Educational Benefit of the Three-Dimensional Exoscope Versus Operating Microscope in Otologic Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To compare observation of otologic surgery using a traditional operating microscope (OM) and a three-dimensional exoscope. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. METHODS: Senior medical students and otolaryngology trainees observing otologic surgery performed with OM and exoscope were asked to complete a questionnaire comparing the two experiences. The key variables were image clarity, depth perception, observer's level of motion sickness during the surgery, the participant's understanding of middle ear anatomy, and their overall preference between OM and exoscope. RESULTS: Twenty-two observers participated in the study. Subjective clarity of the image was significantly better with the exoscope compared with the OM (9.7 ± 0.6 versus 6.9 ± 1.7, p = 0.0004) as well as the depth perception (9.25 ± 0.87 versus 5 ± 2.69, p = 0.0007). Observers subjectively had an improved understanding of middle ear anatomy after observing an exoscopic surgery, but not a microscopic surgery. All but one observer preferred the exoscope. CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional exoscope may be a valuable educational tool for teaching trainees otologic surgery. More objective studies are needed in the future to assess the degree of improvement.

Preoperative Evaluation of Otosclerosis: A National Survey of Otologists.

OBJECTIVE: Describe practice patterns in preoperative assessment for stapedectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS: Active members of the American Neurotologic Society and American Otologic Society. INTERVENTION: Survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percent of respondents performing preoperative testing with acoustic reflexes (ARs), electrocochleography, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials, and computed tomography (CT). Further analysis of those not ordering routine CT to determine whether imaging would be ordered for previous ear surgery, vestibular complaints, childhood hearing loss, AR inconsistent with otosclerosis, possible advanced otosclerosis, or atypical complaints, including autophony. Further subgroup analysis based on years in practice and practice setting (private versus academic). RESULTS: Most respondents (56.5%) had practiced more than 15 years and worked in academic settings (69.4%). Rates of routine use of preoperative AR, vestibular evoked myogenic potential, and electrocochleography were 80, 4.7, and 0%, respectively. There were no significant differences based on time in practice or practice settings. For CT, 35.3% reported routine use with a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice respondents (42.4% versus 19.2%, p = 0.040). For CT contingent on specific clinical factors, only AR inconsistent with otosclerosis showed a statistically significant difference between academic and private practice providers (85.3% versus 57.1%, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: Most otologists routinely obtain AR before stapedectomy. Academic providers more commonly order CT routinely and for AR inconsistent with otosclerosis. Most respondents not ordering routine CT ordered imaging in specific clinical scenarios. Overall, there is a high level of consistency in preoperative testing regardless of practice setting or time in practice.

Audiologic comparison of classification systems of advanced otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify which patients with advanced otosclerosis may have the greatest audiologic improvement with stapedotomy based on different classifications of advanced otosclerosis. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single tertiary neurotology center. METHODS: Patients were divided into different classifications of advanced otosclerosis based on either a bone conduction threshold of greater than 60 dB HL (Bone Conduction (BC) Group), a word recognition score of less than 70% (Word Recognition (WRS) Group), or pure tone average of greater than 85 dB HL (Pure Tone Average (PTA) Group). Audiologic outcomes and complication profiles were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Nineteen patients met criteria for one or more group. There were 18 patients in the PTA group, 11 in the BC group, and 12 in the WRS group. There was no significant difference in the pre- or postoperative audiologic status between the different groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with advanced otosclerosis have significant improvements in pure tone averages and air-bone gaps following stapedotomy regardless of the classification criteria used. Stapedotomy remains a reasonable primary intervention for the majority of patients with advanced otosclerosis.

Outcomes of Stapedotomy in Patients With Concomitant Otosclerosis and Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: Should a Radiographic Third-Window Be a Contraindication to Stapes Surgery?

