The Role of Occlusion of the External Ear Canal in Hearing Loss.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives are to determine and compare the degrees of hearing loss upon occlusion of the cartilaginous and the bony portion of the external ear canal (EAC). METHODS: There were 20 healthy participants with normal ears, and all gave an informed consent. After an otoscopy, a baseline pure tone audiogram (PTA) was conducted. If the PTA of the participant was normal, aqueous cream was applied with a syringe via an 18 G cannula, from the tympanic membrane up to the isthmus which corresponds to the bony ear canal. A second PTA was conducted, and subsequently the cream was removed via suction under microscope guidance. The procedure was then repeated with the cream applied from the isthmus to the aperture of the external ear canal using the same cannula followed by a PTA and removal of cream under microscope. RESULTS: The mean threshold difference of occlusion at both portions of the ear canal were compared and analyzed. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the cartilaginous EAC was 37.5 to 48 dB. The mean threshold difference of hearing loss upon occlusion at the bony EAC was less, with a range of 21 to 24.95dB. There was a statistical difference (p<0.05) in the hearing loss between the blockage of the cartilaginous canal versus the blockage of the bony canal with a maximum difference at 2kHz. CONCLUSION: Cartilaginous block of the external ear canal causes more hearing loss than block of the bony ear canal. This correlates with the concept and properties of sound waves, resonance and impedance.

The effectiveness of combined tonsillectomy and anterior palatoplasty in the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

The prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasing due to a rising rate of obesity. Multiple surgical techniques used to address obstruction at the palatal level have been associated with significant morbidities. Few studies have reported good outcomes of anterior palatoplasty (AP) in mild-to-moderate OSA. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of combining tonsillectomy and anterior palatoplasty in the treatment of snoring and OSA. All patients with snoring and OSA treated with tonsillectomy and anterior palatoplasty were analyzed. The primary outcome was reduction of the apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI) with surgical success criteria; reduction of AHI by ≥50% and AHI ≤10. The secondary outcomes measured were patients' Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and snoring visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Thirty one patients completed the study, where 19% had mild, 42% moderate, and 39% had severe OSA. The mean surgical success rate was 45% at 3 months and 32% at 1-year post-operatively. There was a significant reduction of ESS and VAS at 3 months and 1-year post-operatively (p < 0.05). Combination of tonsillectomy and anterior palatoplasty could be considered as a treatment option for snoring and OSA in selected groups of patients (mild-to-moderate OSA with mainly retropalatal obstruction). The surgical success was found to reduce with time, and BMI optimization should be emphasized as part of post-operative care.

The tick Ixodida: an unusual foreign body in the ear.

We report a patient with a hard tick in her left ear, adherent to the tympanic membrane.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the nasal septum (case report).

We report an extremely rare case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the nasal septum. A patient with a history of right-sided nasal obstruction presented to our clinic. Clinical examination revealed a mass in the right nasal cavity originating from the nasal septum. Biopsy revealed a high-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The patient was treated with surgical resection only. Surgery alone might be suitable for small tumors when direct inspection of the surgical site is feasible to detect early recurrence.

Study of epithelial migration in the tympanic membrane and bony external auditory canal wall in patients with irradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of epithelial migration in patients with postirradiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and to compare the rate of epithelial migration in the tympanic membrane (TM) and the bony external auditory canal (EAC) of postirradiated NPC ears with normal ears by means of the ink dot method. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized case-control study involving patients with NPC and control subjects with healthy ears seen in an otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic. SETTING: Otorhinolaryngology Outpatient Clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur. PATIENTS: Patients with NPC who have completed radiotherapy and patients with normal ear presenting with other complaints. INTERVENTION: Patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen for this study. All the selected patients' ears were visualized under a microscope and were cleaned, and ink dots were applied at the umbo and annulus. They were followed up on a 2- to 3-weekly basis until the ink dots reached the specified landmarks. The distance and pattern of migration were recorded and calculated. The mean radiation dose received by both the right and left TM and EAC was mapped and calculated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate and pattern of epithelial migration in the NPC group compared with that in the control group. RESULTS: The mean radiation dose to both the TM and EAC did not show a significant difference (p > 0.05). The entire TM study group showed epithelial migration from the umbo toward the annulus and EAC, except in 1 ear. The mean rate of epithelial migration on the TM of the study group was 51.35 µm/d compared with that on the control group, which was 64.68 µm/d, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Of the ears in the control group, 42.5% showed a migration pattern toward the posterior-superior direction, whereas 45% of the ears in the study group showed a migration pattern toward the posterior-inferior direction. In the EAC of the study group, the mean epithelial migration was noted to be accelerated compared to that of the control group (144.75 and 94.33 µm/d, respectively; p < 0.05). The mean rate of migration between the TM and the EAC was also different. Both the study and control groups showed a significant difference in migration, with a faster rate of migration in the EAC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We noted a significant delay in the rate of epithelial migration in the TM of patients with postirradiated NPC and an accelerated rate of migration in the EAC of patients with postirradiated NPC. In addition, epithelial migration in the EAC was also noted to be faster than that in the TM of the control population.

