Ear, nose, & throat journal最新文献

Objective: To identify the factors that influence the time to treatment (TT) in patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL). Method: This study included a total of 324 patients with ISSNHL, who were treated at our department between September 2021 and May 2024. Basic information and audiological indicators of patients were collected, and their relationship with the TT was analyzed. Results: The patients were classified into long-term (TT >7 days, n = 75) and short-term groups (TT ≤7 days, n = 249). A significant difference was observed in sex, type of hearing loss, pretreatment hearing threshold, average improved hearing threshold, linear distance, and effective rate between the 2 groups. Conclusion: The average pretreatment hearing threshold and linear distance are related to the TT, and both of them are independent influencing factors. Patients with mild hearing loss and long linear distance from hospital may have a longer TT.

Objective: Cochlear implant (CI) users face the decision of whether to upgrade to a new sound processor (SP) with technological advances. We wanted to assess the changes of speech perception ability and aided hearing thresholds as well as subjective satisfaction after upgrade to a new SP. Methods: Fifty-five patients who have used CI for 10 years or more and upgraded to a new SP were enrolled. Word recognition scores were assessed before the upgrade and compared to those assessed 1 year after the upgrade to the Nucleus 7 SP. Changes of aided hearing thresholds and C- and T-levels were analyzed. Results: Previous SPs were 3G in 5, Freedom in 40, N5 in 24, and N6 in 6. Speech perception remained relatively unaffected by SP upgrade. The C- and T-levels increased after SP upgrading and the aided thresholds with previous generation SPs were higher than those 1 year after SP upgrading at all frequencies. In questionnaires, subjects felt that there was a definite subjective benefit to upgrading while most (60%) felt no difference regarding the communication in noise. Conclusions: Speech perception remained similar, but there were improved hearing sensitivity and better satisfaction after SP upgrade.

Objectives: The current study examined the effectiveness of Rhinapi, a hypertonic saline nasal spray with Anatolian propolis added, on allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms in a European population. Methods: Four hundred and forty AR patients (251 males and 189 females) from various European centers were enrolled. Nasal examination, overall symptom scores, individual AR symptoms (nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction), and quality of life (QoL) were assessed before and after 3 weeks of treatment with Rhinapi, the nasal spray made of hypertonic saline with Anatolian propolis added (Bee&You, Istanbul, Turkey). Results: Rhinapi nasal drop use was associated with a substantial decrease (P < .05) in AR symptom ratings, including nasal discharge, sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction. QoL scores showed a significant improvement (P < .05), and the spray also alleviated swelling and improved concha color (P < .05). Conclusion: Rhinapi, Anatolian propolis-added hypertonic saline nasal spray (Bee&You, Istanbul, Turkey), when used for 3 weeks, reduced AR symptom scores and improved QoL. Both the concha color and the edema were also enhanced.

Objective: This study aims to assess the efficacy of clarithromycin (CAM) combined with fluticasone propionate (FP) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), focusing on nasal function, nasal mucociliary transport (MCT) function, and serum inflammatory markers. Methods: The control group (n = 48) was treated with FESS alone, while the study group (n = 48) was treated with FESS plus CAM combined with FP. The clinical effects, symptom scores, nasal function, nasal MCT function, serum inflammatory marker levels, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were compared. Results: The total efficacy rate of the study group (95.83%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (83.33%). After treatment, the study group showed lower symptom scores for nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and dizziness, and headache compared to those in the control group. The study group also had lower nasal airway resistance, shorter distance from the minimal cross-sectional area to the nostril, and lower T&T olfactory scores. In contrast, their nasal cavity volume and minimal cross-sectional area were higher than those of the control group. Additionally, the nasal mucociliary clearance and MCT rates were higher in the study group. Serum levels of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and procalcitonin were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (all P < .05). Conclusion: The use of CAM combined with FP in patients after FESS for CRS is effective, leading to the relief of clinical symptoms, improvement of nasal function, enhancement of MCT function, and reduction of inflammatory response, without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

Hamartomas, as non-true tumors, are commonly found in the lungs, digestive tract, and kidneys, and there are few clinical reports on nasal cases. Nasal histiocytosis accompanied by lymphatic lesions is a common feature of nasal hamartoma. Three patients with nasal cavity hamartoma were treated in our department, including 1 male and 2 females, with nasal obstruction or epistaxis. The imaging (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) of 2 patients showed a soft tissue mass in the nasal cavity and no erosion of bone, while in 1 patient, the imaging was inconclusive. The excised material in all patients was found to be a soft mass. The 3 cases showed the same pattern under histological examination, and all 3 patients were diagnosed with nasal cavity respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH). Nasal hamartoma is a rare disease with nonspecific clinical manifestations and imaging features and is often misdiagnosed. Only by a better understanding of this disease can the rate of correct clinical diagnosis be improved.

Background: Acquired aural atresia and aural stenosis have high recurrence rates, which are challenging for ear, nose, and throat surgeons. This study aimed to discuss the management of acquired aural atresia and aural stenosis to obtain favorable outcomes. Methods: Four representative cases of different etiologies are presented, and a related literature review was conducted. Results: Four patients aged 11 to 63 years were included in this study. Every patient with long-term follow-up (≥1 year) achieved favorable outcomes via pre- and postoperative management. Conclusion: Prevention in clinical practice is conducive to decreasing the incidence of acquired aural stenosis and aural atresia. Surgical techniques and postoperative management determine operative success. External auditory canal support is indispensable, and local corticosteroid injections in the early stage are beneficial for the management of restenosis.