Speech perception in patients submitted to cochlear reimplantation. / Percepção auditiva da fala após o reimplante coclear.

PURPOSE: To analyze the performance of auditory speech perception (PF) after cochlear implant (CI) replacement surgery and associations with age, times of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. METHODS: The retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 68 participants reimplanted from 1990 to 2016, and evaluated with PF performance tests, considering as a reference, the greater auditory capacity identified during the use of the first CI. Also analyzed were: Etiology of hearing loss; the reasons for the reimplantation; device brands; age range; sex; affected ear; age at first implant; time of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. The analyzes followed with the Chi-Square and Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (CI=95%; p≤0.05; Software SPSS®.v22). RESULTS: Most were children with hearing loss due to idiopathic causes and meningitis. Abrupt stoppage of operation was the most common cause for device replacement. Most cases recovered and maintained or continued to progress in PF after reimplantation. Adults have the worst recovery capacity when compared to children and adolescents. The PF capacity showed a significant association (p≤0.05) with: age at first implant; time of use of the first and second CI. CONCLUSION: Periodic programming and replacement of the device when indicated are fundamental for the maintenance of auditory functions. Being young and having longer use of implants represent advantages for the development of speech perception skills.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o desempenho da percepção auditiva da fala (PF) após cirurgia de substituição do implante coclear (IC) e identificar associações com a idade, tempos de uso dos dispositivos, privação e recuperação. MÉTODO: O estudo retrospectivo analisou os prontuários de 1990 a 2016 e considerou como referência o maior escore da capacidade auditiva identificada ao longo do uso do primeiro IC. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos; etiologia; causas da substituição e marca dos dispositivos; classificação etária; idades no primeiro e segundo implante; tempos de utilização, privação e de recuperação da capacidade auditiva. Os dados foram avaliados por meio de testes estatísticos não paramétricos (IC=95%; p<0.05). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 68 participantes (31 adultos e 37 crianças), sendo 52,9% do sexo feminino e as principais etiologias da perda auditiva foram: idiopática (48,5%), infecciosa (33,8%) e outras causas não infecciosas (17,6%). A idade média verificada na implantação do primeiro e do segundo IC, foram: 102±143,4 e 178,9±173,4 meses. Os tempos médios de uso do primeiro IC, privação, recuperação e uso do segundo IC, foram respectivamente: (76,1±63,3); (2,8±2,4); (6,5±7,1); (75,6±48,3) meses. A substituição foi motivada principalmente pela parada abrupta de funcionamento (77,9%) e 85,3% dos participantes recuperaram a PF, que esteve significativamente associada à idade no primeiro IC, e os tempos de utilização dos dispositivos (p<0.05). CONCLUSÃO: A maior parte dos indivíduos submetidos ao reimplante conseguem recuperar e/ou continuar o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas. A idade mais jovem e o tempo de uso dos dispositivos são fatores que influenciam na capacidade de recuperação da PF em reimplantados.

The endoscopic transcanal approach to the internal auditory canal: an anatomic study.

PURPOSE: The internal auditory canal (IAC) plays a key role in lateral skull base surgery. Although several approaches to the IAC have been proposed, endoscope-assisted transcanal corridors to the IAC have rarely been studied. We sought to provide a step-by-step description of the transcanal transpromontorial approach to the IAC and analyze anatomic relationships that might enhance predictability and safety of this approach. METHODS: Ten cadaveric specimens were dissected and the extended transcanal transpromontorial approach to the IAC was established. Various morphometric measurements and anatomic landmarks were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: The proposed technique proved feasible and safe in all specimens. There was no inadvertent injury to the jugular bulb or internal carotid artery. The chorda tympani, a key landmark for the mastoid segment of the facial nerve, was identified in all dissections. The spherical recess of the vestibule and middle turn of cochlea are important landmarks for identification of the labyrinthine segment of the facial nerve. Identification of all boundaries of the working area is also essential for safe access. Among various morphometric measurements, the modiolus-IAC angle (≈ 150°) proved particularly consistent; given its ease of use and low variability, we believe it could serve as a landmark for identification and subsequent dissection of the IAC. CONCLUSIONS: The extended transcanal transpromontorial approach to the IAC is feasible and safe. Relying on anatomic landmarks to ensure preservation of the involved neurovascular structures is essential for a successful approach. The modiolus-IAC angle is a consistent, reproducible landmark for IAC identification and dissection.

