Decannulation protocol for short term tracheostomy in pediatric head and neck tumor patients.

BACKGROUND: While the majority of pediatric tracheostomies are performed in the setting of chronic and complex medical comorbidities, perioperative tracheostomies following head and neck tumor ablation are generally short-term. Deliberate planning is required for decannulation in this setting and no published protocols currently exist. Our study outlines a management strategy for short-term tracheostomy in pediatric patients following head and neck surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study of pediatric head and neck tumor patients undergoing tracheostomy was performed at a quaternary children's hospital from February 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018. Charts were reviewed for demographics, surgical operation, relevant tracheostomy-related complications, and time to decannulation. RESULTS: Eleven patients with a mean age of 10.4 years (st.dev. 6.7, range: 0.5-23) underwent tracheostomy during their primary ablative/reconstructive surgery. Trans-tracheal pressure monitoring helped direct the need for tracheostomy downsizing and readiness for capping trials. All patients were decannulated before hospital discharge after a mean of 12.8 days (st.dev. 2.5, range: 9-18) and were discharged after a mean of 14.8 days (st.dev. 2.5, range: 11-20). CONCLUSION: Pediatric head and neck surgery patients can be quickly and safely decannulated with an instructive protocol and multidisciplinary care.

Comparison of Pediatric Otolaryngology clinical and operative case volume among surgical specialties in the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To report changes in clinical and surgical volume impacting a Pediatric Otolaryngology division one year prior to and following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison to five other pediatric surgical subspecialties. METHODS: The number of clinical visits and surgical cases per month for six pediatric surgical specialties (Otolaryngology, Orthopedic Surgery, Urology, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, and General Surgery) for 12 months prior to the pandemic and 12 months following the onset of the pandemic was collected. Poisson regression analysis was performed for the number of visits and cases per season adjusting for specialty, season, staffing changes, and the pandemic to determine adjusted rate ratios (aRR) post-pandemic for the surgical fields compared to Otolaryngology. RESULTS: A percentage decrease in median visits per paired month (-15.63%, IQR = -23.01, -1.66) and operative cases (-19.86%, IQR = -29.39, -10.17) was seen for Pediatric Otolaryngology. Regression analysis showed a significant negative effect on the number of visits (aRR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.70-0.77) and cases (aRR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.60-0.71) due to the pandemic. While many of the other specialties had predicted reductions in volume (notably Orthopedics), they all experienced significant predicted increases in productivity following the pandemic compared to Otolaryngology. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Pediatric Otolaryngology is particularly vulnerable to this change in clinical pattern, which could be due to a decline in community infections from mask wearing and social distancing, and may result in a longer-term volume deficit when compared to other pediatric surgical subspecialties.

The Impact of Cognitive and Implicit Bias on Patient Safety and Quality.

Humans use cognitive shortcuts, or heuristics, to quickly assess and respond to situations and data. When applied inappropriately, heuristics have the potential to redirect analysis of available information in consistent ways, creating systematic biases resulting in decision errors. Heuristics have greater effect in high-pressure, high-stakes decisions, particularly when dealing with incomplete information, in other words, daily medical and surgical practice. This article discusses 2 major categories: cognitive biases, which affect how we perceive and interpret clinical data; and implicit biases, which affect how we perceive and respond to other individuals, and also discusses approaches to recognize and alleviate bias effects.

National Multispecialty Survey Results: Comparing Morbidity and Mortality Conference Practices within and outside Otolaryngology.

Objective The objective is to describe variations in the otolaryngology morbidity and mortality (M&M) conference and to compare with other specialties. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting The setting included otolaryngology departments across the United States and nonotolaryngology medical and surgical departments at 4 academic medical centers. Subjects and Methods Participants were members of a national otolaryngology quality/safety network and nonotolaryngology quality leaders at 4 large academic hospitals. Surveys were administered January 2017. Respondents described M&M conference practices, goals, and educational role. Results Twenty-eight of 39 individuals representing 28 institutions completed the otolaryngology survey (72% response rate). Of 197 individuals, 60 (30% response rate) representing 11 surgical and 20 nonsurgical specialties completed the comparison survey. Twenty-seven of 28 otolaryngologists (46 of 60 nonotolaryngologists) worked in academic settings. All otolaryngology programs conducted an M&M conference: 54% discussed all adverse events and errors; 32% used standard case selection processes; 70% used structured discussion, usually root cause analysis (64%); and 32% classified harm level. In comparison with other specialties, otolaryngology programs were more likely to discuss all adverse events and errors ( P = .01). Most conferences led to quality projects and intrainstitutional communication: 22% communicated to patients and families; 73% of respondents thought that M&M conferences should be standardized or use "best practices." In both surveys, improving patient care was rated the conference's most important function, followed by trainee education and culture change. Patient care and practice-based learning were rated the most relevant Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Core Competencies in both surveys. Conclusions Academic otolaryngology M&M practices generally align with other specialties, but specifics vary widely, making collaborative quality improvement challenging. Educational and administrative priorities cross specialties. Most respondents thought that standardization and best practices are worthwhile. Nonacademic practice data are needed.

