing, with a mean pure-tone average of 37 dB (range, 15-55 dB). Preoperative facial nerve dysfunction completely resolved in 4 of 6 patients, and no new dysfunctions occurred postoperatively. All cavities became self-cleaning and dry. Hearing preservation was feasible in the majority of patients with PBCs. The functional surgical concept and the high number of supralabyrinthine lesions seemed to be important prerequisites for the good functional outcomes observed.

The efficiency of intratympanic dexamethasone injection as a sequential treatment after initial systemic steroid therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss

The effect of intratympanic steroid injection is controversial as salvage or initial treatment option for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and almost unknown if it is consecutively to use after initial systemic steroids. This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of intratympanic dexamethasone injection (ITDI) as a sequential treatment in the patients who failed initial systemic steroid treatments for SSNHL. Forty-six patients with SSNHL who did not respond to initial systemic steroids were prospectively included in the study. The patients were randomly classified into two groups; the ITDI group (21 patients) did not take four sequential ITDI within 2 weeks after systemic steroids, and the control group (25 patients) took any more medications. Hearing improvement was defined as a 10 dB or more decrease in the pure tone average (PTA) of the four-frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 kHz). Hearing improvement was observed in 10 (47.6%) of 21 ITDI patients and in 4 (16.0%) of 25 control patients (P = 0.027). An improvement of the mean PTA was 11.4 dB in the ITDI group and 1.7 dB in the control group (P = 0.004). The ITDI group showed significant hearing improvement at low frequency (500 Hz) than the control group. The patients with 70 or more dB in PTA before ITDI showed significant hearing improvement than the other patients with better PTAs (P = 0.038). The sequential ITDI, which is performed immediately after initial systemic steroid therapy, may be a simple, effective second-line treatment of choice for the patients who show poor response to initial treatments for SSNHL.

Efficacy of Corticosteroids in Hearing Preservation after Radiosurgery for Vestibular Schwannoma: A Prospective Study

Objectives: We prospectively investigated the efficacy of corticosteroid medication in salvaging acute hearing deterioration after radiosurgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) and analyzed prognostic factors for hearing preservation. Methods: Forty-one patients with serviceable hearing treated with gamma knife radiosurgery between 2004 and 2006 were included. Nineteen patients who suffered acute hearing deterioration after radiosurgery were treated with oral corticosteroids. The efficacy of corticosteroids was compared with the results of a historical observation group of 15 patients who had experienced hearing deterioration but who had not taken corticosteroids. Results: The tumor control rate and serviceable hearing preservation rate at the last follow-up were 97.6 and 61%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the actuarial serviceable hearing preservation rates between the corticosteroid treatment group and the historical observation group (p = 0.519). However, the mean pure-tone averages were significantly different between the 2 groups (51.5 vs. 63.7 dB; p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis revealed that preradiosurgery hearing status and transient volume expansion were prognostic factors for hearing preservation (p = 0.013 and p = 0.029, respectively). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the possibility that corticosteroid medication may improve acute hearing deterioration after radiosurgery in VS patients. Further studies on optimal corticosteroid medication for managing acute hearing deterioration after radiosurgery are mandatory.

Induced endolymphatic flow from the endolymphatic sac to the cochlea in Ménière's disease

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to verify whether drugs injected into the endolymphatic sac (ES) can reach the cochlea and possibly treat inner ear disorders. Study DesignProspective cohort study. SettingTertiary referral center, Otolaryngology Department, University of Verona. Subjects and MethodsPatients with Ménière's disease (MD) who were candidates for ES decompression were selected. Nineteen subjects received dexamethasone (DEX) via injection into the ES. To objectively define whether substances administered into the ES could reach the cochlea, we added gadolinium (GD) in three patients. All subjects had intraoperative electrocorticogram recordings and an audiologic follow-up. The three subjects who underwent injection of the DEX-GD solution were followed-up with magnetic resonance imaging. The audiological data are presented during a follow-up period of 12 months. ResultsIntraoperative electrocochleography recordings revealed no changes in two patients and summating potentials and compound action potential latency and wave-form modifications in all the other subjects. GD distribution was observed from 48 hours to one week after ES injection into the cochlea of the three subjects injected with DEX-GD. GD-related enhancement of inner ear structures lasted more than two weeks in all subjects. Pure tone average results showed hearing improvement of at least 20 dB HL in 42 percent of patients (8 of 19) at the 12-month follow-up. Statistically significant differences emerged between the mean pure tone average of the ES procedure subjects at one and 12 months after surgery (P = 0.0096). ConclusionThis novel approach might reveal new prospects for treating viral, metabolic, autoimmune, and genetic disorders of the cochlea.