Analysis of aided thresholds in children who have undergone cochlear reimplantation: a ten-year follow-up. / Análise de limiares tonais de crianças submetidas ao reimplante: seguimento de 10 anos.

PURPOSE: To characterize hearing thresholds at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz in children undergoing reimplantation with a follow-up of at least 10 years. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical records of children who underwent reimplantation surgery for at least 10 years. The auditory thresholds obtained in free-field pure tone audiometry with the cochlear implant were evaluated at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz at four different times: 1 (before failure), 2 (activation), 3 (five years after reimplantation) and 4 (ten years after reimplantation, regardless of the time of use of the 2nd CI) in patients with a follow-up of at least 10 years. RESULTS: Evaluating patients who underwent reimplantation, it was observed that the thresholds of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz were similar in the long term to those obtained in patients who were implanted only once, thus not presenting damage in the detection of sounds. CONCLUSION: Reimplantation had no long-term effect on the hearing thresholds obtained in children who underwent this surgery due to internal component failure.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os limiares auditivos nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz em crianças submetidas ao reimplante com follow-up de no mínimo 10 anos. MÉTODO: Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de crianças submetidas a cirurgia de reimplante há pelo menos 10 anos. Foram avaliados os limiares auditivos obtidos na audiometria tonal liminar em campo livre com o implante coclear nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz em quatro momentos distintos: 1 (antes da falha), 2 (ativação), 3 (cinco anos após o reimplante) e 4 (dez anos após o reimplante, independentemente do tempo de uso do uso do 2o IC) em pacientes com follow-up de no mínimo 10 anos. RESULTADOS: Avaliando-se pacientes submetidos ao reimplante, observou-se que os limiares de 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz apresentaram-se a longo prazo semelhante àqueles obtidos nos pacientes implantados somente uma única vez, não apresentando prejuízo assim na detecção dos sons. CONCLUSÃO: O reimplante não teve efeito de longo prazo sobre os limiares auditivos obtidos em crianças que se submeteram a esta cirurgia por falha do componente interno.

Análise de limiares tonais de crianças submetidas ao reimplante: seguimento de 10 anos / Analysis of aided thresholds in children who have undergone cochlear reimplantation: a ten-year follow-up

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar os limiares auditivos nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz em crianças submetidas ao reimplante com follow-up de no mínimo 10 anos. Método Revisão retrospectiva de prontuários de crianças submetidas a cirurgia de reimplante há pelo menos 10 anos. Foram avaliados os limiares auditivos obtidos na audiometria tonal liminar em campo livre com o implante coclear nas frequências de 500, 1000, 2000 e 4000 Hz em quatro momentos distintos: 1 (antes da falha), 2 (ativação), 3 (cinco anos após o reimplante) e 4 (dez anos após o reimplante, independentemente do tempo de uso do uso do 2o IC) em pacientes com follow-up de no mínimo 10 anos. Resultados Avaliando-se pacientes submetidos ao reimplante, observou-se que os limiares de 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz apresentaram-se a longo prazo semelhante àqueles obtidos nos pacientes implantados somente uma única vez, não apresentando prejuízo assim na detecção dos sons. Conclusão O reimplante não teve efeito de longo prazo sobre os limiares auditivos obtidos em crianças que se submeteram a esta cirurgia por falha do componente interno.

ABSTRACT Purpose To characterize hearing thresholds at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz in children undergoing reimplantation with a follow-up of at least 10 years. Methods Retrospective review of medical records of children who underwent reimplantation surgery for at least 10 years. The auditory thresholds obtained in free-field pure tone audiometry with the cochlear implant were evaluated at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz at four different times: 1 (before failure), 2 (activation), 3 (five years after reimplantation) and 4 (ten years after reimplantation, regardless of the time of use of the 2nd CI) in patients with a follow-up of at least 10 years. Results Evaluating patients who underwent reimplantation, it was observed that the thresholds of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz were similar in the long term to those obtained in patients who were implanted only once, thus not presenting damage in the detection of sounds. Conclusion Reimplantation had no long-term effect on the hearing thresholds obtained in children who underwent this surgery due to internal component failure.

