ABSTRACT
In 1995-96 we selected a group of 26 patients who were suffering from severe invalidating idiopathic tinnitus (IT) in order to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitation and some alternative therapies. All patients were assessed thoroughly by means of audiology and radiology regarding any objective cause for the symptom. In order to help patients control their symptom by increasing knowledge and adding supportive elements, they were given basic education (presentations of the anatomy and physiology of the ear and hearing system, psychological and social aspects of IT, guided and non-guided group discussions, relaxation therapy, physiotherapy, music therapy) for 4 months, comprising one 2-h session bi-weekly. This type of group therapy was found to be extremely helpful, although no objective evaluation revealed effects on IT sensation (VAS) or psychometric measures (SLC-90). In a second limb of the study, the same patients attended a 6-day intensive course in a spa. The purpose was to evaluate the possible usefulness of the widely recommended alternative therapies for IT. All patients had an opportunity to sample the treatments. Six months later only a few had tried any of these treatments, but all reported that the lessons were the most helpful in association with supportive group discussions. The results indicated that none of these therapies can be recommended, based on rational medical practise.
Subject(s)
Tinnitus/therapy , Humans , Music Therapy , Physical Therapy Modalities , Psychotherapy, Group , Relaxation Therapy , Severity of Illness Index , Tinnitus/diagnosis , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to arrive at a theoretical statistical measure for the possible risk of future noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to leisure time activities in teenagers. The subject's time consumed in noisy activities, the subject's self-evaluated loudness of the activities and estimated noise levels were used as the actual predictors in the risk analysis. Symptoms of hearing damage, i.e. tinnitus, pain in the ear and temporary hearing loss due to noise exposure, were also inquired about. No measurements of hearing loss were carried out in this study. Fifty-one percent of teenagers were estimated to be exposed to noise levels detrimental to hearing acuity. The incidence of hearing symptoms seemed to be correlated to increased noise dose. The noisiest leisure activities were: playing in a band, motor sport, discos and pop-concerts, and shooting. The results give indications of possibilities for NIHL among teenagers.
Subject(s)
Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/diagnosis , Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/epidemiology , Leisure Activities , Adolescent , Age Distribution , Child , Female , Finland/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Sex Distribution , Speech Perception , Surveys and QuestionnairesSubject(s)
Ear, Middle/innervation , Ganglia, Parasympathetic/surgery , Oral Health , Saliva/physiology , Sialorrhea/therapy , Adolescent , Adult , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Saliva/analysis , Saliva/metabolism , Secretory RateABSTRACT
The serially sectioned material comprised 38 temporal bones from 20 liveborns and stillborns with no signs of clinical otological disease. Columnar ciliated pseudostratified epithelium was found in all ears. It was most conspicuous in the Eustachian tube and around its orifice and throughout the hypotympanum. Besides, two other ciliated pathways were observed on the medial wall and on the roof. Squamous metaplasia was found in one case in both ears. Mucosubstances were scarce and no mucous glands were observed. Lamina propria was thicker and looser around the tubal orifice than elsewhere. Regression of the fetal loose connective tissue was evident towards the end of the gestation period.
