Radiological and surgical aspects of round window visibility during cochlear implantation: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: The round window approach has become the most preferred option for cochlear implant (CI) insertion, however, sometimes it may not be possible due to the (in)visibility of the round window membrane (RWM). We addressed the prevalence, consequences and indicators of difficult detection of the RWM in cochlear implant surgery. METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed the operative reports and preoperative high resolution axial-computed tomography (CT) scans of a consecutive cohort of patients who underwent a CI insertion. The main outcomes were surgical outcomes of the RW approach, and assessment of radiological markers. RESULTS: The operative reports showed that RWM insertion was feasible in 151 out of 153 patients. In 18% of the patients the RWM was difficult to visualize. All these patients had at least one intraoperative event. The chorda tympani nerve (CTN) or posterior canal wall was affected in 8% of the 153 patients and the fallopian canal in 6%. These patients had a facial-chorda tympani nerve distance on the CT scan that was considerably smaller than normal patients (1.5 mm vs 2.3 mm). In addition, a prediction line towards the anterolateral side of the RWM was found to be more prevalent in these patients' CT scans (sensitivity 81%, specificity 63%). CONCLUSION: The RW approach is feasible in almost all patients undergoing CI surgery. Difficult visualisation of the RWM seems to lead to at least one intraoperative event. Radiological measures showed that these patients had a smaller facial recess and a more anteriorly placed facial nerve, which can be used to better plan a safe insertion approach.

Tinnitus: Characteristics, Need for Therapy, and Therapeutic Outcomes; Results of an International Patient Initiated Platform.

INTRODUCTION: So far, there is a gap of knowledge about factors influencing the impact of tinnitus, the need for treatment, as well as the experienced effect of regular and alternative tinnitus therapies. In this study, we analyzed the need for treatment and the outcomes of these treatments in an international patient initiated in tinnitus platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two surveys were undertaken at an online tinnitus patient support community (www.tinnitustalk.com). The surveys were aimed at (1) using tinnitus treatment and outcomes and (2) the factors that influence tinnitus. Univariable logistic and linear regression were used to calculate the relation between the factors and the tinnitus impact as well as the relation with the used tinnitus treatments and the outcomes. RESULTS: Of the participants to the first survey (n = 5,017), 2,914 (58.1%) used one or more tinnitus therapies, whereas others most commonly self-administered sound therapy [n = 1,562 (31.1%)] and supplements/herbal medicines [n = 1,157 (23.1 %)]. Being female [odds ratio (OR) 0.83 (95% CI 0.74-0.93, p < 0.01)], tinnitus impact, and some degrees of hearing loss and hyperacusis were all statistically significantly associated with higher odds of having tinnitus treatment. Out of the second survey (n = 6,115), it was found that patient physical and psychological factors were statistically significantly related to tinnitus impact. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated the usage and experience of (multiple) tinnitus therapy in patients. Several patient physical and psychological characteristics were found to be related to tinnitus impact and therapy usage. These outcomes might function as the next step to find a personalized treatment and to improve the tinnitus health care.