OBJECTIVE: Review surgical outcomes of stapedotomy in patients with concomitant otosclerosis and superior semicircular canal dehiscence. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients with otosclerosis and radiographic superior semicircular canal dehiscence undergoing stapedotomy between 2008 and 2020. INTERVENTION: Stapedotomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pre- and postoperative hearing and unmasking of third-window symptoms. Hearing was measured by air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) pure-tone averages (PTA), air-bone gap (ABG), and word recognition scores (WRS). Third-window symptoms included hyperacusis, autophony, sound- or pressure-induced vertigo, imbalance, or oscillopsia. RESULTS: Twenty patients with otosclerosis and radiographic superior semicircular canal dehiscence underwent stapedotomy, 13 primary and 7 revision. Mean AC PTA was 49.3 dB preoperatively and 35.6 dB postoperatively (p = 0.0077), while the ABG improved on average from 23.9 to 9.68 dB (p < 0.0001). The ABG improved to ≤10 dB in 12/20 patients (60%), and ≤20 dB in 18/20 patients (90%). There was no significant difference in BC PTA or WRS postoperatively. Two patients (10%) experienced potential transient unmasking of third-window symptoms-hyperacusis and prolonged imbalance-which both resolved. There were no other complications. There was no significant difference in audiologic outcomes or unmasking of third window symptoms between primary or revision cases. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent conductive hearing loss is common following stapedotomy for otosclerosis in patients with concomitant superior semicircular canal dehiscence. However, a majority of patients can achieve excellent hearing outcomes, while unmasking of third window symptoms appears to be rare. Radiographic superior semicircular canal dehiscence may not be an absolute contraindication to stapes surgery for otosclerosis.

Audiologic Outcomes of Footplate Drillout for Obliterative Otosclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the audiologic outcomes of microdrill fenestration for obliterative otosclerosis compared to traditional stapedotomy technique. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were separated into groups that underwent either microdrill or laser fenestration based on intraoperative severity of disease. Audiologic outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 588 ears in 519 patients that were evaluated. There was a significant postoperative improvement in pure tone average, air-bone gap, and mean bone conduction thresholds for both the obliterative and nonobliterative group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the pre- or postoperative hearing status between the two groups. There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups, including no cases of postoperative profound hearing loss in the drill fenestration group. CONCLUSIONS: Audiologic outcomes are similar between microdrill fenestration and laser fenestration for otosclerosis. Pure tone average, air-bone gap, and mean bone conduction thresholds all improved postoperatively and were similar between groups.

Comparison of Cranioplasty Techniques Following Translabyrinthine Surgery: Implications for Postoperative Pain and Opioid Usage.

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in postoperative pain, opioid usage, and surgical outcomes between cranioplasty using abdominal fat graft (AFG) versus hydroxyapatite cement (HAC) following translabyrinthine surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case control. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Sixty translabyrinthine procedures were evaluated, including 30 consecutive HAC patients and 30 matched AFG patients. Patients were matched by age, gender, body mass index, and tumor size. INTERVENTION: Cranioplasty using HAC or AFG following translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative patient pain ratings, narcotic usage, inpatient length of stay, and complication rates. RESULTS: Patients who underwent HAC cranioplasty had lower postoperative pain scores on several measures (p < 0.05) and less postoperative narcotic usage (mean difference of 36.7 morphine equivalents, p = 0.0025) when compared to those that underwent AFG closure. HAC cranioplasty patients had shorter average length of hospital stay (2.2 vs 3.4 days, p = 0.0441). Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (one in HAC group, two in AFG group) and skin reactions in AFG closure patients (n = 1) were infrequent. CONCLUSION: HAC cranioplasty is a safe technique comparable to AFG closure following translabyrinthine surgery which can decrease postoperative pain, narcotic usage, and hospital length of stay.

Effect of Surgical Start Time on Stapedotomy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine if performing stapedotomy as the first case of the day provides improved outcomes compared with those performed later in the day. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Adult patients undergoing stapedotomy for otosclerosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were separated into either a first case group or a later case group based on surgical start time. Audiologic outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The first case group had a smaller postoperative air-bone gap (ABG) compared with the later case group of 9.81 dB HL compared with 11.73dB HL and 3.79 dB HL compared with 6.29 dB HL at 1000 and 2000 Hz, respectively (p = 0.03, p < 0.01). The mean postoperative ABG was 10.63 dB HL for the first start group compared with 12.12 dB HL for the later start group, which was statistically significant (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: First start stapedotomy is associated with slightly improved audiologic outcomes compared with those starting later in the day, although both groups had significantly improved postoperative outcomes overall. There was no significant difference in complications when comparing stapedotomy by case start time.

