This study aimed to assess degree of audiovestibular handicap in patients with vestibular schwannoma.

Audiovestibular handicap was assessed using the Hearing Handicap Inventory, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory. Patients completed questionnaires at presentation and at least one year following treatment with microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery or observation. Changes in audiovestibular handicap and factors affecting audiovestibular handicap were assessed.

All handicap scores increased at follow up, but not significantly. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and Dizziness Handicap Inventory scores predicted tinnitus and dizziness respectively. The Hearing Handicap Inventory was not predictive of hearing loss. Age predicted Tinnitus Handicap Inventory score and microsurgery was associated with a deterioration in Dizziness Handicap Inventory score.

Audiovestibular handicap is common in patients with vestibular schwannoma, with 75 per cent having some degree of handicap in at least one inventory. The overall burden of handicap was, however, low. The increased audiovestibular handicap over time was not statistically significant, irrespective of treatment modality.

To establish outcomes following photobiomodulation therapy for tinnitus in humans and animal studies.

A systematic review and narrative synthesis was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. The databases searched were: Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (‘Central’), ClinicalTrials.gov and Web of Science including the Web of Science Core collection. There were no limits on language or year of publication.

The searches identified 194 abstracts and 61 full texts. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting outcomes in 1483 humans (26 studies) and 34 animals (2 studies). Photobiomodulation therapy parameters included 10 different wavelengths, and duration ranged from 9 seconds to 30 minutes per session. Follow up ranged from 7 days to 6 months.

Tinnitus outcomes following photobiomodulation therapy are generally positive and superior to no photobiomodulation therapy; however, evidence of long-term therapeutic benefit is deficient. Photobiomodulation therapy enables concentrated, focused delivery of light therapy to the inner ear through a non-invasive manner, with minimal side effects.

To investigate epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 production in nasal mucosa irrigated with hypertonic 2.3 per cent solution with algae extracts, in comparison to 0.9 per cent NaCl during the first two weeks after surgery for nasal polyposis, in relation to symptoms and local findings.

This prospective study included 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with hypertonic solution and 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with isotonic solution. We evaluated nasal symptom score, endoscopic score and mediator levels in nasal secretions before and after irrigation.

Following treatment, nasal symptom score and endoscopic score were significantly lower in the hypertonic solution group (p = 0.023; p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in the epidermal growth factor and the decrease in the transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 concentration were higher in the hypertonic group (p < 0.001 for all mediators).

Irrigation with a hypertonic solution was found to be more effective than an isotonic solution in nasal mucosa reparation.

Dental and mucosal injuries from laryngoscopy in the peri-operative period are common medico-legal complaints. This study investigated lawsuits arising from laryngoscopy.

Westlaw, a legal database containing trial records from across the USA, was retrospectively reviewed. Plaintiff and/or defendant characteristics, claimed injuries, legal outcomes and awards were extracted.

Of all laryngoscopy-related dental or mucosal injuries brought before a state or federal court, none (0 per cent) resulted in a defence verdict against the provider or monetary gain for the patient. Rulings in the patient's favour were observed only when laryngoscopy was found to be the proximate cause of multiple compounding complications that culminated in severe medical outcomes such as exsanguination, septic shock or cardiopulmonary arrest.

Proper laryngoscopy technique and a robust informed-consent process that accurately sets patients' expectations reduces litigation risk. Future litigation pursuits should consider the low likelihood of malpractice allegation success at trial.

To evaluate if fusion computed tomography–diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may have a role in the pre-operative assessment of congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma.

A retrospective chart review of surgically treated congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma patients over a 2-year timespan was conducted. Pre-operative staging was performed on computed tomography and fusion computed tomography–diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging based on extension of the disease according to the ChOLE classification system and the Potsic classification system. Intra-operative staging was compared to imaging findings to evaluate accuracy of the two imaging modalities in predicting congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma extent.

Computed tomography was able to correctly predict congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma extent in three out of six cases according to the ChOLE classification system, all of which were staged as Ch1a and Ch1b on pre-operative computed tomography. Cases in which computed tomography was not able correctly to determine congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma extent were staged as Ch3 on pre-operative computed tomography. Fusion scans correctly determined congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma extent in all cases according to the ChOLE classification.

