Comprehensive investigation of the expression profiles of common long noncoding RNAs during microglial activation

Microglia, similar to peripheral macrophages, are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Microglia exist in the resting state in the healthy CNS, but can be activated and polarized into either M1 or M2 subtypes for immune defense and the maintenance of CNS homeostasis by multiple stimuli. Several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) mediate human inflammatory diseases and neuropathologies by regulating their target genes. However, the function of common lncRNAs that contribute to microglial activation remains unclear. Thus, we used bioinformatic approaches to identify common lncRNAs involved in microglial activation in vitro. Our study identified several lncRNAs as common regulators of microglial activation. We identified 283 common mRNAs and 53 common lncRNAs during mouse M1 microglial activation processes, whereas 26 common mRNAs and five common lncRNAs were identified during mouse M2 microglial activation processes. A total of 648 common mRNAs and 274 common lncRNAs were identified during the activation of human M1 microglia. In addition, we identified 1,920 common co-expressed pairs in mouse M1 activation processes and 25 common co-expressed pairs in mouse M2 activation processes. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of common lncRNA expression profiles in microglial activation processes in vitro. The list of common lncRNAs identified in this study provides novel evidence and clues regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying microglial activation.

Identification and Characterization of mRNA and lncRNA Expression Profiles in Age-Related Hearing Loss

Objectives@#. Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, is caused by disorders of sensory hair cells and auditory neurons. Many studies have suggested that the accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage, the production of reactive oxygen species, noise, inflammation, and decreased antioxidant function are associated with subsequent cochlear senescence in response to aging stress. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been reported to play important roles in various diseases. However, the function of lncRNA in ARHL remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the common expression profiles of messenger RNA (mRNA) and lncRNA through ARHL-related RNA-sequencing datasets. @*Methods@#. We selected and downloaded three different sets of RNA-sequencing data for ARHL. We performed differential expression analysis to find common mRNA and lncRNA profiles in the cochleae of aged mice compared to young mice. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used for functional exploration. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate mRNAs and lncRNAs. In addition, we performed trans target prediction analysis with differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs to understand the function of these mRNAs and lncRNAs in ARHL. @*Results@#. We identified 112 common mRNAs and 10 common lncRNAs in the cochleae of aged mice compared to young mice. GO analysis showed that the 112 upregulated mRNAs were enriched in the defense response pathway. When we performed qRT-PCR with 1 mM H2O2-treated House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells, the qRT-PCR results were consistent with the RNA-sequencing analysis data. lncRNA-mRNA networks were constructed using the 10 common lncRNAs and 112 common mRNAs in ARHL. @*Conclusion@#. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the common mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in ARHL. Knowledge of ARHL-associated mRNAs and lncRNAs could be useful for better understanding ARHL and these mRNAs and lncRNAs might be a potential therapeutic target for preventing ARHL.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Tympanoplasty for Large Perforations: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in South Korea

Objectives@#. Endoscopic tympanoplasty (ET) provides minimally invasive transcanal access to the middle ear and improves middle ear visibility for the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. However, the literature on surgical outcomes for large TM perforations is lacking and limited to small series. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical benefits of ET for large TM perforations. @*Methods@#. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at nine tertiary referral hospitals in South Korea, where 252 patients who underwent ET as primary surgery from September 2019 to August 2021 were included. The outcome measures included the graft success rate and pre- and postoperative audiometric data. @*Results@#. In 239 patients, the graft success rate of ET for large or subtotal perforations was 86.2% (206 patients), while the graft failure rate was 13.8% (33 patients). The graft failure rate was directly correlated with surgical techniques, including overlay and medial or lateral underlay tympanoplasty (P=0.027). Lateral underlay tympanoplasty showed the most favorable results. Sex, laterality, etiology, site and size of perforation, operation time, and graft materials did not vary significantly between the graft success and failure groups (P>0.05). The mean air-bone gap (ABG) improved significantly in both groups (graft success group: 10.0±0.6 dB and graft failure group: 7.7±0.3 dB; P<0.001). However, the ABG improvement did not significantly differ between the groups. Analysis of covariance revealed that the postoperative 500-Hz bone conduction threshold improved after successful ET (adjusted coefficient, –11.351; 95% confidence interval, –21.491 to –1.212; P=0.028). @*Conclusion@#. This study involved the largest population to date of large TM perforations treated by ET. The study findings suggest that ET is feasible and effective in treating large TM perforations.

Results of Active Middle Ear Implantation in Patients With Mixed Hearing Loss After Middle Ear Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study (the ROMEO Study)

Objectives@#. This study was conducted to evaluate the user satisfaction, efficacy, and safety of round window (RW) vibroplasty using the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) in patients with persistent mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy. @*Methods@#. The study included 27 patients (mean age, 58.7 years; age range, 28–76 years; 11 men and 16 women) with mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy from 15 tertiary referral centers in Korea. The VSB was implanted at the RW. The Korean translation of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire and the Korean version of the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (K-IOI-HA) questionnaire were used to evaluate user satisfaction as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome measures were audiological test results and complication rates. @*Results@#. The mean scores for ease of communication (61.3% to 29.7% to 30.2%), reverberation (62.1% to 43.1% to 37.4%), and background noise (63.3% to 37.7% to 34.3%) subscales of the APHAB questionnaire significantly decreased after VSB surgery. The mean K-IOI-HA scores at 3 and 6 months after surgery were significantly higher than the mean preoperative score (18.6 to 27.2 to 28.1). The postoperative VSB-aided thresholds were significantly lower than the preoperative unaided and hearing aid (HA)-aided thresholds. There was no significant difference between preoperative unaided, preoperative HA-aided, and postoperative VSB-aided maximum phonetically balanced word-recognition scores. None of the 27 patients experienced a change in postoperative bone conduction pure tone average. One patient developed temporary facial palsy and two developed surgical wound infections. @*Conclusion@#. RW vibroplasty resulted in improved satisfaction and audiological test results in patients with mixed hearing loss after mastoidectomy, and the complication rate was tolerable.

Development of Sound Field Audiometry System for Small Audiometric Booths and Comparison of Its Equivalence With Traditional System

Objectives@#. Sound field (SF) audiometry tests are usually conducted in audiometric booths measuring greater than 2×2 m in size. However, most private ENT clinics carry about 1×1-m-sized audiometric booths, making SF audiometry testing difficult to perform. The aims of this study were to develop an SF audiometry system for use in smaller audiometric booths and compare its performance with traditional system. @*Methods@#. The newly developed SF audiometry system can yield an SF signal at a distance of about 30 cm from the subject’s ears. Its height can be adjusted according to the subject’s head height. We compared SF hearing results between the new SF system and the traditional SF audiometry system in 20 adults with normal hearing (40 ears) and 24 adults with impaired hearing levels (38 ears) who wore hearing aids. Comparative parameters included warble tone audiometry threshold, a speech reception threshold (SRT), and a speech discrimination score (SDS). For statistical analysis, paired t-test was used. The equivalence of both SF systems was tested using two one-sided test (TOST) with a margin of 5 dB (normal hearing participants) and 10 dB (hearing aids wearing participants). @*Results@#. Among participants with normal hearing, warble tone hearing thresholds of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz, average values of these four frequencies, and SRT were similar between the two systems (all P>0.05). Participants with hearing aids showed similar warble tone threshold and SRT (P>0.05) in both systems except for threshold of 4 kHz (P=0.033). SDS was significantly higher in the newly developed system (P<0.05). TOST results showed equivalent SF audiometry results using either system. @*Conclusion@#. Audiometric results of the newly developed SF audiometry system were equivalent to those of a traditional system. Therefore, the small SF audiometry system can be used at small audiometric booths present in most private ENT clinics.