Laryngeal Injury in a Male Lacrosse Player: A Case for Prevention.

Lacrosse has become increasingly popular among US children and teens. Because a lacrosse ball can serve as a projectile, neck injuries, although uncommon, can cause a severe and long-lasting injury. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent who experienced direct neck trauma while playing lacrosse. The clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and intubation considerations are reviewed. Finally, a call to action to prevent future, similar injuries is discussed.

Predictors of regional Medicare expenditures for otolaryngology physician services.

OBJECTIVE: To describe geographic variation in spending and evaluate regional Medicare expenditures for otolaryngologist services with population- and beneficiary-related factors, physician supply, and hospital system factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The average regional expenditures for otolaryngology physician services were defined as the total work relative value units (wRVUs) collected by otolaryngologists in a hospital referral region (HRR) per thousand Medicare beneficiaries in the HRR. A multivariable linear regression model tested associations with regional sociodemographics (age, sex, race, income, education), the physician and hospital bed supply, and the presence of an otolaryngology residency program. RESULTS: In 2012, the mean Medicare expenditure for otolaryngology provider services across HRRs was 224 wRVUs per thousand Medicare beneficiaries (standard deviation [SD] 104), ranging from 31 to 604 wRVUs per thousand Medicare beneficiaries. In 2013, the average Medicare expenditures for each HRR was highly correlated with expenditures collected in 2012 (Pearson correlation coefficient .997, P = .0001). Regional Medicare expenditures were independently and positively associated with otolaryngology, medical specialist, and hospital bed supply in the region, and were negatively associated with the supply of primary care physicians and presence of an otolaryngology residency program after adjusting for other factors. The magnitude of associations with physician supply and hospital factors was stronger than any population or Medicare beneficiary factor. CONCLUSION: Wide variations in regional Medicare expenditures for otolaryngology physician services, highly stable over 2 years, were strongly associated with regional health system factors. Changes in health policy for otolaryngology care may require coordination with other physician specialties and integrated hospital systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA. Laryngoscope, 127:1312-1317, 2017.

The geographic distribution of the otolaryngology workforce in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the deployment of otolaryngologists and evaluate factors associated with the geographic distribution of otolaryngologists in the United States. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: The otolaryngology physician supply was defined as the number of otolaryngologists per 100,000 in the hospital referral region (HRR). The otolaryngology physician supply was derived from the American Medical Association Masterfile or from the Medicare Enrollment and Provider Utilization Files. Multiple linear regression tested the association of population, physician, and hospital factors on the supply of Medicare-enrolled otolaryngologists/HRR. RESULTS: Two methods of measuring the otolaryngology workforce were moderately correlated across hospital referral regions (Pearson coefficient 0.513, P = .0001); regardless, the supply of otolaryngology providers varies greatly over different geographic regions. Otolaryngologists concentrate in regions with many other physicians, particularly specialist physicians. The otolaryngology supply also increases with regional population income and education levels. Using AMA-derived data, there was no association between the supply of otolaryngologists and staffed acute-care hospital beds and the presence of an otolaryngology residency-training program. In contrast, the supply of otolaryngology providers enrolled in Medicare independently increases for each HRR by 0.8 per 100,000 for each unit increase in supply of hospital beds (P < .0001) and by 0.49 per 100,000 in regions with an otolaryngology residency-training program (P = .006), accounting for all other factors. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of methodology, the supply of otolaryngologists varies widely across geographic regions in the United States. For Medicare beneficiaries, regional hospital factors-including the presence of an otolaryngology residency program-may improve access to otolaryngology services. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 127:95-101, 2017.