Long term results of ossiculoplasties with partial and total titanium Vario Kurz prostheses in children

Objective To assess and compare the efficacy of the Kurz titanium prostheses for total or partial ossicular reconstruction in children. Patients and methods Retrospective chart review was performed for 71 consecutive children who underwent 74 ossicular reconstructions with Kurz prostheses between December 1999 and October 2007 (27 PORP and 47 TORP). Audiological parameters using four-frequency averages (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Clinical and audiometric follow-up times were respectively 33 ± 18.6 and 30 ± 17.7 months (mean ± SD). Results Fifty-two percent of all patients achieved an air bone gap (ABG) ≤20 dB, 53.8% in the PORP group and 51.1% in the TORP group. The improvement of the mean ABG was 13.3 dB, 9.4 dB for PORP and 14.6 dB for TORP. Overall mean pure tone averages improved 13.2 ± 1.8 dB (mean ± SEM) with 10 ± 2.7 dB for PORP and 15 ± 2.4 dB for TORP. The sensory neural hearing loss rate was 1.4% (one TORP) and the extrusion rate was 2.7% ( n = 2/74). Conclusion The success rate (ABG ≤ 20 dB) and the pure tone averages were not different between PORP and TORP. Kurz titanium ossicular prostheses offer high biocompatibility and high stability with low complication rates in pediatric ossicular reconstruction.

Intratympanic Methylprednisolone in Refractory Sudden Hearing Loss

Treatment of sudden hearing loss is a significant matter of discussion. Lack of knowledge of the natural history of the disease and the use of different success criteria are 2 of the main reasons why it is difficult to critically evaluate the data available in the literature. To date, no therapy has proved effective according to the evidence criteria. However, there has been a trend toward the use of steroids in recent years. The management of patients who fail to respond to standard therapy is even more complex; in these cases, intratympanic steroids have been proposed as a valuable solution. Twenty-seven patients unresponsive to traditional systemic therapy were treated with intratympanic steroids. The mean pure-tone average before intratympanic treatment was 79.9 +/- 21.4 SD dB; at Day 30, after local steroid administration, the mean pure-tone average was 60.6 +/- 24.9 SD dB. According to our criteria, 15 (55%) of 27 patients presented a "useful" improvement in the hearing status. No serious complications have been observed. Local application is confirmed as easy to perform and is associated with negligible complications. Our experience, although retrospective, seems to confirm the usefulness (at least in 50% of patients) of local steroids administration in cases of refractory sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Our encouraging data strongly call for further and serious evaluation through randomized studies.

Comparison of pure tone audiometry and auditory steady-state responses in subjects with normal hearing and hearing loss

The objective of this study is to compare pure tone audiometry and auditory steady-state response (ASSR) thresholds in normal hearing (NH) subjects and subjects with hearing loss. This study involved 23 NH adults and 38 adults with hearing loss (HI). After detection of behavioral thresholds (BHT) with pure tone audiometry, each subject was tested for ASSR responses in the same day. Only one ear was tested for each subject. The mean pure tone average was 9 ± 4 dB for NH group and 57 ± 14 for HI group. There was a very strong correlation between BHT and ASSR measurements in HI group. However, the correlation was weaker in the NH group. The mean differences of pure tone average of four frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and ASSR threshold average of same frequencies were 13 ± 6 dB in NH group and 7 ± 5 dB in HI group and the difference was significant (P = 0.01). It was found that 86% of threshold difference values were less than 20 dB in NH group and 92% of threshold difference values were less than 20 dB in HI group. In conclusion, ASSR thresholds can be used to predict the configuration of pure tone audiometry. Results are more accurate in HI group than NH group. Although ASSR can be used in cochlear implant decision-making process, findings do not permit the utilization of the test for medico-legal reasons.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for vestibular schwannomas: Results of hearing preservation in relation to the cochlear radiation dose

This study was designed to evaluate hearing preservation after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and to determine the relation between hearing preservation and cochlear radiation dose in patients with a sporadic vestibular schwannoma (VS). Prospective study involving patients suffering from VS who received GKRS from June 2003 until November 2007. Pure tone and speech audiometry were conducted before and after GKRS. The thresholds at pure tone audiometry were taken as a measure of hearing. Pure tone average (PTA) was defined as the mean threshold at 0.5 kHz, 1.0 kHz, 2.0 kHz, and 4.0 kHz. Hearing was classified according to the 2003 consensus meeting in Tokyo. Stereotactic surgery was performed using a Leksell 4C Gamma Knife (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). A total of 69 patients were included in the study. Mean tumor size was 17 mm. Mean marginal dose at the tumor was 11.0 Gy (range, 9.3 Gy-12.3 Gy), mean maximal dose was 19.7 Gy (range, 16 Gy-25.5 Gy). Mean maximal dose at the cochlea was 10.27 Gy (range, 3.1 Gy-16.1 Gy), and mean minimal dose at the cochlea was 2.6 Gy (range, 0.9 Gy-7.4 Gy). Mean PTA before GKRS was 43 dB (standard deviation [SD] 20 dB), mean PTA after GKRS was 63 dB (SD 30 dB). Mean interval between pre-GKRS audiometry and GKRS was 8.0 months. Between GKRS and post-GKRS audiometry, mean interval was 14.2 months. Hearing was considered to be preserved (max +1 class, Tokyo classification) in 52 (75%) of 69 patients. However, only 32 patients had class A, B, or C (serviceable hearing) before GKRS. Within this group, only 13 patients (41%) had a hearing class A, B, or C after GKRS. A significant relation was found between the maximal cochlear dose and the difference in PTA before and after GKRS. Hearing preservation is correlated to the maximal radiation dose at the cochlea. The purpose of developing GKRS techniques was to avoid collateral damage in healthy tissues. This study emphasizes the need for exact radiation planning to reduce the cochlear radiation dose if the hearing is to be preserved. Laryngoscope, 2009.