Complications of Transcutaneous Protheses - A Systematic Review of Publications Over the Past 10 Years

Abstract Introduction Bone conduction implants, responsible for transmitting sound from an external processor to the inner ear, can be divided into active and passive, depending on the vibratory stimulus location. The use of transcutaneous device has increased, given its aesthetic appeal, the complications and limitations of percutaneous devices, and patient's treatment adherence, focusing mainly on efficacy. However, various complications are associated with the use of transcutaneous prosthesis, which can often be serious. Objective To approach the literature on complications involving transcutaneous bone-anchored prostheses through a systematic review of articles published in the past 10 years (2011-2021). Data Synthesis The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All articles written in English reporting on currently available transcutaneous prosthesis implantation and its complications were selected. Studies on both children and adults were included. The data on complications were extracted, and complications were classified as minor or major and associated to each device used. Thirty-seven articles were included in the study, of which 14 were prospective cohort studies, 22 were retrospective case series, and 1 was a case report. Most studies (18) included both adults and children. Moreover, 901 implantations were performed, of which 552 implanted Baha Attract (Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, Australia), 244 implanted BoneBridge (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria), and 105 implanted Sophono (Sophono Inc., Boulder, CO, USA]). Furthermore, 192 adverse events were reported (total complication rate, 21.3%), with 161 minor complications (84.3%) and 31 major complications (16.1%). Conclusion Transcutaneous prosthesis is an audiological alternative with fewer complications than percutaneous prosthesis. However, its indication should be judicious because complications are common, and although most complications are minor, serious infections requiring explantation may develop.

Complications of Transcutaneous Protheses - A Systematic Review of Publications Over the Past 10 Years.

Introduction Bone conduction implants, responsible for transmitting sound from an external processor to the inner ear, can be divided into active and passive, depending on the vibratory stimulus location. The use of transcutaneous device has increased, given its aesthetic appeal, the complications and limitations of percutaneous devices, and patient's treatment adherence, focusing mainly on efficacy. However, various complications are associated with the use of transcutaneous prosthesis, which can often be serious. Objective To approach the literature on complications involving transcutaneous bone-anchored prostheses through a systematic review of articles published in the past 10 years (2011-2021). Data Synthesis The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. All articles written in English reporting on currently available transcutaneous prosthesis implantation and its complications were selected. Studies on both children and adults were included. The data on complications were extracted, and complications were classified as minor or major and associated to each device used. Thirty-seven articles were included in the study, of which 14 were prospective cohort studies, 22 were retrospective case series, and 1 was a case report. Most studies (18) included both adults and children. Moreover, 901 implantations were performed, of which 552 implanted Baha Attract (Cochlear Ltd., Sydney, Australia), 244 implanted BoneBridge (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria), and 105 implanted Sophono (Sophono Inc., Boulder, CO, USA]). Furthermore, 192 adverse events were reported (total complication rate, 21.3%), with 161 minor complications (84.3%) and 31 major complications (16.1%). Conclusion Transcutaneous prosthesis is an audiological alternative with fewer complications than percutaneous prosthesis. However, its indication should be judicious because complications are common, and although most complications are minor, serious infections requiring explantation may develop.

Long-Term Outcome With an Active Middle Ear Implant in Patients to Bilateral Aural Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the audiological results and complications following active middle ear implant (AMEI) surgery in users with bilateral ear atresia. STUDY DESIGN: Observational and retrospective longitudinal follow-up. SETTING: A tertiary referral hospital for hearing rehabilitation and craniofacial malformations. PATIENTS: Medical records of 27 patients with bilateral congenital aural atresia (34 ears) who underwent surgery for AMEI were reviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The alpha error was assumed to be 5%. OUTCOME MEASURES: Medical and technical complications and audiological results were observed during follow-up. RESULTS: The median postoperative follow-up was 37.5 months (27.7-75.5 mo). Medical or technical complications occurred in 35.3% (n = 12) of patients during follow-up, 14.7% (n = 5) required surgical revision. The auditory thresholds in the free field improved from 53.75 dB (46.87-56.25) to 25 dB (21.25-32.5) after 6 months using the AMEI (p < 0.001) and remained stable till the last audiological evaluation (22.5: 21.25 26.25). Compared with the preoperative results, all speech perception tests also showed the benefits of AMEI at 6 months postoperatively and in the last audiological evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring the use of AMEI in this sample demonstrated the safety of these implants compared with data available in the literature. The rates of medical and technical complications were consistent with data published by other groups. Finally, the audiological results remained stable during follow-up.