Injecting realism in surgical training-initial simulation experience with custom 3D models.

UNLABELLED: The traditionally accepted form of training is direct supervision by an expert; however, modern trends in medicine have made this progressively more difficult to achieve. A 3-dimensional printer makes it possible to convert patients imaging data into accurate models, thus allowing the possibility to reproduce models with pathology. This enables a large number of trainees to be trained simultaneously using realistic models simulating actual neurosurgical procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of these models in training surgeons to perform standard procedures that require complex techniques and equipment. METHODS: Multiple models of the head of a patient with a deep-seated small thalamic lesion were created based on his computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging data. A workshop was conducted using these models of the head as a teaching tool. The surgical trainees were assessed for successful performance of the procedure as well as the duration of time and number of attempts taken to learn them. FINDINGS: All surgical candidates were able to learn the basics of the surgical procedure taught in the workshop. The number of attempts and time taken reflected the seniority and previous experience of each candidate. DISCUSSION: Surgical trainees need multiple attempts to learn essential procedures. The use of these models for surgical-training simulation allows trainees to practice these procedures repetitively in a safe environment until they can master it. This would theoretically shorten the learning curve while standardizing teaching and assessment techniques of these trainees.

Pneumatization of Mastoid Air Cells, Temporal Bone, Ethmoid and Sphenoid Sinuses. Any Correlation?

The aim of this study is to assess the pneumatization of the paranasal sinuses (PNS) and other parts of temporal bone such as mastoid air cells and to investigate if there was any association between the aeration of these structures among the three major ethnic groups in Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian) as this would be representative of Asia. A retrospective review of 150 computed tomography (CT) scans of PNS and temporal bones was done and analysed. The pneumatization of each area was obtained and compared using statistical analysis. Patients with a history of previous medical or surgical problems in the intended areas were excluded from the study. The pneumatization of the mastoid air cells and other temporal bone parts were noted to be symmetrical in more than 75 %. There was a positive correlation between the pneumatization of mastoid air cells and that of the sphenoid sinus. The prevalence of Agger nasi, Haller's and Onodi cells was observed to be significantly higher in the Chinese group. Preoperative assessment of the temporal bone and PNS with CT scan may be helpful in the evaluation of their anatomical landmark and decrease the possibility of surgical complications related to 3D structures.

A rare case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia presenting with ipsilateral facial paresis and concomitant severe sensorineural hearing loss

@#p style=text-align: left;strongOBJECTIVE:/strong To report a case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia presenting with ipsilateral facial nerve paresis and concomitant severe sensorineural hearing loss.METHODS/strong:br /strongDesign:/strong Case Reportbr /strongSetting:/strong Secondary Government Hospitalbr /strongPatient:/strong One RESULTS:/strong We report a case of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia with concomitant ipsilateral facial nerve paresis and severe sensorineural hearing loss in an elderly female. She presented to us with left facial nerve palsy House-Brackmann Grade III and prior history of ipsilateral sensorineural hearing loss. MRI of the brain showed normal inner ear structures but revealed a dilated and tortuous basilar artery with compression on the left medulla and possible branches of anterior inferior cerebellar artery as it coursed superiorly and possible partial thrombosis of proximal basilar artery.CONCLUSION:/strong Concomitant facial nerve paresis and sensorineural hearing loss can be the clinical presentations of this rare but important condition. MRI is vital in diagnosing vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia./p

The creation and verification of cranial models using three-dimensional rapid prototyping technology in field of transnasal sphenoid endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical navigation systems have been used increasingly in guiding complex ear, nose, and throat surgery. Although these are helpful, they are only beneficial intraoperatively; thus, the novice surgeon will not have the preoperative training or exposure that can be vital in complex procedures. In addition, there is a lack of reliable models to give surgeons hands-on training in performing such procedures. METHODS: A technique using an industrial rapid prototyping process by three-dimensional (3D) printing was developed, from which accurate spatial models of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses (sphenoid sinus in particular), and intrasellar/pituitary pathology were produced, according to the parameters of an individual patient. Image-guided surgical (IGS) techniques on two different platforms were used during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery to test and validate the anatomical accuracy of the sinus models by comparing the models with radiological images of the patient on IGS. RESULTS: It was possible to register, validate, and navigate accurately on these models using commonly available navigation stations, matching accurately the anatomy of the model to the IGS images. CONCLUSION: These 3D models can be reliably used for teaching/training and preoperative planning purposes.