Applying cost accounting to operating room staffing in otolaryngology: time-driven activity-based costing and outpatient adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the application of a detailed cost-accounting method (time-driven activity-cased costing) to operating room personnel costs, avoiding the proxy use of hospital and provider charges. (2) To model potential cost efficiencies using different staffing models with the case study of outpatient adenotonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cost analysis case study. SETTING: Tertiary pediatric hospital. SUBJECT AND METHODS: All otolaryngology providers and otolaryngology operating room staff at our institution. RESULTS: Time-driven activity-based costing demonstrated precise per-case and per-minute calculation of personnel costs. We identified several areas of unused personnel capacity in a basic staffing model. Per-case personnel costs decreased by 23.2% by allowing a surgeon to run 2 operating rooms, despite doubling all other staff. Further cost reductions up to a total of 26.4% were predicted with additional staffing rearrangements. CONCLUSION: Time-driven activity-based costing allows detailed understanding of not only personnel costs but also how personnel time is used. This in turn allows testing of alternative staffing models to decrease unused personnel capacity and increase efficiency.

Role of obesity in otitis media in children.

The ongoing childhood obesity epidemic has garnered significant attention among healthcare providers due to its short- and long-term sequelae. Multiple diseases have been associated with obesity, not limited to hypertension, diabetes, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Over the past decade, the relationships between obesity and otologic conditions have been investigated. In this setting, otitis media has remained the focus of research, representing one of the most common pediatric illnesses. Initial studies suggesting a relationship between the two conditions have been supported with epidemiological studies controlling for socioeconomic factors. The purpose of this article is to review our current understanding of the relationship between otitis media and obesity and to discuss the healthcare implications of this association. In addition, several identifiable factors associated with each condition are discussed, as are potential pathophysiologic mechanisms that may help to elucidate the complex and multifactorial relationship between the two disease entities.

Risk Factors for Preoperative and Postoperative Hearing Loss in Children Undergoing Pressure Equalization Tube Placement.

OBJECTIVE: Pressure equalization tube (PET) placement is the most common surgical procedure performed during childhood. Current guidelines recommend more prompt management of children with otitis media with effusion who are at greater risk for speech-language and developmental problems. This study was designed to examine risk factors for continued post-PET hearing loss in a large pediatric clinical sample. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis using the electronic medical record. SETTING: Tertiary care children's hospital. SUBJECTS: Pediatric patients undergoing PET placement between January 2009 and October 2012 who had audiometric tests. METHODS: Demographics, patient diagnoses, and hearing loss information were extracted. Multivariate binary logistic regression models were used to identify associations between patient-specific characteristics and the presence of hearing loss. RESULTS: In total, 3949 children with 4598 audiology visits were included (2357 males and 1592 females; mean age, 3.3 years), and 1272 preoperative and 3329 postoperative audiograms were performed. Using multivariate modeling, the only variable significantly associated with preoperative hearing loss was low tympanometric static acoustic admittance. Postoperative hearing loss was positively associated with patient age, preoperative hearing loss, lower tympanometric equivalent canal volumes, and Down syndrome. Other factors, including cranial/facial anomalies, low birth weight or prematurity, allergies, and asthma, were not determined to be risk factors for hearing loss. CONCLUSION: Our results support hearing testing to identify candidates for PET surgery and to determine treatment effectiveness after surgery, since hearing loss cannot be predicted on the basis of risk or demographic factors. These data have important preoperative counseling and postoperative management implications.

Findings from multidisciplinary evaluation of children with permanent hearing loss.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical findings from a multidisciplinary program for children with permanent hearing loss (PHL). METHODS: Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care children's hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred patients charts were selected from the population of 260 children with permanent hearing loss presenting between July 2005 and December 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PHL etiology; radiographic findings; clinical findings by genetics, ophthalmology, developmental pediatrics, speech pathology, and aural rehabilitation. RESULTS: Etiology of hearing loss was determined in 60% of subjects. Genetic causes of hearing loss were identified or presumed (positive history of first degree relative with hearing loss) in 27% of the children. Structural ear anomalies were found in 20% of children. Among the 36% of children with CNS imaging, abnormal findings were noted in 32%. There were a high rate of ophthalmological findings (53%) among children seen by ophthalmology (n = 105). Neurodevelopmental evaluations were completed in 58% of subjects and clinically significant findings were noted in 68%. Of the 61% of children who receiving received speech/language evaluations, 77% required intervention. Over half of the 40% of subjects who had an aural rehabilitation evaluation needed therapy. There were not significant differences in rates of findings for children with mild or unilateral hearing loss as compared to children with more severe degrees of hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Interdisciplinary medical evaluation of children with PHL allows for the identification and treatment of clinically significant ophthalmologic, neurodevelopmental, genetic, and speech/language disorders. A high rate of CNS and temporal bone abnormalities were identified. These findings provide an understanding of the importance of considering thorough medical and developmental evaluations among children who are deaf/hard of hearing.

Inhaled cidofovir as an adjuvant therapy for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

A previously healthy, full-term, 4-month-old boy presented with progressively weakening cry, hoarseness, and increased work of breathing. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed glottic papillomas, which were endoscopically removed with a microdebrider in the operating room (Derkay score 23). The patient was diagnosed with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis that disseminated throughout his airway. Despite biweekly serial microdebridements, intralesional cidofovir, and systemic interferon-α, the patient's health declined substantially (Derkay score 40), culminating in a 47-day hospitalization due to complications of his disease. Inhaled cidofovir was initiated after all conventional treatments had failed. Within 6 weeks of therapy (40 mg daily per treatment, 12 days on and 2 days off), the papillomatous disease improved substantially (Derkay score 23). While inhaled cidofovir appeared to significantly reduce papillomatous disease burden in this patient, further investigation into its long-term effectiveness and safety profile is necessary.

Variation in surgical time-out and site marking within pediatric otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVE: To determine variation in surgical time-out and site-marking within pediatric otolaryngology. DESIGN: Survey e-mailed via the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 167 Children's Hospital Corp of America (CHCA) operating room (OR) directors and ASPO members were asked about perioperative preparation of their patients. RESULTS: Most respondents who operate at children's hospitals report policies that do not require site marking for bilateral placement of ventilation tubes, adenotonsillar surgery, airway endoscopy, or nasal surgery. Policies allowing assistants to perform site marking were identified by 45.0% of respondents from children's hospitals. Community hospitals were 3.68 times (range, 1.31-10.31 times) more likely than other facilities to permit only the attending to perform site marking. Most respondents operating at children's hospitals (84.4%) were satisfied with their hospital's site-marking policy and with their hospital's surgical checklist policy for pediatric otolaryngology procedures (87.1%). There seems to be a relationship between ear tube insertion marking policy and surgeon's age (χ² = 12.9; P = .045), area of country (χ² = 29.1; P = .004), and ambulatory centers for children (χ² = 8.1; P = .02). Twenty-one percent of survey respondents reported involvement in a wrong-site surgery at some point in their career. CONCLUSIONS: This survey of ASPO members and CHCA OR directors reveals substantial variation in the time-out and site-marking procedures. There is a dynamic tension between universal, national mandates, and allowing local variation to encourage hospitals to tailor policies to unique needs. Further study is needed to determine if the observed variations are beneficial or harmful.

A preliminary investigation of four-dimensional ultrasound for evaluation of middle ear ossicles: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Temporal bone imaging in children has several inherent limitations. Computed tomography has the disadvantage of ionizing radiation, possible sedation, cost and accessibility. Magnetic resonance imaging has most of these disadvantages, with the exception of radiation, and provides bone images of limited resolution. Recent advances in ultrasound have led to its increased application in numerous medical fields. The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of four-dimensional ultrasound (4DUS) to image middle ear ossicles in vitro and determine if this technology should be adapted for future clinical use. METHODS: Thirty cadaveric ossicles (10 malleus, 10 incus, and 10 stapes) were randomized and measured by two evaluators under a microscope. The ossicles were then immersed in a cold water bath and imaged, randomized, and measured using four-dimensional ultrasound by the same two evaluators. A separate cadaveric temporal bone, modified to allow the ultrasound probe to rest on the tympanic membrane, was imaged to visualize the ossicles in situ and evaluate whether or not the tympanic membrane and malleus would impede visualization of more medial structures. RESULTS: Microscopic measurements were: malleus (h=8.0 mm+/-0.32, w=2.7 mm+/-0.20), incus (h=6.8 mm+/-0.41, w=5.3 mm+/-0.46), stapes (h=3.5 mm+/-0.34, w=2.4 mm+/-0.17). Inter-rater reliability was 0.8. Measurements were in agreement with previously published values. Ultrasound measurements were: malleus (h=8.0 mm+/-0.51, w=2.9 mm+/-0.27), incus (h=6.8 mm+/-0.49, w=5.5 mm+/-0.42), stapes (h=3.6 mm+/-0.41, w=2.5 mm+/-0.19). Inter-rater reliability was 0.7. Mean intra-class correlation coefficient for microscopic and ultrasound measurements was 0.7. Images of the ossicular chain in continuity in the temporal bone specimen were not as clear as images of individual ossicles that were disarticulated and imaged under water. CONCLUSIONS: 4DUS provides reasonable images of ossicles disarticulated and mounted in underwater medium. However, images of the intact ossicular chain in a modified cadaveric temporal bone were not as clear, making interpretation difficult. Further investigation into the development of a thinner ultrasound probe that can pass through the external auditory canal and into overcoming limitations of air in the middle ear cleft are warranted. This could allow for a clinically relevant, faster, lower cost and lower risk alternative to current imaging techniques.