First Study of Naturally Formed Fungal Biofilms on the Surface of Intragastric Balloons.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a medical device used in the endoscopic treatment of pre-obesity and obesity. The involvement of IGB with biofilms has been previously reported; however, little is still known. We determine the frequency of biofilms naturally formed on the external surface of IGB, as well as some variables related to IGB types and patients features, species of fungi involved, and biofilm evidence. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted based on endoscopies and medical records of patients with explanted IGB between 2015 and 2018, which had masses strongly adhered to the surface of the balloon, suspecting the presence of a biofilm. From 2018, the samples of those masses were investigated seeking biofilm characterization based on mycological and structural aspects. RESULTS: A total of 149 endoscopies were surveyed; 27 IGBs (18.12%) showed signs suggesting biofilm formation. There was no significant difference between biofilm involvement in IGB and the anthropometric and demographic profile of the patients. On the other hand, there was a significant difference regarding the IGB type, 24.05% of the adjustable IGB were compromised by biofilm, while in non-adjustable IGB, it was 11.43% (p = 0.04; OR 2.45; 95% CI, 0.98-6.12). Candida glabrata was the most isolated fungal species from the well-organized fungal biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of fungal biofilm naturally formed on the external surface of IGB was elevated. The risk of biofilm formation was increased for the adjustable IGB, but it did not relate to the demographic data and anthropometric patient profile.

Management of acquired cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial anomalies: An institutional experience.

PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical management of cholesteatoma in patients with craniofacial abnormalities, cleft lip/palate by reviewing the institutional experience. The secondary aim was to identify and describe the epidemiological profile of the collected data, and to relate the cleft palate and cholesteatoma. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective chart review includes 97 patients with craniofacial abnormalities and acquired cholesteatoma with anatomopathological proven in 118 ears. The following data were collected from the medical records between 1994 and 2018. RESULTS: The first surgery performed on 76 of the 118 ears (64.4%) was the wall up mastoidectomy, while 42 of the 118 ears (35.5%) received the wall down technique. During the follow-up period of these patients, which ranged from 2 to 29 years, with an average of 13.4 years (±5.88), 77 wall up (40.3%) and 114 wall down (59.6%) mastoidectomies were performed. This brought the total to 191 mastoidectomy surgeries in 118 ears of 97 patients. Of the wall up mastoidectomies, 65 of the 77 (84.4%) presented with cholesteatoma recurrence. In the wall down mastoidectomies follow up, there were new surgical approaches in 15 of the 114 procedures (13.1%), with 6 patients (5.2%) having anatomopathologically proven cholesteatoma recurrences and 9 (7.8%) having clinical instability for cavity cleaning without identification of disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Early approach with wall down/modified techniques guided by specific indication criteria may be more resolute, prevent multiple procedures, and preserve the bone pathway to facilitate possible future hearing rehabilitation in these patients.

New Insights on the Effect of TNF Alpha Blockade by Gene Silencing in Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.

Noise exposure represents the second most common cause of acquired sensorineural hearing loss and we observed that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) was involved in this context. The effect of Tnfα gene silencing on the expression profile related to the TNFα metabolic pathway in an experimental model of noise-induced hearing loss had not previously been studied. METHODS: Single ears of Wistar rats were pretreated with Tnfα small interfering RNA (siRNA) by trans-tympanic administration 24 h before they were exposed to white noise (120 dBSPL for three hours). After 24 h of noise exposure, we analyzed the electrophysiological threshold and the amplitude of waves I, II, III, and IV in the auditory brain response click. In addition, qRT-PCR was performed to evaluate the TNFα metabolic pathway in the ears submitted or not to gene silencing. RESULTS: Preservation of the electrophysiological threshold and the amplitude of waves was observed in the ears submitted to gene silencing compared to the ears not treated. Increased anti-apoptotic gene expression and decreased pro-apoptotic gene expression were found in the treated ears. CONCLUSION: Our results allow us to suggest that the blockade of TNFα by gene silencing was useful to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Evolution of Acquired Middle Ear Cholesteatoma in Patients With Ectrodactyly, Ectodermal Dysplasia, Cleft Lip/Palate (EEC) Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To review an institutional experience with the surgical and clinical management of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma in patients with ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, cleft lip/palate (EEC) syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Eight patients with medical history significant for EEC syndrome who underwent surgery for acquired middle ear cholesteatoma between 1996 and 2016. INTERVENTION(S): Appropriate surgical interventions at the time of admission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): History of ventilation tube insertion, status of the contralateral ear, surgical technique, cholesteatoma recidivism, presence of postoperative external auditory canal stenosis, pre and postoperative audiograms. RESULTS: Cholesteatoma was diagnosed in all patients, 3 (37.5%) unilateral and 5 (62.5%) bilateral, totalizing 13 ears. Six ears (46.2%) underwent a canal wall up mastoidectomy but required conversion to a canal wall down technique in a second procedure due to recurrent cholesteatoma. In the remaining seven ears (53.8%) a canal wall down mastoidectomy was performed. Of all meatoplasty performed, seven (53.8%) evolved with stenosis of the external auditory canal. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that most patients with EEC syndrome and middle ear cholesteatoma should be considered for a canal wall down mastoidectomy due to extensive disease and a high rate of recidivism. In addition, a high percentage of postoperative stenosis of the external auditory canal was found in this group.