Early Outcomes of Simultaneous Translabyrinthine Resection and Cochlear Implantation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Hearing rehabilitation after translabyrinthine resection of a vestibular schwannoma (VS) has largely been based on the transfer of acoustic stimulus to the contralateral ear, typically through a contralateral routing of signal hearing aid or bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA). Cochlear implant, either as a subsequent surgery or simultaneously, has become a more common treatment option; however, there is still relatively limited data available on its success. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the early outcomes of simultaneous cochlear implantation in patients with sporadic VS undergoing translabyrinthine resection. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized study. METHODS: A prospective study of nonrandomized patients was completed at a tertiary care neurotology center. Audiologic outcomes, primarily based on AzBIO in quiet and background noise, as well as consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) testing of the affected ears were utilized. Tinnitus, dizziness, and spatial hearing questionnaries were also completed. Audiologic outcomes and questionnaires were compared between the pre- and postoperative groups. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study with 3 month follow-up data. There was statistically significant improvement in AzBO with +10 and +5 signal to noise ratio and in quiet, as well as in CNC testing (P < .05). There was a significant improvement in Tinnitus Handicap Inventory between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous cochlear implantation is a viable treatment for hearing loss after translabyrinthine approach to VS. These patients have improved hearing in background noise and tinnitus compared to their preoperative state. Further prognostic data are required to determine which patients are the best candidates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2312-E2317, 2021.

Audiologic Outcomes After Oval and Round Window Reinforcement Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Oval window (OW) and round window (RW) reinforcement surgery has been used for symptomatic treatment of multiple clinical entities, most commonly perilymphatic fistula and superior semicircular canal dehiscence. Owing to the theoretical acoustically negative effect of stiffening the windows, there has been concern of an unfavorable effect on audiologic outcomes due to the procedure. The purpose of this study is to specifically evaluate audiologic outcomes after OW and RW reinforcement. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing transcanal OW or RW reinforcement was completed. Patients were evaluated both as a total group and as two groups separated into "third window" and "two-window" groups based on their specific diagnosis. Primary outcomes included changes in individual pure-tone thresholds, pure-tone average (PTA), air-bone gap, speech reception threshold (SRT), and word recognition scores (WRS) between the preoperative and postoperative groups. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included in the study. The combined cohort demonstrated a significant postoperative 2.75 dB increase in the air conduction hearing level at 4000 Hz (p < 0.05). This was almost entirely accounted for by a 2.18 dB increase in the air-bone gap at this frequency (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes in PTA, SRT, or WRS between in the combined group or in the subgroup analysis. CONCLUSION: OW and RW tissue reinforcement resulted in a statistically significant but likely clinically insignificant decrease in hearing at the 4000 Hz frequency. There was no worsening of PTA, WRS, or SRT.

Hydroxyapatite cement cranioplasty in the setting of simultaneous translabyrinthine resection of cerebellopontine angle tumors and cochlear implantation.

Cochlear implantation (CI) has become an option for the treatment of hearing loss after translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannomas. The surgical video presents the case of a 67-year-old male who had translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma with simultaneous CI and closure with a hydroxyapatite (HA) cement cranioplasty. HA cement cranioplasty can be utilized in place of abdominal fat graft for the closure of translabyrinthine approaches with similar efficacy and complication profile. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a simultaneous CI and translabyrinthine resection of vestibular schwannoma with HA cement cranioplasty. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2021.7.FOCVID211.

Age-related hearing loss: Unraveling the pieces.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is the most common cause of hearing loss in the world. The development of ARHL in each individual is multifactorial, involving both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This review highlights several of the key findings in the ARHL literature and discusses future directions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA.