Cochlear Implantation in Radiation-Induced Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Cochlear implantation (CI) has been reported as a treatment modality for radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, its efficacy is based on individual reports with no cumulative supporting evidence. Therefore, we conducted the current systematic review to provide cumulative evidence regarding the feasibility and safety of CI in this context. DATABASES REVIEWED: An online bibliographic search was conducted in PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science using MeSH-based terms. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to retrieve both observational and interventional studies that reported the outcomes of CI for patients suffering from radiation-induced SNHL. RESULTS: We included 12 studies that recruited 88 patients who underwent CI because of radiation-induced SNHL. All included studies reported satisfactory hearing/speech perception outcomes. No serious complications were reported, whereas some manageable adverse events were reported, such as paroxysmal facial spams (n = 1), postauricular wound dehiscence with mastoid cutaneous fistula (n = 1), dehiscence in blind sac closure (n = 1), and electrode exposure (n = 1). Four studies assessed the postoperative quality of life/patient satisfaction, showing improved outcomes. CONCLUSION: CI could be considered to be feasible and safe in patients with irradiation-induced SNHL. The adverse events of CI in such cases are manageable. Future studies are needed to be strengthened this context.

Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a Rare Sequela After Complete Recovery From COVID-19 Infection: Case Series and Literature Review.

Respiratory disease caused by a mutant coronavirus variant has spread rapidly worldwide. According to reports, the COVID-19 version propagated at the end of 2019 and originated in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2022, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and on March 11, 2020, the outbreak has declared a pandemic. The COVID-19 infection might appear with no symptoms, very few symptoms, or extremely severe symptoms We are the first to identify sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) as a side effect in COVID-19 patients who have fully recovered from the illness. Additionally, all reported cases of this presentation have an unexplained unilateral left ear involvement. This article reviews the literature and four cases of COVID-19 patients with SSNHL. We present four cases of COVID-19 positivity that were verified by PCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs. After fully recovering from the infection, all patients developed acute sensorineural hearing loss on the left side. A deterioration in the hearing ability among COVID-19 survivors makes it possible that the problem persists long after their recovery from infection. To support such a claim, additional in-depth research is required. The current study, in our opinion, will contribute to an increase in understanding about COVID-19, promote awareness, and alert healthcare professionals to take into account and discuss any symptoms.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Improvement Secondary to Moderate Weight Loss: Case Report.

The Eustachian tube (ET) is an osteocartilaginous canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. It is one of the critical structures essential for middle ear functions. ET dysfunction causes discomfort in the affected ear and decreased hearing. This is the first case report of improving hearing and middle ear aeration and ET function secondary to body weight reduction. A 27-year-old male patient presented to the otology clinic complaining of decreased hearing for two years. Initial ear examination revealed retraction of TM on the left ear with two retraction pockets, and on the right ear, the TM was dull with one retraction pocket. The patient reported losing some of his body weight during those six months. Ear examination revealed improvement in the TM retraction in both ears. The improvement in hearing was evidenced by a serial audiogram, while the middle ear aeration was evidenced by clinical examination.

The outcome of our modified double-flap technique for cochlear implantation: a case series of 342 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: A lazy S-shaped postauricular incision with a modified double-flap technique has been used for cochlear implant surgery at our institution for the past 10 years. The postoperative surgical complications, morbidity, and outcome of this technique were evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective case review was conducted in a tertiary referral teaching center. A total of 342 patients with profound sensory hearing loss (173 female and 169 male subjects; age range, 11 months to 52 years) who underwent cochlear implantation using the double-flap postauricular transmastoid surgical approach during a 5-year period (2005 through 2009) with at least 5 years' follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Postoperative wound complications were identified. Major complications included flap necrosis, wound infection requiring surgical intervention, and wound dehiscence with or without implant exposure. Swelling over the implant and superficial wound infections treated medically were considered minor complications. Other non-wound-related complications, surgical time, and number of electrodes inserted were also recorded. RESULTS: The surgical approach was accomplished in all the patients with four minor wound complications. The mean surgical time was 1.4 hours, and the mean time between surgery and the programming process was 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: This modified double-flap technique was easy to perform and appeared to reduce the incidence of wound complications in cochlear implant surgery. It allowed programming of the implant after a shorter period of time.