Comparing quality at an ambulatory surgery center and a hospital-based facility: preliminary findings.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the quality of outpatient surgery in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) compared to a hospital-based facility (HBF) in a multidimensional manner. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey based on chart review. SETTING: Pediatric academic health center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 486 cases were reviewed. Procedures were performed at either an ASC (n = 275) or an HBF (n = 211). Cases comprised four procedure types: ventilation tube insertion (ASC, n = 126; HBF, n = 108), dental rehabilitation (ASC, n = 89; HBF, n = 58), adenotonsillectomy (ASC, n = 37; HBF, n = 34), and ventilation tube insertion/adenoidectomy (ASC, n = 23; HBF, n = 11). Measures were developed for five categories: safety, patient-centeredness, timeliness, efficiency, and equitability. Performance was compared between facilities. RESULTS: The ASC had no unexpected safety events (0/275) compared to nine events (9/211) at the HBF. Tonsil bleed rates were 0 percent (0/37) at the ASC compared to 5.9 percent (2/34) at the HBF. Patient satisfaction was similar between facilities (ASC, n = 64; HBF, n = 35). Differences in timeliness approached 30 percent. A total of 77 percent of ASC cases finished within the scheduled time compared to 38 percent at the HBF. Total charges were 12 to 23 percent less at the ASC. Patients treated at the ASC generally lived in wealthier neighborhoods. CONCLUSION: Performance at the ASC generally exceeded that at the HBF. Future research should investigate how perioperative processes result in these quality differences. Health policy implications are discussed.

The large vestibular aqueduct: a new definition based on audiologic and computed tomography correlation.

OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to determine the prevalence and clinical significance of a large vestibular aqueduct (LVA) in children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We conducted a retrospective review of a pediatric SNHL database. One hundred seven children with SNHL were selected and their radiographic and audiometric studies were evaluated. Radiographic comparisons were made to a group of children without SNHL. RESULTS: A vestibular aqueduct (VA) larger than the 95th percentile of controls was present in 32% of children with SNHL. Progressive SNHL was more likely to occur in ears with an LVA and the rate of progressive hearing loss was greater than in ears without an LVA. The risk of progressive SNHL increased with increasing VA size as determined by logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: An LVA is defined as one that is >or=2 mm at the operculum and/or >or=1 mm at the midpoint in children with nonsyndromic SNHL. An LVA appears to be more common than previously reported in children with SNHL. A linear relationship is observed between VA width and progressive SNHL. SIGNIFICANCE: The finding of an LVA in children with SNHL provides diagnostic as well as prognostic information.