Fusion computed tomography–diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in cases of congenital middle-ear cholesteatoma where pre-operative computed tomography shows mastoid and antrum opacification, in which computed tomography alone may overestimate cholesteatoma extension beyond the level of the lateral semi-circular canal.

Fibre-optic laryngoscopy is still widely used in daily clinical practice; however, high-definition laryngoscopy using narrow band imaging could be more reliable in characterising pharyngeal and laryngeal lesions.

Endoscopic videos were assessed in a tertiary referral hospital by 12 observers with different levels of clinical experience. Thirty pairs of high-definition laryngoscopy with narrow band imaging and fibre-optic laryngoscopy videos were judged twice, with an interval of two to four weeks, in a random order. Inter- and intra-observer reliability, sensitivity and specificity were calculated in terms of detecting a malignant lesion and a specific histological entity, for beginners, trained observers and experts.

Using high-definition laryngoscopy with narrow band imaging, inter-observer reliability for detecting malignant lesions increased from moderate to substantial in trained observers and experts (high-definition laryngoscopy with narrow band imaging κ = 0.66 and κ = 0.77 vs fibre-optic laryngoscopy κ = 0.51 and κ = 0.56, for trained observers and experts respectively) and sensitivity increased by 16 per cent.

Inter-observer reliability increased with the level of clinical experience, especially when using high-definition laryngoscopy with narrow band imaging.

The indications for and approaches to extracapsular dissection for parotid gland benign tumours are debated in the literature. This study retrospectively evaluates a single site's short- and long-term results with a standardised extracapsular dissection approach to benign parotid tumours.

A retrospective review of a single institution's records identified cases with extracapsular dissection as the primary surgery for non-recurrent benign parotid tumours. A total of 194 eligible patients were identified (124 women and 70 men, age 47.75 ± 15.62 years). Pre-, intra- and post-surgical data were reviewed for complications and recurrences.

Histology reported pleomorphic adenoma in 165 patients, Warthin's tumour in 28 patients and both in one patient. Mean follow up was 36 ± 16 months (range, 12–84 months). The incidences of complications following extracapsular dissection were temporary (n = 13) and permanent (n = 0) facial nerve dysfunction, Frey's syndrome (n = 1)) and recurrences (n = 5). These rates align with prior literature.

This case series shows how a standardised approach to extracapsular dissection for benign parotid tumours yields favourable results, supporting a progressive change of strategy towards reduced invasiveness.

The fragility index represents the minimum number of patients required to convert an outcome from statistically significant to insignificant. This report assesses the fragility index of head and neck cancer randomised, controlled trials.

Studies were extracted from PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases.

Overall, 123 randomised, controlled trials were included. The sample size and fragility index medians (interquartile ranges) were 103 (56–213) and 2 (0–5), respectively. The fragility index exceeded the number of patients lost to follow up in 42.3 per cent (n = 52) of studies. A higher fragility index correlated with higher sample size (r = 0.514, p < 0.001), number of events (r = 0.449, p < 0.001) and statistical significance via p-value (r = −0.367, p < 0.001).

Head and neck cancer randomised, controlled trials demonstrated low fragility index values, in which statistically significant results could be nullified by altering the outcomes of just two patients, on average. Future head and neck oncology randomised, controlled trials should report the fragility index in order to provide insight into statistical robustness.

As autophony can be accompanied by several conditions, it is important to find co-morbidities. This paper reports a patient with Kennedy's disease (spinobulbar muscular atrophy, an X-linked, hereditary, lower motor neuron disease) having autophony as the first symptom.

A 62-year-old male presented to the otorhinolaryngology department with autophony that began 2 years previously and worsened after losing weight 3 months prior to presentation. Otoscopic examination demonstrated inward and outward movement of the tympanic membrane, synchronised with respiration. Although he had no other symptoms, facial twitching was found on physical examination. In the neurology department, lower motor neuron disease, with subtle weakness of the tongue, face and upper limbs, and gynaecomastia, were confirmed. He was diagnosed with Kennedy's disease based on genetic analysis.