Preservation of the facial and lower cranial nerves in glomus jugulare tumor surgery: modifying our surgical technique for improved outcomes.

PURPOSE: To describe the neurological results obtained in six patients with large Fisch C glomus jugulare tumors (GJT) in which a less aggressive, nerve-preserving surgical strategy was used to reduce surgical morbidity. METHODS: Prospective study of six patients with Fisch C GJT who underwent surgery in a tertiary care referral center from February 2015 to August 2017 with an average follow-up of 18 months. The intervention is the surgical technique used and the main outcome measures are recurrence and the functional preservation of the facial and lower cranial nerves. RESULTS: Gross total removal was obtained in the six patients with preservation of the medial wall of the jugular bulb protecting the lower cranial nerves. After follow-up, we obtained a House-Brackmann (H-B) grade II in three patients who were managed with an inferior facial nerve transposition. One patient managed with a facial bridge technique preserved a normal facial function and two patients who presented a H-B III before surgery went to H-B V after surgery and recovered to a H-B III after 4 months. Four patients were presented with dysphagia after surgery and required nasogastric tube placement. The average time for removal with return to normal oral feeding was 4.3 weeks. Three patients with preoperative Xth nerve dysfunction showed an adequate compensation of the opposite vocal fold in the postoperative period without dysphonia or aspiration. CONCLUSION: The surgical techniques used in these patients provided good functional preservation without recurrence after an 8-30-month follow-up.

Evaluating Intracochlear Trauma after Cochlear Implant Electrode Insertion through Middle Fossa Approach in Temporal Bones.

Objective To evaluate cochlear trauma after cochlear implant insertion through a middle fossa approach by means of histologic and imaging studies in temporal bones. Study Design Prospective cadaveric study. Setting University-based temporal bone laboratory. Subjects and Methods Twenty fresh-frozen temporal bones were implanted through a middle cranial fossa basal turn cochleostomy. Ten received a straight electrode and 10 a perimodiolar electrode. Samples were fixed in epoxy resin. Computed tomography (CT) scans determined direction, depth of insertion, and the cochleostomy to round window distance. The samples were polished by a microgrinding technique and microscopically visualized to evaluate intracochlear trauma. Descriptive and analytic statistics were performed to compare both groups. Results The CT scan showed intracochlear insertions in every bone, 10 directed to the middle/apical turn and 10 to the basal turn. In the straight electrode group, the average number of inserted electrodes was 12.3 vs 15.1 for the perimodiolar group ( U = 78, P = .0001). The median insertion depth was larger for the perimodiolar group (14.4 mm vs 12.5 mm, U = 66, P = .021). Only 1 nontraumatic insertion was achieved and 14 samples (70%) had important trauma (Eshraghi grades 3 and 4). No differences were identified comparing position or trauma grades for the 2 electrode models or when comparing trauma depending on the direction of insertion. Conclusion The surgical technique allows a proper intracochlear insertion, but it does not guarantee a correct scala tympani position and carries the risk of important trauma to cochlear microstructures.

Satisfaction and quality of life in users of auditory brainstem implant. / Satisfação e qualidade de vida em usuários de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral.

Purpose To evaluate satisfaction and quality of life of users of Auditory Implant Brainstem. Methods This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted at Divisão de Clínica Otorrinolaringológica of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. For the research, 19 users of an Auditory Brainstem Implant answered the following questionnaires: KINDLR (Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents), for children and adolescents, their parents and/or caregivers; WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, for adult participants; and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Results The quality of life of children using Auditory Brainstem Implant from the perspective of their parents showed global results above average, as for most domains, except for the emotional well-being domain. Adults showed results above average for all domains. Regarding satisfaction with the device, the adult users of auditory brainstem implant were satisfied in general, except with regard to personal image. The parents of the children showed dissatisfaction in all subscales, except for the subscale of services and cost. Conclusion The results indicated that although patients are dissatisfied with the device in some aspects, overall the quality of life was rated as good for most of the aspects assessed.