The influence of mutations in the SLC26A4 gene on the temporal bone in a population with enlarged vestibular aqueduct.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate genetic and audiometric findings with a detailed radiologic analysis of the temporal bone in patients with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) to ascertain the contribution of SLC26A4 gene mutations to this phenotype. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients with EVA identified in a database of pediatric hearing-impaired patients. SETTING: A tertiary care pediatric referral center. PATIENTS: Seventy-one children with EVA and screening results for SLC26A4 mutations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Genetic screening results, audiometric thresholds, and radiographic temporal bone measurements. RESULTS: Seventy-one children with EVA were screened for SLC26A4 mutations. Mutations were found in 27% of children overall, while only 8% had biallelic mutations. The mean initial pure-tone average (PTA) was 59 dB; the mean final PTA was 67 dB. A bilateral EVA was found in 48 (67%) of the children; a unilateral EVA was found in 23 (33%). Progressive hearing loss (in at least 1 ear) was seen in 29 (41%) of the patients. The strongest genotype-phenotype interaction was seen in children with a bilateral EVA. Among children with SLC26A4 mutations, there was a significantly wider vestibular aqueduct at the midpoint and a wider vestibule width (P < .05) than in children without the mutation. Among patients with a bilateral EVA, children with any SLC26A4 mutation were more likely to have a more severe final PTA (64 dB vs 32 dB), larger midpoint measurement (2.1 vs 1.1 mm), and larger operculum measurement (3.0 vs 2.0 mm) than those without the mutation in their better-hearing ear (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In a population of pediatric patients with an EVA and hearing loss, SLC26A4 mutations are a contributor to the phenotype. Our data suggest that other genetic factors also have important contributions to this phenotype. The presence of an abnormal SLC26A4 allele, even in the heterozygous state, was associated with greater enlargement of the vestibular aqueduct, abnormal development of the vestibule, and possibly a stable hearing outcome.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric unilateral and asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To compare temporal bone computed tomography (CT) with temporal bone and central nervous system magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in children with unilateral or asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). DESIGN: Retrospective chart study. SETTING: Tertiary-care children's hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 131 children with unilateral or asymmetric SNHL, seen consecutively by a single practitioner over 36 months. INTERVENTION: Imaging studies were read by a pediatric neuroradiologist and reviewed by the evaluating otolaryngologist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prevalence of clinically significant CT or MR imaging findings. RESULTS: The prevalence of CT abnormalities was 35% for unilateral SNHL, 52% for asymmetric SNHL, and 41% for all patients together. The prevalence of MR imaging abnormalities was 25% for unilateral SNHL, 50% for asymmetric SNHL, and 30% for all patients together. Among 42 subjects who underwent both studies, there were 4 cases in which abnormalities were seen only on MR images and 9 cases in which abnormalities were seen only on CT scans. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal bone and/or central nervous system abnormalities were detected in 42% of 131 patients. When both CT scans and MR images were obtained (n = 42), results were concordant in 69% of cases, and one imaging modality detected clinically significant abnormalities not identified by the other in 31% of cases. The ideal imaging algorithm for children with unilateral or asymmetric SNHL is controversial. We suggest that all children with unilateral or asymmetric SNHL have a high-resolution temporal bone CT scan and that brain and temporal bone MR imaging be obtained in select cases.

Speech recognition abilities in noise for children with severe-to-profound unilateral hearing impairment.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to compare the signal-to-noise ratio required for equal performance for children (aged 6-14 years) with normal hearing (N=17) versus those with severe-to-profound unilateral hearing impairment (N=20) who can be at a disadvantage, particularly when sounds are presented to the impaired ear. The listening environment is designed to approximate that which is encountered in a typical classroom. METHODS: All signals (Hearing in Noise Test-Children and Nonsense Syllable Test) were presented in the sound field from various azimuths with continuous noise presented from all quadrants. The children were required to repeat twenty items, from each test, in each listening condition. The intensity of the presentations was varied based on the accuracy of previous items. Average signal-to-noise ratios are compared between and within groups. RESULTS: (1) In most listening conditions, significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios were needed by those with unilateral hearing impairment than those with normal hearing, on both speech tests. (2) In every listening condition, both groups required significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios to perform equally well on the Nonsense Syllable Test as on the Hearing-In-Noise Test-Children. (3) For the Hearing-In-Noise Test-Children, children with normal hearing required significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios when facing the signal than when the signal was presented to a normally hearing ear (monaural direct). (4) On both tests, the children with unilateral hearing impairment required significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios when facing the signal than in the monaural direct condition. (5) On both tests, the children with unilateral hearing impairment required significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios when the signal was presented to the impaired ear (monaural indirect) than when facing the signal. CONCLUSIONS: (1) The children with unilateral hearing impairment require a more advantageous listening condition to perform equally as well as their normally hearing counterparts. (2) All of the children benefited from signals delivered in a monaural direct condition. (3) The children with unilateral hearing impairment performed best in the monaural direct condition or when facing the signal at zero degrees. (4) Significantly greater signal-to-noise ratios were needed for both groups when restricted contextual cues were available versus when sentential cues were available.

Cortical reorganization in children with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Previous studies have shown evidence of cortical reorganization following unilateral sensorineural hearing loss (USNHL). In addition, study participants with right USNHL have shown greater deficits in academic and language performance compared with those with left USNHL. A preliminary functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation was performed on a small cohort of participants, four with left USNHL and four with right USNHL, using the paradigm of listening to random tones. While the participants with left USNHL displayed greater activation in the right superior temporal gyrus, those with right USNHL displayed greater activation in the left inferior frontal area immediately anterior to the superior temporal gyrus. The results provide preliminary evidence of disparate neural circuitry supporting auditory processing in participants with left and right USNHL.