This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion as salvage treatment for profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

A retrospective clinical study of 97 patients with unilateral profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was performed. In all, 83 patients who received salvage intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion plus conventional treatment (except for steroids) as the second-line therapy were assigned to the study group, while 14 patients who received conventional treatment alone were assigned to the comparison group.

In the study group, treatments in patients with a shorter interval from disease onset to intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion (up to 15 days) had significantly greater improvements in the overall effective rate and pure tone average compared with patients with a longer interval (over 15 days). For patients with a short interval from disease onset to intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion, those in the study group had significantly greater improvements in the overall effective rate and pure tone average compared with those in the comparison group. In both the study and comparison groups, hearing improvements were greater at low frequencies than at medium and high frequencies.

The interval from disease onset to intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion was the major factor affecting hearing recovery. Early second-line salvage intratympanic methylprednisolone perfusion significantly improved the degree of hearing recovery in profound idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients after failure of systemic steroid treatment.

To determine the pre- and post-operative prevalence of dizziness, tinnitus and taste disturbances in adult cochlear implant recipients.

A questionnaire regarding pre- and post-operative dizziness, tinnitus and taste disturbances was sent to 170 cochlear implant recipients implanted between January 2003 and March 2009. Seventy-seven patients (41 per cent) responded.

Pre-operatively, 20 per cent of the participants experienced dizziness, 52 per cent experienced tinnitus and 3 per cent experienced taste disturbances. Post-operative dizziness developed in 46 per cent of patients and resolved in the majority of these; however, 15 per cent reported dizziness more than six months after implantation. Tinnitus worsened in 25 per cent of patients, whereas 73 per cent reported attenuation or termination of tinnitus. Post-operatively, tinnitus developed in 12 per cent and taste disturbances developed in 17 per cent of the patients.

The high prevalence of dizziness, tinnitus and taste disturbances reported by cochlear implant recipients necessitates that assessment of symptoms related to inner ear and chorda tympani damage are included when evaluating operative results.

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare sinonasal malignancy, with poorly defined treatment protocols. Management at a tertiary centre was retrospectively evaluated to inform future treatment and follow up.

Cases treated with curative intent (2000–2014) were included. Data were collected, and overall and disease-free survival rates were calculated.

Eleven cases were identified, with a median follow up of 87 months. One patient was Kadish stage A, one was stage B, eight were stage C and one was stage D. The latter patient underwent chemoradiotherapy alone. The remaining patients proceeded to: endoscopic-assisted wide local excision (n = 2), anterior craniofacial resection (n = 4) or endoscopic craniofacial resection (n = 4). No patients had primary nodal disease or elective neck treatment. One patient had neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Six patients had post-operative radiotherapy; three received adjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients had late cervical node failure, and proceeded to neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy. Two patients had late local recurrence. Ten-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 68.2 and 46.7 per cent, respectively.

Longer-term follow up is supported given the incidence of late regional and local recurrence. Prophylactic treatment of cervical nodes in locally advanced disease is an area for further investigation.

To determine signs and symptoms for superior canal dehiscence syndrome caused by the superior petrosal sinus.

A review of the English-language literature on PubMed and Embase databases was conducted, in addition to a multi-centre case series report.

The most common symptoms of 17 patients with superior petrosal sinus related superior canal dehiscence syndrome were: hearing loss (53 per cent), aural fullness (47 per cent), pulsatile tinnitus (41 per cent) and pressure-induced vertigo (41 per cent). The diagnosis was made by demonstration of the characteristic bony groove of the superior petrosal sinus and the ‘cookie bite’ out of the superior semicircular canal on computed tomography imaging.

Pulsatile tinnitus, hearing loss, aural fullness and pressure-induced vertigo are the most common symptoms in superior petrosal sinus related superior canal dehiscence syndrome. Compared to superior canal dehiscence syndrome caused by the more common apical location of the dehiscence, pulsatile tinnitus and exercise-induced vertigo are more frequent, while sound-induced vertigo and autophony are less frequent. There is, however, considerable overlap between the two subtypes. The distinction cannot as yet be made on clinical signs and symptoms alone, and requires careful analysis of computed tomography imaging.

To compare clinical outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty performed under local versus general anaesthesia.

A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent injection laryngoplasty performed by a single laryngologist in a tertiary Australian laryngology centre, between February 2013 and December 2014. Patient demographics, anaesthetic modality and complications were recorded. Voice Handicap Index 10 and the Grade, Breathiness, Roughness, Asthenia, Strain scale were evaluated.

Thirty-four laryngoplasties were performed under general anaesthesia and 41 under local anaesthesia, with mean patient ages of 59.5 and 68.8 years, respectively. Voice Handicap Index 10 scores were significantly improved post-injection (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia (p > 0.05). All aspects of the Grade, Breathiness, Roughness, Asthenia, Strain scale showed significant improvement post-injection, except asthenia. There were seven (9.3 per cent) minor complications (five in the general anaesthesia group, two in the local anaesthesia group), all managed conservatively.

Injection laryngoplasties performed under general anaesthesia and local anaesthesia offer similar voice outcomes, with comparable complication rates. Hence, development of a management algorithm for injection laryngoplasties performed under local anaesthesia is recommended.

Paediatric tonsillectomy is a common procedure and one of the first skills acquired by surgical trainees. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding is one of the most significant complications. This study examined post-tonsillectomy bleed rates associated with technology and level of surgical experience.

Data were collected on all tonsillectomies performed by surgical consultants (n = 6) and trainees (n = 10) at affiliated hospitals over a nine-month period. Hospital records were audited for post-tonsillectomy bleeding re-admissions and returns to the operating theatre.

A total of 1396 tonsillectomies were performed (279 by trainees, 1117 by consultant surgeons). Primary post-tonsillectomy bleed rates were equivalent between trainees and consultants. Secondary bleed rates were significantly greater for trainees (10.0 per cent) compared to consultants (3.3 per cent), as were return to operating theatre rates (2.5 per cent vs 0.7 per cent). Amongst consultants, technology used was not associated with differences in secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding and returns to the operating theatre.

Our data suggest that experience of the surgeon may have greater bearing on post-tonsillectomy bleed rates than the technology used.

Does revision myringoplasty have worse outcomes than primary surgery?

The International Otology Database has been used to record data on surgery for middle-ear disease in Norfolk, UK, over nine years. The data show the results of all myringoplasty cases and the results of revision cases. Outcome measures are perforation and hearing change. Comparison is made with benchmark centres of excellence.

A total of 611 operations included myringoplasty; 356 (58 per cent) of cases had a recorded follow up at 3 months. Twenty-nine patients (8.1 per cent) had a post-operative perforation. Benchmark centres performed 2319 operations; 1284 (55 per cent) of these had a follow up at 3 months, and 82 patients (6.4 per cent) had a perforation at follow up. Sixty-nine of the Norfolk patients were revision cases. Six of the 69 patients (8.7 per cent) had a perforation at follow up. The average hearing gain in the revision myringoplasty patients in Norfolk was 7 dB.

The results of the revision myringoplasty cases are the same as those for the primary myringoplasty cases in this series.

To describe our finding of increased ossification of the modiolus in paediatric patients with auditory neuropathy who met criteria for cochlear implantation.

A retrospective case series with a comparison group at a tertiary referral centre is described. Seven paediatric patients with auditory neuropathy who met criteria for and underwent cochlear implantation were identified. Fifteen paediatric implantees with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss were included as the comparison group. All patients underwent pre-operative computed tomography. Attenuation at the modiolus was measured in all subjects by a neuroradiologist blinded to clinical information.