Comparison of the efficacy between oral rinse, oral gargle, and oral spray.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Patients with sore throats are often treated with oral gargles or oral sprays. Some may rinse instead of gargle, leading to unsatisfactory outcome. The authors studied the efficacy of oral rinses, gargles, and sprays and the effect of Friedman palate position on the outcome. METHODS: Ten subjects used specially prepared solutions to rinse, gargle, and then spray their oral cavities at 2-hour intervals. The blue dye indicated the areas stained by the solution, which were scored. RESULTS: Although there was no difference in reaching the oropharynx between the gargles and sprays, they were both better than were the oral rinses (P < .001). The difference in Friedman palate position did not have an effect on the efficacy of the different modalities. CONCLUSION: Oral gargles and sprays have been shown to be significantly better than are oral rinses if the oropharynx is the targeted site, and the size of the oral airway does not impede their efficacy.

The creation and verification of cranial models using three-dimensional rapid prototyping technology in field of transnasal sphenoid endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical navigation systems have been used increasingly in guiding complex ear, nose, and throat surgery. Although these are helpful, they are only beneficial intraoperatively; thus, the novice surgeon will not have the preoperative training or exposure that can be vital in complex procedures. In addition, there is a lack of reliable models to give surgeons hands-on training in performing such procedures. METHODS: A technique using an industrial rapid prototyping process by three-dimensional (3D) printing was developed, from which accurate spatial models of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses (sphenoid sinus in particular), and intrasellar/pituitary pathology were produced, according to the parameters of an individual patient. Image-guided surgical (IGS) techniques on two different platforms were used during endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery to test and validate the anatomical accuracy of the sinus models by comparing the models with radiological images of the patient on IGS. RESULTS: It was possible to register, validate, and navigate accurately on these models using commonly available navigation stations, matching accurately the anatomy of the model to the IGS images. CONCLUSION: These 3D models can be reliably used for teaching/training and preoperative planning purposes.

Epithelial migration on the external ear canal wall in normal and pathologic ears.

HYPOTHESIS: Epithelial migration on the external auditory canal (EAC) wall is abnormal in ears with keratosis obturans (KO). BACKGROUND: Earlier studies of epithelial migration have focused on the tympanic membrane with scattered information available for epithelial migration on canal walls. This study was undertaken to observe the epithelial migration on the EAC wall in normal ears and in ears with KO. METHODS: Twenty-five subjects with normal ears and 4 with KO were recruited for the study. Colored ink dots were placed around the tympanic annulus at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. Migration patterns and the rate of travel of these ink dots were examined and photographed until the ink dots reached the bony cartilaginous junction. RESULTS: Fifteen healthy subjects and 1 with bilateral KO completed the study. The ink dots migrated laterally, with a rate of migration in normal ears between 42 and 205 µm/d. The mean rates for each quadrant, measured clockwise from the 12 o'clock position, were 104.93, 89.80, 72.67, and 109.93 µm/d, respectively. The pathologic ears exhibited a rate between 88 and 140 µm/d, and at approximately 4 to 12 weeks after ink application, areas of abnormal desquamation were apparent at the inferior quadrant, leading to a halt in the migration of the ink dot once it reached these sites. CONCLUSION: Epithelial migration occurred in an almost linear pattern in all quadrants, but the speed of migration was relatively slower in the anterior and inferior quadrants of a normal EAC. In the single KO patient, there were areas of normal migration and areas of abnormal keratin resurfacing at the inferior quadrant, which interfered with the migration of ink dots.

Cell-mediated immunity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and allergic rhinitis: a controlled study.