Autophonia was presumed to be attributed to bulbofacial muscle weakness due to Kennedy's disease, and worsened by recent weight loss. Patients with autophony require a thorough history-taking and complete physical examination to assess the nasopharynx and the integrity of lower cranial function.

This study aimed to evaluate the sensory processing abilities of adults with acquired hearing loss and determine whether their sensory processing patterns differ from those of the general population and adults with normal hearing.

The study evaluated the sensory processing functions of 30 adults with acquired hearing loss using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and compared them with the sensory processing functions of 30 adults with normal hearing.

The results showed that individuals with hearing loss have a significantly higher sensitivity to stimuli related to motion, vision, activity and touch, exhibiting a low-registration sensory pattern and a sensation-avoiding pattern that differed from those of most individuals.

Assessing sensory processing profiles can help identify specific sensory difficulties and inform individualised treatment plans. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory processing patterns in the management of hearing loss to improve overall well-being and quality of life for adults with hearing loss.

Evaluate long-term voice outcome after bilateral medialisation thyroplasty in glottic insufficiency due to vocal fold atrophy with or without sulcus.

Patients after medialisation thyroplasty for vocal fold atrophy with or without sulcus were identified. Long-term post-operative subjective voice outcomes (> 1 year) using Voice Handicap Index-30, subjective ratings on voice aspects and study-specific questionnaire were compared to pre-operative and shorter-term (1 year) values.

Thirty-six patients were identified, of which 26 were included (16 atrophy, 10 sulcus) with median follow up of 6.7 years. Mean Voice Handicap Index score at > 1 year (40.0) showed clinically relevant (≥ 15 for groups) and statistically significant improvement compared to pre-operative score (58.1) and remained stable compared to post-operative score (35.7) at one year. Ten patients (56 per cent) reported clinically relevant improvement (≥ 10) after more than five years.

Long-term improvement in subjective voice outcomes is attainable in a significant proportion of patients undergoing bilateral medialisation thyroplasty for atrophy with or without sulcus.

This study evaluated the significance of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in detecting recurrences or other primary malignancies in patients treated for oro- and hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

A retrospective analysis of the follow up of 132 patients was performed and 370 PET/CT scans were assessed for their accuracy.

All asymptomatic clinical occult recurrences were detected by PET/CT and accounted for 28 per cent of recurrences. Asymptomatic patients with metastases detected by PET/CT had a significant survival benefit compared to patients diagnosed in a symptomatic stage. For locoregional recurrence, no significant difference in overall survival could be demonstrated. In total, 33 primary malignancies were discovered, of which 48 per cent were first detected by PET/CT. The specificity and negative predictive value of the PET/CT scans had ranges of 85–100 and 83–100 per cent, respectively.

The role of PET/CT scans in detecting primary malignancies, clinical occult recurrences and especially asymptomatic metastases was observed.

To examine the correlation of video head impulse test, functional head impulse test and Dizziness Handicap Inventory results in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular loss, and to compare the results with healthy controls.

Forty-eight patients diagnosed with chronic unilateral vestibular loss and 35 healthy individuals, aged 18–65 years, were included. The video head impulse test, functional head impulse test and Dizziness Handicap Inventory were administered.

A significant positive correlation was found between functional head impulse test and video head impulse test results for the study group in all semicircular canals (p < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between Dizziness Handicap Inventory, functional head impulse test and video head impulse test results (p > 0.05). The functional head impulse test and video head impulse test results of the control group were significantly higher than those of the study group in all semicircular canals planes (p < 0.05).

In chronic unilateral vestibular loss patients, with high head accelerations, the functional head impulse test indicates deterioration in vestibulo-ocular reflex functionality. It would be beneficial to include the video head impulse test and functional head impulse test in clinical practice as complementary tests in vestibulo-ocular reflex evaluation.

The prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction is largely unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of this condition in a selected study population of patients with exercise-induced dyspnoea.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of demographic data, co-morbidities, medication, symptoms, performance level of sporting activities, continuous laryngoscopy exercise test results and subsequent treatment.