Attenuation values in the modiolus in the auditory neuropathy patients (mean ± standard deviation = 796.2 ± 53.0 HU) was statistically significantly higher than in the comparison sensorineural hearing loss patients (267.1 ± 45.6 HU; p < 0.05, t-test).

Patients with auditory neuropathy who meet criteria for cochlear implantation demonstrate significantly higher modiolar attenuation on computed tomography imaging, consistent with increased ossification at the modiolus.

To investigate lung function in Chinese patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and examine its association with histopathological features.

The lung function of 99 patients with nasal polyps was measured. Haematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to evaluate any inflammatory cells and epithelial tissue remodelling.

Predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25 per cent vital capacity was reduced (p < 0.05) in epithelial hyperplasia, and predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 50 per cent vital capacity was reduced (p < 0.05) in goblet cell hyperplasia. Both peripheral blood eosinophilia and tissue eosinophilia nasal polyps manifested significantly reduced: forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity ratio, predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25, 50 and 75 per cent of vital capacity, and predicted maximal mid-expiratory flow. Peripheral blood eosinophils were negatively correlated with predicted maximal expiratory flow rate at 25 and 50 per cent of vital capacity, and predicted maximal mid-expiratory flow. Eosinophils in tissue were negatively correlated with all lung function parameters investigated except predicted forced vital capacity.

Clinicians should be aware of lung function decline in nasal polyps patients, especially in those with tissue eosinophilia.

To analyse the relationship of pre-operative body mass index with surgical complications and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for head and neck squamous cell cancer.

A retrospective review was conducted of 259 patients who underwent microvascular free flap reconstruction after head and neck ablative surgery.

Mean body mass index was 22.48 kg/m2. There were no correlations between body mass index and: flap failure (p = 0.739), flap ischaemia (p = 0.644), pharyngocutaneous fistula (p = 0.141) or wound infection (p = 0.224). The five-year disease-specific survival rate was 63 per cent. On univariate analysis, the five-year disease-specific survival rate was significantly correlated with pre-operative body mass index, based on Kaplan–Meier survival curves (p = 0.028). The five-year disease-specific survival rates in underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese groups were 47 per cent, 55 per cent, 65 per cent and 80 per cent, respectively.

Pre-operative body mass index was a useful predictor for recurrence and survival in patients who underwent microvascular reconstruction for head and neck squamous cell cancer.

The pathogenesis of otitis media is related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The tensor veli palatini muscle actively opens the Eustachian tube and promotes middle-ear ventilation. This study describes a technique for paratubal electromyography that uses a surface, non-invasive electrode able to record tensor veli palatini muscle activity during swallowing.

Twenty otitis media patients and 10 healthy patients underwent tensor veli palatini electromyography. Activity of this muscle before and after Eustachian tube rehabilitation was also assessed.

In 78.5 per cent of patients, the electromyography duration phase and/or amplitude were reduced in the affected side. The muscle action potential was impaired in all patients who underwent Eustachian tube rehabilitation.

This study confirmed that Eustachian tube muscle dysfunction has a role in otitis media pathogenesis and showed that muscle activity increases after Eustachian tube rehabilitation therapy.

Tuberculosis is a global health problem that is especially prevalent in developing countries such as India. Recently, atypical presentation has become more common and a high index of suspicion is essential. This study analysed the various presenting symptoms and signs of tuberculous otitis media and the role of diagnostic tests, with the aim of formulating criteria for the diagnosis.

A total of 502 patients underwent tympanomastoidectomy over a two-year period. Microbiological and histopathological examinations and polymerase chain reaction analysis of tissue taken during tympanomastoidectomy were performed.

A total of 25 patients (5 per cent) were diagnosed with tuberculous otitis media. Severe mixed hearing loss, facial palsy, labyrinthine fistula, post-aural fistula, perichondritis and extradural abscess were noted.

There seems to be a resurgence in tuberculous otitis media in India. Microbiological, histopathological and polymerase chain reaction tests for tuberculosis are helpful for its diagnosis.

To determine the frequency of incidental findings found on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the internal auditory meatus performed to investigate audiovestibular symptoms, and to determine how to best manage these when found.

A retrospective review was conducted of internal auditory meatus magnetic resonance imaging scans during a three-month period in the radiology department at a UK district general hospital.

A total of 109 scans were reviewed. Of these, 92.7 per cent showed no retrocochlear pathology, 0.9 per cent showed vestibular schwannoma, 6.4 per cent revealed vascular loops, and 2.8 per cent showed incidental findings that warranted further action and investigation. Of the scans, 40.4 per cent showed other incidental pathologies such as age-related ischaemic changes, and sinus disease that required no further intervention. Of the magnetic resonance imaging scans reviewed, 49.5 per cent were entirely normal.

Almost half of the scans investigating audiovestibular symptoms showed incidental findings. Otolaryngologists should have an understanding of the significance of the most commonly encountered incidental findings, and should counsel patients appropriately and refer them onward when necessary.

Acute otitis media causes discomfort to children and inconvenience to their parents. This study evaluated the quality of life in children with recurrent acute otitis media aged less than 24 months.

Quality of life was evaluated in 149 children aged 10 to 24 months who were referred to the Oulu University Hospital on account of recurrent acute otitis media. The children were treated with or without surgery. Age-matched controls were selected randomly from the general child population. Parents completed the Child Health Questionnaire.

The children with recurrent acute otitis media had a significantly poorer quality of life than control children. The control children with a history of a few acute otitis media episodes had a significantly poorer quality of life than those without any such history. The quality of life of the children with recurrent acute otitis media improved during the one-year follow up, regardless of the treatment, but did not reach the same level as healthy children.

Acute otitis media detracted from quality of life when a generic measure was used. The mode of treatment used to prevent further recurrences of acute otitis media did not influence quality of life improvement.

To determine whether thiocolchicoside, a commonly used myorelaxant, may impair the acoustic reflex.

Forty-two patients scheduled to receive thiocolchicoside treatment for different reasons were enrolled in the study. Acoustic reflex thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz were determined and analysed statistically pre-treatment and on the 5th day of treatment.

Increases were observed in the mean acoustic reflex thresholds on the 5th day of treatment compared to pre-treatment, at all frequencies, except right contralateral thresholds at 500 and 2000 Hz. These increases were statistically significant for right ipsilateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz, left ipsilateral thresholds at 500, 1000, 2000 and 4000 Hz, and left contralateral thresholds at 2000 and 4000 Hz (p ≤ 0.05), but not at other frequencies (p > 0.05).

Muscle relaxant drugs, especially those affecting the central nervous system, may weaken the stapedial muscle so that the ability of noise to cause acoustic trauma may become evident. For this reason, physicians should advise their patients to avoid loud noises when muscle relaxant therapy is prescribed.

This paper presents our experience on delayed-onset haematoma formation after cochlear implantation, a topic which has not been well discussed in the literature.

Retrospective case review study.

Five children who had undergone cochlear implant surgery at 1.5 to 4 years of age (median, 2.5 years) were studied. The haematoma episodes occurred 2–12 years (median, 6 years) after cochlear implantation. Two patients had recurrent episodes. Two of the seven haematoma episodes were managed by needle aspiration alone, four by incision and drainage alone, and one by both needle aspiration and incision and drainage. Other than one patient with coagulopathy, there were no obvious predisposing factors, including trauma.

The majority of delayed-onset haematomas occurred without obvious predisposing factors. Needle aspiration can differentiate a haematoma from an abscess or cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and it provides an effective immediate therapeutic solution. However, aseptic techniques are emphasised to minimise the chances of an uncomplicated haematoma converting into a septic one.

Epistaxis is a common condition that can be associated with significant morbidity, and it places a considerable burden on our healthcare system. This national audit of management sought to assess current practice against newly created consensus recommendations and to expand our current evidence base.

The management of epistaxis patients who met the inclusion criteria, at 113 registered sites across the UK, was compared with audit standards during a 30-day window. Data were further utilised for explorative analysis.

Data for 1826 cases were uploaded to the database, representing 94 per cent of all cases that met the inclusion criteria at participating sites. Sixty-two per cent of patients were successfully treated by ENT clinicians within 24 hours. The 30-day recurrent presentation rate across the dataset was 13.9 per cent. Significant event analysis revealed an all-cause 30-day mortality rate of 3.4 per cent.

Audit findings demonstrate a varying alignment with consensus guidance, with explorative analysis countering some previously well-established tenets of management.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a well-established treatment modality for patients with vestibular problems.

Performing vestibular rehabilitation therapy in a closely monitored setting may result in a better outcome than a home exercise programme.

A retrospective study was conducted of patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation therapy between June 2005 and November 2012 in a tertiary university hospital. The Dynamic Gait Index, the main outcome measure, was utilised before and after the rehabilitation programme. The magnitude of improvement for all patients was analysed, mainly to compare the home exercise group with the closely monitored therapy group.

Only 32 patients underwent the vestibular rehabilitation therapy programme. In all patients, there was significant improvement in the mean Dynamic Gait Index score (from 11.75 to 17.38; p < 0.01). Dynamic Gait Index improvement was significantly higher with closely monitored therapy (mean improvement of 7.83 vs 2.79; p < 0.01).

The small sample size is a major limitation; nevertheless, closely monitored vestibular rehabilitation therapy resulted in improved performance status. More studies are needed to establish the efficiency of vestibular rehabilitation therapy and compare closely monitored therapy with tailored home exercise rehabilitation.

Cholesteatoma patients have a high risk of recurrence with complications, and knowledge exchange is a prerequisite for improving treatment. This study aimed to apply appropriate statistics to provide meaningful and transferable results from cholesteatoma surgery, to highlight independent prognostic factors, and to assess the incidence rate.

Incidence rates were assessed for the district of Aarhus, Denmark. From 147 patients operated on mainly with canal wall up mastoidectomies for debuting cholesteatomas, 10-year Kaplan–Meier recidivism rates were calculated and independent prognostic factors for the recidivism were identified by Cox multivariate regression analyses.

Incidence rate was 6.8 per 100 000 per year. The 10-year cumulative recidivism rate was 0.44 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.37–0.53). Independent prognostic factors for the recidivism were: age below 15 years (hazard ratio = 2.2; p > z = 0.002), cholesteatoma localised to the mastoid (hazard ratio = 1.7; p > z = 0.04), stapes erosion (hazard ratio = 1.9; p > z = 0.02) and incus erosion (hazard ratio = 1.9; p > z = 0.04).

The recidivism rate is influenced by several factors that are important to observe, both in the clinic and when comparing results from surgery.

Studies demonstrate the significance of intra- and inter-observer variability when measuring cerebellopontine angle tumours on magnetic resonance imaging, with measured differences as high as 2 mm.

To determine intra- and inter-observer measurement variability of cerebellopontine angle tumours in a specialised institution.

The magnetic resonance imaging maximal diameter of 12 randomly selected cerebellopontine angle tumours were independently measured by 4 neuroradiologists at a tertiary referral centre using a standard definition for maximal tumour diameter. Average deviation and intraclass correlation were subsequently calculated.

Inter-observer difference averaged 0.33 ± 0.04 mm (range, 0.0–0.8 mm). Intra-observer measurements were more consistent than inter-observer measurements, with differences averaging 0.17 mm (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.27–0.06, p = 0.002). Inter-observer reliability was 0.99 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.97–0.99), suggesting high reliability between the readings.

The use of a standard definition for maximal tumour volume provided high reliability amongst radiologists' readings. To avoid oversizing tumours, it is recommended that conservative monitoring be conducted by the same institution with thin slice magnetic resonance imaging scans.