Satisfação e qualidade de vida em usuários de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral / Satisfaction and quality of life in users of auditory brainstem implant

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a satisfação e qualidade de vida em usuários de Implante Auditivo de Tronco Cerebral. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal e descritivo realizado na Divisão de Clínica Otorrinolaringológica do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil. Para a realização da pesquisa, 19 usuários de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral responderam aos seguintes questionários: KINDLR (Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents) para crianças e adolescentes, pais e/ou cuidadores; o questionário WHOQOL-BREF para os participantes adultos; e o questionário SADL (Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life), adaptado culturalmente para o português brasileiro. Resultados A qualidade de vida das crianças usuárias de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral do ponto de vista dos pais apresentou resultados acima da média para o resultado global e para a maioria dos domínios, exceto o domínio de bem-estar emocional. Os adultos apresentaram resultados acima da média para todos os domínios. Com relação à satisfação com o dispositivo, os adultos usuários de implante auditivo de tronco cerebral estavam satisfeitos de modo geral, exceto no que diz respeito à imagem pessoal, e os pais das crianças mostraram insatisfação para todas as subescalas, exceto para a subescala de serviços e custos. Conclusão Os resultados indicaram que, apesar de os pacientes estarem insatisfeitos em alguns aspectos com o dispositivo, de modo geral, a qualidade de vida foi classificada como boa, para a maioria dos aspectos avaliados.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate satisfaction and quality of life of users of Auditory Implant Brainstem. Methods This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted at Divisão de Clínica Otorrinolaringológica of Hospital das Clínicas of Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil. For the research, 19 users of an Auditory Brainstem Implant answered the following questionnaires: KINDLR (Questionnaire for Measuring Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents), for children and adolescents, their parents and/or caregivers; WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, for adult participants; and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life (SADL) questionnaire culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Results The quality of life of children using Auditory Brainstem Implant from the perspective of their parents showed global results above average, as for most domains, except for the emotional well-being domain. Adults showed results above average for all domains. Regarding satisfaction with the device, the adult users of auditory brainstem implant were satisfied in general, except with regard to personal image. The parents of the children showed dissatisfaction in all subscales, except for the subscale of services and cost. Conclusion The results indicated that although patients are dissatisfied with the device in some aspects, overall the quality of life was rated as good for most of the aspects assessed.

An Implantable Hearing System As Rehabilitation for Hearing Loss Due to Bilateral Aural Atresia: Surgical Technique and Audiological Results.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical technique and audiological results of a middle ear implant for restoring hearing in patients with bilateral aural atresia and microtia with conductive or mixed hearing loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 12 subjects aged 12 years and older presenting with hearing loss and bilateral congenital aural atresia underwent surgical insertion of a middle ear implant. The patients underwent tympanomastoidectomy with a wide opening of the attic and preservation of the roof of the atresic tympanic bone to expose the middle ear and position the floating mass transducer of the implant. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The hearing threshold averages in a free field were 53.5 dB preoperatively and 25.6 dB postoperatively. Monosyllabic word recognition averaged 61% preoperatively and 91.3% postoperatively. The average speech perception in quiet conditions during the hearing in noise test improved from 67.11 dB to 45.99 dB, and the signal-to-noise ratio improved from 5.64 to 1.31. CONCLUSION: The tested system is an excellent option for auditory rehabilitation of conductive hearing loss due to bilateral ear atresia. The surgery is well structured and safe and provides several alternatives to the surgeon, which is valuable in difficult cases.