Transcanal Endoscopic Tympanoplasty for Pediatric Patients Under 15 Years of Age With Chronic Otitis Media

Objectives@#. To evaluate the results of transcanal endoscopic tympanoplasty for pediatric patients with chronic otitis media (COM) and compare them to that of the previously standard microscopic assisted tympanoplasty technique. @*Methods@#. The patients were divided into two groups based on the operative method. Group 1 underwent tympanoplasty with a totally endoscopic assisted technique (n=21, 24 ears), and group 2 underwent tympanoplasty with the conventional microscopic technique (n=14, 15 ears). We used a transcanal approach in group 1 and a postauricular approach in group 2. In group 1, there were 15 cases of simple COM and nine cases of adhesive otitis media. In group 2, only 15 cases of simple COM were present. We analyzed the outcomes in terms of the hearing gain according to the surgical method and COM type, operation time, hospital stay after surgery, and graft success rate. @*Results@#. Postoperative hearing gain results including air conduction (AC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). In both the groups, significant improvement in the postoperative AC and ABG was observed compared to the preoperative hearing. The hospital stay after surgery was significantly shorter in group 1 than the group 2: 2.1±0.4 days and 4.8±0.9 days (P0.05). There was neither intra- nor postoperative complications. @*Conclusion@#. Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery technique is more conservative than microscopic approach and can be performed in pediatric patients under 15 years of age with COM. Moreover, it offers similar surgical results compared to traditional microscopic technique, and a shorter operative time and hospital stay after surgery are the advantages of this technique.

Patients' Characteristics according to Allergic Sensitization in Chronic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic rhinitis is divided into allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), both of which have similar symptoms but differ in treatment approaches. For the diagnosis of AR, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests along with characteristic symptoms are required. However, these tests are costly and not always practicable. The purpose of this study was to investigate how symptoms respond differently to different allergen sensitization or sensitized allergen. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 1661 patients who underwent multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) for chronic rhinitis symptoms. The total nasal symptom (TNS) scores of these patients from 2006 to 2014 were assessed for rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, itching, and sneezing. Patients were classified as AR and NAR according to the results of MAST and their association with symptoms. RESULTS: There were 1021 patients designated to the AR group and 640 patients to the NAR. The AR group had lower age, higher TNS, and higher serum IgE levels than the NAR group. In addition, sneezing and itching were more common in the AR group. Furthermore, sneezing was a positive predictor for seasonal allergen sensitization. On the other hand, itching was a positive predictor for perennial allergen sensitization. CONCLUSION: AR and NAR patients showed different demographic characteristics and symptoms. These results may be helpful in classifying and treating patients with chronic rhinitis, especially when the allergen specific IgE test cannot be performed.

Patients' Characteristics according to Allergic Sensitization in Chronic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Chronic rhinitis is divided into allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR), both of which have similar symptoms but differ in treatment approaches. For the diagnosis of AR, allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests along with characteristic symptoms are required. However, these tests are costly and not always practicable. The purpose of this study was to investigate how symptoms respond differently to different allergen sensitization or sensitized allergen.SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed 1661 patients who underwent multiple allergen simultaneous test (MAST) for chronic rhinitis symptoms. The total nasal symptom (TNS) scores of these patients from 2006 to 2014 were assessed for rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, itching, and sneezing. Patients were classified as AR and NAR according to the results of MAST and their association with symptoms.@*RESULTS@#There were 1021 patients designated to the AR group and 640 patients to the NAR. The AR group had lower age, higher TNS, and higher serum IgE levels than the NAR group. In addition, sneezing and itching were more common in the AR group. Furthermore, sneezing was a positive predictor for seasonal allergen sensitization. On the other hand, itching was a positive predictor for perennial allergen sensitization.@*CONCLUSION@#AR and NAR patients showed different demographic characteristics and symptoms. These results may be helpful in classifying and treating patients with chronic rhinitis, especially when the allergen specific IgE test cannot be performed.

Atoh1 as a Coordinator of Sensory Hair Cell Development and Regeneration in the Cochlea / 전남의대학술지

Cochlear sensory hair cells (HCs) are crucial for hearing as mechanoreceptors of the auditory systems. Clarification of transcriptional regulation for the cochlear sensory HC development is crucial for the improvement of cell replacement therapies for hearing loss. Transcription factor Atoh1 is the key player during HC development and regeneration. In this review, we will focus on Atoh1 and its related signaling pathways (Notch, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling) involved in the development of cochlear sensory HCs. We will also discuss the potential applicability of these signals for the induction of HC regeneration.