Ossicular reconstruction: Incus versus universal titanium prosthesis

Objectives The main purpose of this study is to compare audiological outcomes of incus reconstruction, Xomed Medtronic universal titanium partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) and total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP). We also compared results based on surgical technique, history of previous surgery, form of the prosthesis head, pathology and frequency. Methods A chart review was performed and included reconstructions performed between June 2003 and December 2006. Results were based on air–bone gap and pure tone average. Results Postoperative mean air–bone gap and mean pure tone average are significantly lower using incus reconstruction compared with the titanium prosthesis groups. PORP and TORP groups yielded similar outcomes. Closure of ABG is similar in all three groups. Postoperative results were better using an intact canal wall mastoidectomy compared with a canal wall down technique, but ABG closure was similar in both groups. Primary surgeries gave better results than revisions of reconstructions performed by the senior author or elsewhere. Conclusion Though Xomed Medtronic titanium prostheses are effective in ossicular reconstruction, incus reconstruction is at least as effective when feasible. Canal wall down mastoidectomy should be reserved for cases where preservation of the canal wall is contraindicated. Previous same ear surgery is a poor prognostic factor for successful outcome. Preliminary results indicate that round head PORPs may be superior to their oval head counterparts.

LINEAR ACCELERATOR-BASED STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY FOR BILATERAL VESTIBULAR SCHWANNOMAS IN PATIENTS WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS TYPE 2

Patients with neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) patients typically have bilateral vestibular schwannomas (VS) and are at risk for developing bilateral deafness, bilateral trigeminal, and bilateral facial nerve function loss. Previous reports suggested that treatment outcomes in these patients are worse compared with those for patients with sporadic solitary VS. Very few reports, however, have been published on linear accelerator-based radiosurgery (RS) and stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) in patients with NF2. In particular, in patients with NF2 who already have unilateral hearing loss, avoidance of hearing loss on the opposite side poses a challenge for RS and SRT. We studied our treatment results in patients with NF2 with bilateral VS, treated with linear accelerator-based RS and SRT. In 204 patients with VS treated with RS or SRT in Amsterdam starting from 1992, we identified 25 patients with NF2 who had bilateral tumors. Indications for treatment were either tumor progression on sequential magnetic resonance imaging scans and/or progressive hearing loss. Mean tumor diameter was 2.5 cm. Stereotactic irradiation was administered to all patients using five noncoplanar arcs with a single isocenter to a dose of 10 to 12.5 Gy in a single fraction or 20 to 25 Gy in five fractions in 1 week prescribed to the 80% isodose encompassing the tumor. On the untreated side, all patients showed hearing loss and eight (32%) had ipsilateral deafness. Five patients were followed for less than 1 year. Of the remaining 20 patients, five had ipsilateral deafness before treatment. Consequently, 15 patients were at risk for treatment-related hearing loss. They showed a mean pure tone average (PTA) of 51 dB (8-112 dB) before treatment. After treatment all patients were assessed at yearly intervals including magnetic resonance imaging and pure tone audiometry. Median follow-up time was 51 months (12-109 mo). Local tumor control was obtained in all 20 patients, and no treatment-related trigeminal or facial nerve toxicity was observed. Hearing status was assessed yearly after treatment. This assessment revealed that the mean PTA in the 15 hearing patients dropped from 51 to 77 dB (40-120 dB). In six patients (40%) the additional PTA loss ranged from 0 to 15 dB, in another six (40%) it ranged from 15 to 45 dB, and in three of these patients (20%), it was more than 45 dB. No additional hearing loss was observed beyond 36 months after treatment. In this largest series in the literature of linear accelerator-based RS and SRT for VS NF2 patients, excellent local control rates were found with minimal facial and trigeminal nerve toxicity. Although more than 40% of the patients retained their hearing level or lost less than 15 dB of PTA on the irradiated side, preservation of hearing remains a major concern.