Decompression of the tympanic and labyrinthine segments of the facial nerve by middle cranial fossa approach: an anatomic study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral facial palsy is characterized by the permanent or temporary interruption of facial muscle function. The middle cranial fossa (MCF) approach has been used to decompress the facial nerve (FN) when hearing needs to be preserved. In this work, we describe a technique for decompressing the FN through the MCF approach, which allows the direct exposure of the labyrinthine and entire tympanic segment of the FN, with preservation of inner ear function. METHODS: Twenty cadavers heads were used in this study. The reference landmarks used were the middle meningeal artery, greater superficial petrosal nerve, arcuate eminence, inferior petrosal sinus and meatal plane following the petrous apex from its most anterior and medial portion. RESULTS: The tympanic segment of the FN presented, on average, a total length of 11 ± 0.67 mm to the right and 11.5 ± 0.60 mm to the left. The longitudinal lengths of the bone window in the tegmen tympani were 16.8 ± 1.67 mm to the right and 16.8 ± 1.20 mm to the left. The cross-sectional lengths of the bone window in the tegmen tympani were 5.5 ± 1.20 mm and 5.0 ± 1.75 mm to the right and left sides, respectively. The average value of the elliptical area formed by the longitudinal and transversal lengths of the bone window made in the tegmen tympani was 72.5 ± 22.5 mm(2) to the right and 65.9 ± 30.3 mm(2) to the left. CONCLUSION: The proposed technique can be used for the surgical decompression of the tympanic, labyrinthine and meatal segments of the FN through the MCF in addition to reducing the surgical time and the risk to patients.

Vibrant Soundbridge and Bone Conduction Hearing Aid in Patients with Bilateral Malformation of External Ear

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common clinical finding in patients with malformation of the external ear canal. Among the possibilities of treatment, there is the adaptation of hearing aids by bone conduction and the adaptation of implantable hearing aids. Objective To assess speech perception with the use of Vibrant Soundbridge (VBS - MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) associated with additional amplification in patients with bilateral craniofacial malformation. Method We evaluated 11 patients with bilateral malformation over 12 years with mixed hearing loss or bilateral conductive. They were using the Softband (Oticon Medical, Sweden) and bone conduction hearing aid in the ear opposite the one with the VSB.We performed the evaluation of speech perception using the Hearing in Noise Test. Results Participants were eight men and three women with a mean of 19.5 years. The signal / noise ratio presented significant results in patients fitted with VSB and bone conduction hearing aid. Conclusion The results of speech perception were significantly better with use of VBS combined with bone conduction hearing aids.

Vibrant Soundbridge and Bone Conduction Hearing Aid in Patients with Bilateral Malformation of External Ear.

Introduction Hearing loss is the most common clinical finding in patients with malformation of the external ear canal. Among the possibilities of treatment, there is the adaptation of hearing aids by bone conduction and the adaptation of implantable hearing aids. Objective To assess speech perception with the use of Vibrant Soundbridge (VBS - MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) associated with additional amplification in patients with bilateral craniofacial malformation. Method We evaluated 11 patients with bilateral malformation over 12 years with mixed hearing loss or bilateral conductive. They were using the Softband (Oticon Medical, Sweden) and bone conduction hearing aid in the ear opposite the one with the VSB. We performed the evaluation of speech perception using the Hearing in Noise Test. Results Participants were eight men and three women with a mean of 19.5 years. The signal / noise ratio presented significant results in patients fitted with VSB and bone conduction hearing aid. Conclusion The results of speech perception were significantly better with use of VBS combined with bone conduction hearing aids.

Are Auditory Steady-State Responses Useful to Evaluate Severe-to-Profound Hearing Loss in Children?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Auditory Steady-State Responses (ASSR) at high intensities in pediatric cochlear implant candidates and to compare the results to behavioral tests responses. METHODS: This prospective study evaluated 42 children with suspected severe-to-profound hearing loss, aged from 3 to 72 months. All had absent ABR and OAE responses. ASSR were evoked using binaural single frequency stimuli at 110 dB HL with a 10 dB down-seeking procedure. ASSR and behavioral test results were compared. RESULTS: Forty-two subjects completed both ASSR and behavioral evaluation. Eleven children (26.2%) had bilateral responses. Four (9.5%) showed unilateral responses in at least two frequencies, all confirmed by behavioral results. Overall 61 ASSR responses were obtained, most (37.7%) in 500 Hz. Mean thresholds were between 101.3 and 104.2 dB HL. Among 27 subjects with absent ASSR, fifteen had no behavioral responses. Seven subjects showed behavioral responses with absent ASSR responses. No spurious ASSR responses were observed at 100 or 110 dB HL. CONCLUSION: ASSR is a valuable tool to detect residual hearing. No false-positive ASSR results were observed among 42 children, but in seven cases with absent ASSR, the test underestimated residual hearing as compared to the behavioral responses.