The Efficacy of Endoscopic Exploratory Tympanotomy in Conductive Hearing Loss Patients / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the endoscopic exclusive transcanalar approach for the management of conductive hearing loss. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: This was a retrospective comparative study of 106 patients who underwent exploratory tympanotomy at Chonnam National University Hospital from January 2008 to March 2016. The subjects were classified into two groups; endoscopic tympanotomy (ET, n=26) and microscopic tympanotomy (MT, n=80). Demographic data, operation time, postoperative admission days, pure tone audiometric results of pre-operation and post-operation at 3 months, and hearing success rate were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean operation time of MT (101.7±24.8 minutes) was longer than that of ET (59.8±23.2 minutes) with a statistical significance (p<0.01). The mean postoperative admission days of MT (4.4±1.3) was longer than that of ET (2.0±0.6) with a statistical significance (p<0.01). Hearing gain (air-conduction) and air-bone gap improvements were not significantly different between the groups. However, the hearing success rate of ET [partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) 85.7%, total ossicular replacement prosthesis (TORP) 81.8%] was significantly improved enormously compared to that of MT (PORP 62.9%, TORP 64.3%). CONCLUSION: With regards to conductive hearing loss, the endoscopic approach provided a better surgical view and less invasiveness compared with the microscopic approach. In conclusion, endoscopic exploratory tympanotomy had several advantages in operation time, admission days and hearing success rate.

The Effect of Mastoidectomy Combined with Tympanoplasty Type I on Postoperative Hearing in Chronic Otitis Media Patients Older than 65 Years / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although canal wall up mastoidectomy (CWUM) has been performed frequently as a treatment for chronic otitis media (COM), the necessity of CWUM for non-cholesteatomatous COM (NCCOM) is still controversial. Since elderly people often have systemic problems, there is a high likelihood of side effects after general anesthesia, so it is important to judge the necessity of mastoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CWUM for the treatment of NCCOM in patients over 65 years of age. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Forty-two cases of CWUM with tympanoplasty type I performed as a treatment for NCCOM from 2007 through 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Pure tone audiometry was performed preoperatively and postoperatively, and preoperative temporal bone CT was used to evaluate the mastoid status. The valsalva maneuver (VM) was used to evaluate the eustachian tube function. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 42 and the success rate of eardrum repair was 92.8%. Comparison of hearing results taken preoperatively and postoperatively showed significant hearing improvement in both air conduction and air-bone gap. When hearing results were compared according to the mastoid status and the response of VM, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION: Mastoidectomy combined with tympanoplasty type I showed a high success rate of ear drum repair and good hearing improvement, with no critical side effects. Therefore, mastoidectomy does not need to be limited by one's old age. Adequate mastoidectomy after proper consideration of the mastoid status will be helpful in the treatment of the disease.

Atoh1 as a Coordinator of Sensory Hair Cell Development and Regeneration in the Cochlea / 전남의대학술지

Cochlear sensory hair cells (HCs) are crucial for hearing as mechanoreceptors of the auditory systems. Clarification of transcriptional regulation for the cochlear sensory HC development is crucial for the improvement of cell replacement therapies for hearing loss. Transcription factor Atoh1 is the key player during HC development and regeneration. In this review, we will focus on Atoh1 and its related signaling pathways (Notch, fibroblast growth factor, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling) involved in the development of cochlear sensory HCs. We will also discuss the potential applicability of these signals for the induction of HC regeneration.

Clinical Characteristics and Hearing Results of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss in Child / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) in children can occur just as can in adults; in fact, it may last throughout the entire life of a child, affecting the individual much more than when it does to an adult. As there are only a few studies that have focused on SSNHL in childhood, we investigated the clinical characteristics and hearing outcomes of pediatric SSNHL. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective review of patients from November 2005 to May 2014 was carried out. Thirty nine patients under the age 15, who were hospitalized due to SSNHL were enrolled. Of these patients, 226 patients over the age of 15 were collected as a comparison group. Age, sex, underlying disease, site of hearing loss and duration from the onset to treatment were analyzed. We evaluated the overall recovery rate as well as the recovery rate according to accompanying diseases. RESULTS: Recovery rates were comparable between the pediatric and the adult group. Overall recovery rate was 60% in the pediatric group. Unlike for the adult group, dizziness and tinnitus were not a prognostic factor in the pediatric group. Pediatric patients showed similar overall recovery, whether the treatment initiation was under 7 days or more. Recurrence was seen in 3 patients, of which 2 showed complete recovery. CONCLUSION: The recovery rate for SSNHL was similar for the pediatric and the adult groups. A higher recurrence rate may alert clinicians to be aware of hearing changes after the recovery in pediatric patients.

Development of a More Effective Hearing Screening Questionnaire for Infants and Children during Medical Check-Ups / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To improve hearing screening, we developed a more effective hearing screening questionnaire for infants and children to be utilized during medical check-ups. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Through literature review and discussions with an advisory council, we selected 10 questions to ask parents at each of the seven screening periods for their infants and children. In total, 223 parents of infants and children with and without hearing impairment (119 normal hearing, 104 hearing impaired) answered questionnaires at seven university hospitals in Korea. The advisory council modified questions with regard to sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative prediction rate, preventing duplication among screening periods, and to address other questions related to development. RESULTS: For hearing screens, we asked five questions per screening period. Collectively, these questions had 40-100% sensitivity and 45-90% specificity at each of the seven screening periods. CONCLUSION: Although we do not advise that hearing questionnaires replace hearing tests, we developed in this study a more effective questionnaire that we suggest could be utilized during medical check-ups to enhance the hearing screening process.

Neural-Induced Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Cochlear Cell Regeneration in Deaf Guinea Pigs

OBJECTIVES: In mammals, cochlear hair cell loss is irreversible and may result in a permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Secondary to this hair cell loss, a progressive loss of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) is presented. In this study, we have investigated the effects of neural-induced human mesenchymal stem cells (NI-hMSCs) from human bone marrow on sensory neuronal regeneration from neomycin treated deafened guinea pig cochleae. METHODS: HMSCs were isolated from the bone marrow which was obtained from the mastoid process during mastoidectomy for ear surgery. Following neural induction with basic fibroblast growth factor and forskolin, we studied the several neural marker and performed electrophysiological analysis. NI-hMSCs were transplanted into the neomycin treated deafened guinea pig cochlea. Engraftment of NI-hMSCs was evaluated immunohistologically at 8 weeks after transplantation. RESULTS: Following neural differentiation, hMSCs expressed high levels of neural markers, ionic channel markers, which are important in neural function, and tetrodotoxin-sensitive voltage-dependent sodium currents. After transplantation into the scala tympani of damaged cochlea, NI-hMSCs-injected animals exhibited a significant increase in the number of SGNs compared to Hanks balanced salt solution-injected animals. Transplanted NI-hMSCs were found within the perilymphatic space, the organ of Corti, along the cochlear nerve fibers, and in the spiral ganglion. Furthermore, the grafted NI-hMSCs migrated into the spiral ganglion where they expressed the neuron-specific marker, NeuN. CONCLUSION: The results show the potential of NI-hMSCs to give rise to replace the lost cochlear cells in hearing loss mammals.

The Diagnostic Value of Auditory Steady State Response in Patients of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a medical emergency when an individual experiences at least 30 dB (decibels) of sudden SSNHL, occurring over a time period of three days or less. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) is by far the most widely used to diagnose SSNHL. Besides PTA, auditory steady-state response (ASSR) is also generally accepted to predict the hearing of SSNHL patients objectively and effectively. We analyzed correlation between ASSR and PTA in SSNHL patients, compared that with the corresponding data in non-SSNHL patients, and studied the usefulness of correlation between ASSR and PTA to forecast prognosis of SSNHL in clinical applications. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed the charts of SSNHL patients. We analyzed the correlation between the thresholds of PTA, ASSR, and audiotory brainstem response (ABR) in SSNHL, compared that with corresponding data in non-SSNHL patients. RESULTS: There was a very strong positive linear correlation between the average hearing threshold of ASSR and PTA among the non-SSNHL patients. Furthermore, there was relatively strong positive linear correlation between the average hearing threshold of ASSR and PTA among SSNHL patients. Also there was a normal positive linear correlation between the average hearing threshold of ABR and PTA among SSNHL patients. The average hearing threshold difference between ASSR and PTA among SSNHL patients was smaller compared with non-SSNHL patients, and this was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There was a strong correlation between the average hearing threshold of ASSR and PTA among non-SSNHL & SSNHL patients. Compared to ABR, ASSR showed greater correlation with PTA in the SSNHL patients. We concluded that ASSR could be a useful diagnostic tool in SSNHL.

Middle Ear Actinomycosis Involving Facial Nerve and Lateral Semicircular Canal / 대한이비인후과학회지

Actinomycosis is a chronic granulomatous disease caused by the species of Actinomyces. Although it has become a rare disease in the present antibiotics era, it still needs long term antibiotic treatment and often mis- or delayed- diagnosed due to no typical sign and symptoms. Most often, it occurs in the cervicofacial region. Middle ear is not a common site for Actinomycosis, and the inner ear involvement is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of middle ear Actinomycosis involving facial nerve and lateral semicircular canal.

Donor-Site Morbidity Following Minimally Invasive Costal Cartilage Harvest Technique

OBJECTIVES: Autologous costal cartilage is a promising alternative for mastoid obliteration. However, donor-site morbidities of the chest wall limit the use of this graft. To address this issue, we have developed a minimally-invasive technique of harvesting costal cartilage and report donor site morbidity associated with the procedure. METHODS: Donor site morbidities were evaluated for 151 patients who underwent costal cartilage harvest, canal wall down mastoidectomy, and mastoid obliteration. Pain and cosmetic concern were evaluated via visual analogue scale (VAS). Scars were evaluated via the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Postoperative complications were assessed during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean duration of noticeable pain was 5.3 days post operation. The mean VAS score for pain was 3.0 of 10 on the first day after the operation and gradually declined. At the 6 months post operation, the mean VAS cosmetic score at the costal cartilage harvest site was 0.6 of 10. The mean VSS score was 9.5 out of 10 total, and the mean POSAS score was 23.27 out of 110 total. CONCLUSION: The minimally-invasive chopped costal cartilage harvest technique resulted in acceptable pain, cosmetic concern, and postoperative complications for most patients. There were no major postoperative complications. Costal cartilage is an acceptable donor for mastoid obliteration in canal wall down mastoidectomy, especially in the context of the extremely low donor site morbidity of the minimally-invasive technique presented in the study.

A Case of Cochlear Implantation in Bromate-Induced Bilateral Sudden Deafness

Despite the well-established nature of bromate-induced ototoxicity, cochlear implantation after bromate intoxication has been rarely documented. We hereby present a case of a 51-year-old female deafened completely after bromate ingestion. Her hearing was not restored by systemic steroid treatment and hearing aids were of no use. A cochlear implantation was performed on her right ear 3 months after the bromate ingestion. In bromate intoxication cases, early monitoring of hearing level is necessary and other drugs with potential ototoxicity should be avoided. The outcome of cochlear implantation was excellent in this case of bromate-induced deafness.

Outcomes of Severe to Profound Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

OBJECTIVES: While a severe to profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) may cause serious disability in verbal communication, there have been little studies focusing on this high degree SSNHL. The present study was aimed to investigate the characteristics of hearing recovery in a high degree SSNHL (>70 dB). METHODS: Three hundred and two SSNHL patients were enrolled. For a long-term follow-up, 46 patients were evaluated. Hearing level was examined by pure tone audiometry on day 1, week 3, month 3, month 6, and year 1 or after. According to the degree of the initial hearing loss, the patients were divided into 4 groups from 70 to > or =100 dB. RESULTS: After 3 weeks, the recovery rate and mean hearing gain was 61%, 23.85 dB in the 70 dB group, whereas 10%, 6.61 dB in the > or =100 dB group. There was a significant correlation between 3-week recovery and final hearing outcome. However, there was almost no recovery after 3 months. CONCLUSION: An early recovery can be a prognostic factor for the final recovery in severe to profound SSNHL. Since recovery after 3 months is rare, an early hearing intervention like hearing aid or cochlear implantation should be considered in the high degree SSNHL to restore the patient's verbal communication.