We conducted a prospective study of 60 patients in a tertiary care referral center to ascertain the status of cell-mediated immunity as determined by delayed hypersensitivity reactions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) or allergic rhinitis. Delayed hypersensitivity as detected by Mantoux testing is generally accepted as a reflection of the level of cell-mediated immunoactivity-the less hypersensitivity reaction that occurs, the lower the level of immunoactivity is, and vice versa. Our study population was made up of three groups: 20 newly diagnosed patients with NPC (pretreatment), 20 age- and sex-matched patients with allergic rhinitis, and 20 matched controls without either disease. A negative Mantoux test (0- to 5-mm induration) was seen in 13 patients with NPC (65.0%), in 17 patients with allergic rhinitis (85.0%), and in 16 controls (80.0%); none of these differences was statistically significant. However, it is interesting that while the NPC group had the lowest percentage of negative Mantoux results overall, it had the highest percentage of patients who had no reaction at all (i.e., 0-mm induration); a complete absence of any reaction was seen in 7 of the 13 Mantoux-negative NPC patients (53.8%), compared with 2 of the 17 Mantoux-negative allergic rhinitis patients (11.8%) and 3 of the 16 Mantoux-negative controls (18.8%). An absence of a reaction generally indicates a very limited degree of cell-mediated immunoactivity. Therefore, we conclude that patients with NPC appear to have significantly less cell-mediated immunity than do patients with allergic rhinitis and normal controls; no statistically significant difference was noted between the latter two groups.

Role of impacted cerumen in hearing loss.

We performed a study to determine if cerumen in the ear canal causes significant hearing loss and to ascertain if there is any correlation between the amount of cerumen and the degree of hearing loss. Our study was conducted on 109 ears in 80 patients. The results indicated that impacted cerumen does cause a significant degree of conductive hearing loss. We found no significant correlation between the length of the cerumen plug and the severity of hearing loss. Nor did we find any significant correlation between the presence of impacted cerumen and variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, or affected side.

Evaluation of tracheal diameter after surgical tracheostomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the narrowing of the trachea in head and neck surgical patients who had undergone elective tracheostomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective study. Twenty-five patients were included in this study. All these patients had a preoperative elective tracheotomy, preceding major head and neck surgery for head and neck malignancies. An x-ray of the lateral soft tissue neck was taken after a minimum of 6 weeks after the dissimulation of tracheotomy tube. Diameter of the trachea above the stoma (around 2 cm below the cricoid ring that can be clearly seen in lateral x-ray corresponding to the second tracheal ring) was taken as controls. Data were entered into a computer database and statistically analyzed using SPSS for Windows (version 12.0; SPSS, Chicago, Ill). In addition to descriptive statistics for all patients, inferential statistics were used to compare the 2 tracheal diameters across all patients and within the subgroups of men and women. Associations between outcome and other variables were evaluated statistically using an chi 2 test for the categorical data. Other parametric and nonparametric statistical tests were used when appropriate. Criterion for statistical significance was set at P < .05 (Student t test and 2-tailed test). RESULTS: From this study, 92% (23/25) patients developed narrowing of trachea, all less than 50%. Very early decanulation of tracheotomy shows low or no narrowing at all. There is gradual narrowing in patients in whom dissimulations were performed after 14 days. Ethnicities of Indian decent (13/25) predominate in this study population. Male patients in this study have shorter decanulation period compared with female. CONCLUSIONS: Elective surgical tracheotomy is a relatively safe procedure resulting in minimum asymptomatic tracheal stenosis.

Epithelial migration of the postmyringoplasty tympanic membrane.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the postmyringoplasty tympanic membrane (TM) behaves in a similar way compared with a healthy nonoperated eardrum by calculating and comparing the epithelial migration rate and pattern. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized case-control study. Each subject who has undergone a myringoplasty and with healthy contralateral TM as control is included in this study. SETTING: Otolaryngology outpatient clinic. PATIENTS: A total of 23 subjects with 46 ears have been selected from otolaryngology outpatient clinic of the University Malaya Medical Center after excluding two subjects from this study. The study was conducted from June 2003 to September 2004. INTERVENTION: All the selected subjects' ears were examined under a microscope. Methylene blue ink dot was applied to the epithelium of the TM at the immediate vicinity of the umbo; then, weekly follow-up was performed until the migratory pattern and the rate of epithelial migration was noted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Direction and rate of epithelial migration in both study and control group were measured and compared. RESULTS: Epithelial migration did occur in postgrafted TM, from the umbo region toward the ear canal wall in a lateral radiating manner. Most of the patients (19 of 23 patients [82.6%]) showed nearly similar migratory pattern (same direction) in both the control and the study ear. None of the 46 ears showed any evidence of epithelial migration in the anteroinferior direction of TM. The rate of migration was slower in the beginning, especially near the umbo region (almost no movement at the first 1 or 2 weeks after ink dot application). For both groups, the rate of migration increased when approaching the periphery or annulus region. There was not much difference in the mean daily migratory rate between the control and the study ear (93.4 microm/d and 91.7 microm/d, respectively). The mean migratory rate was highest in subtotal perforation (97.2 microm/d) and lowest in small perforations (< 20%; 83.6 microm/d). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in epithelial migration rate and pattern between the postmyringoplasty TM and the healthy TM.