Noise-induced hearing loss

A total number of 225 noise exposed subjects chosen from different places in the Spinning and Weaving Factory of Assiut and the Red Sea Phosphate Mines and fifty non-exposed subjects were chosen as controls. All the subjects were subjected to clinical and audiometric examination. Statistical analysis was done on the results of the work and reveled that: There was no pre-employment audiograms included within the fields of the workers. The noise-induced hearing loss is directly proportional to noise level and length of exposure. The threshold of hearing of our controls was found to be higher than other presbyacusis data pointing to the importance of sociocusis factor in Egypt. The maximum hearing loss occurs at 4 KHz followed by the other frequencies, and the major hearing loss occurs after 10 years. Although the maximum permissible noise level is 90 dB, we noticed that exposure to noise level of 80-90 dB was harmful

Lack of chromosomal abnormalities in otosclerosis

A cytogenetic study has been carried out on 20 patients with otosclerosis in the E.N.T. Department, Assiut University Hospital. All cases exhibited normal chromosome constitution with 46 chromosomes. No abnormalities could be detected except within the normal variation

Effect of codeine on the inner ear

The aim of this work is to study the effect of codeine dependence on the organ of Corti. 30 male albino rats weighing between 200-250 g were used in this study. The animals were divided into 4 groups: group 1 served as control, group 2, 3, 4 were fed food admixture codeine according to the method described by Suzuki et al. [1984]. On the 8th day, groups 1 and 2 were sacrificed. While the other 2 groups were subjected to abstinence syndrome. The sacrificed animals were perfused in the heart with 10% neutral buffered formalin. The temporal bones containing the inner ear were dissected. The changes in the histological appearance ranged from disorganization of the neuro-epithelial cells to complete destruction and disappearance of both sensorty and supporting cells. The results of this animal experiment does not necessarily imply that this drug is ototoxic in man. However, it would be wise to try to prevent chronic administration of this drug to avoid its possible adverse effects including ototoxicity

Tumor markers in patients with laryngeal carcinoma

Total and lipid bound sialic acid, carcinoembryonic antigen, phosphohexose isomerase and aldolase were determined in 21 patients with laryngeal carcinoma and 6 patients receiving radiotherapy for treatment of laryngeal carcinoma, besides 10 healthy subjects who were included as control. The mean values of all markers were significantly higher when compared with the controls. The percentages of patients with elevated markers [sensitivities] were 76%, 38%, 63%, 57% and 62% respectively. The levels of these markers reflected tumor burden and were decreased in patients receiving radiotherapy. When various combinations of these markers were evaluated, the best combination was TSA and PHI, or Ald

Otogenic brain abscess

This review was based on 26 cases of brain abscess complicating middle ear infection, admitted at the E.N.T. and Neurosurgery Departments of Assiut University Hospital from January 1988 to February 1990. The youngest patient was 7 years old and the oldest was 64 years old. 12 cases [46.15%] were below 15 years of age. The sex incidence was 16 males [61.54%] and 10 females [38.46%]. 14 cases [53.85%] presented with temporal lobe abscess and the remaining 12 [46.15%] with cerebellar abscess. The source of infection was acute mastoiditis in 2 cases and chronic suppurative otitis media in the remaining 24 patients. None of the abscesses proved to be sterile and the organisms grown included staphylococci, streptococci, proteus and E. coli. Patients with cerebellar abscess were treated with primary excision after C.T. localization. Patients with temporal lobe abscess were treated with burr hole aspiration. Proper mastoid operation was done directly following neurosurgical treatment. The 2 mortalities were due to cerebellar abscess. These 2 cases [7.8%] were admitted with dilated fixed pupils and signs of cerebellar coning. All patients with temporal lobe abscess including cases with advanced neurological manifestations survived. The computed tomographic brain scanning and the increasing experience in its use have increased the ease and accuracy of diagnosis and follow-up of such lesions and have evidently contributed significantly to reduction of mortality