Data from 184 patients were analysed. The overall prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction in the study population was 40 per cent, and the highest prevalence was among females aged under 18 years (61 per cent). However, a high prevalence among males aged under 18 years (50 per cent) and among adults regardless of gender (34 per cent) was also found.

The prevalence of exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction is clinically relevant regardless of age and gender. Clinicians are encouraged to consider exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction as a possible diagnosis in patients suffering from exercise-induced respiratory symptoms. No single characteristic that can distinguish exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction from other similar conditions was identified.

This study aimed to use short-form visual analogue scale cochlear implantation questionnaires to evaluate subjective aspects at each out-patient visit. The correlation between subjective hearing tests using the short-form visual analogue scale and objective hearing outcomes was evaluated.

This study was conducted in a single centre. Cochlear implant users (n = 199) evaluated their hearing on a scale of 0 to 100 for the right, left and both ears. The Japanese speech perception test (CI-2004) Japanese monosyllable speech perception test (67-S) and cochlear implantation threshold were used for the objective cochlear implantation evaluation.

A significant correlation was found between the short-form visual analogue scale questionnaire and objective hearing outcome, for words (r = 0.64) and sentences (r = 0.62) in CI-2004 and 67-S (r = 0.56) tests. No significant correlation was found between the short-form visual analogue scale score and cochlear implantation threshold (r = −0.18).

Short-form visual analogue scale cochlear implantation questionnaires mean cochlear implant users spend less time answering subjective visual analogue scale questionnaires, and clinicians estimate a patient's cochlear implantation hearing and abnormality by chronological evaluation.

Noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent occupational disease worldwide and is historically associated with the Industrial Revolution. This study analyses early descriptions of this disorder during the pre-industrial period in the work of the Italian physician Bernardino Ramazzini (1633–1714).

Primary and secondary historical literature were reviewed.

Ramazzini described hearing loss in corn millers and in coppersmiths and recognised that this disorder is irreversible and progressive when exposure to noise continues. He also seemed to describe tinnitus. He further suggested the use of earplugs as a preventive measure for these classes of workers. Ramazzini's anatomical and pathological knowledge appears to be based on ancient authors; he did not discuss contemporaneous medical authors’ work on hearing function.

Despite some limitations, Ramazzini's work appears pioneering for his time and represents an important milestone in the history of otolaryngology.

This study investigated the psychological status of patients with unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction.

The study included 49 consecutive cases of unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction. In order to assess participants’ personality traits, both groups completed the Personality Belief Questionnaire, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory form, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory.

The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics. Patients with unilateral or bilateral complete nasal obstruction had higher scores on all the psychological assessments compared with the healthy controls, except for the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Although all personality assessment scores were higher in patients, the only differences that were statistically significant were in the dependent, antisocial and avoidant personality trait scores.

The psychological conditions of patients with structural deformities that cause nasal obstruction may be affected, and appropriate treatment should be provided to improve their symptoms and quality of life.

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of employing a Eustachian tube video endoscope with a supporting balloon as a viable treatment and examination option for patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction.

A study involving nine fresh human cadaver heads was conducted to investigate the potential of balloon dilatation Eustachian tuboplasty using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and a supporting balloon catheter. The Eustachian tube cavity was examined with the Eustachian tube video endoscope during the procedure, which involved the dilatation of the cartilaginous portion of the Eustachian tube with the supporting balloon catheter.

The utilisation of the Eustachian tube video endoscope in conjunction with the supporting balloon catheter demonstrated technical ease during the procedure, with no observed damage to essential structures, particularly the Eustachian tube cavity.

This newly introduced method of dilatation and examination of the Eustachian tube cavity using a Eustachian tube video endoscope and the supporting balloon is a feasible, safe procedure.

After laryngectomy, the breathing resistance of heat and moisture exchangers may limit exercise capacity. Breathing gas analysis during cardiopulmonary exercise testing is not possible using regular masks. This study tested the feasibility of cardiopulmonary exercise testing with a heat and moisture exchanger in situ, using an in-house designed connector. Additionally, we explored the effect of different heat and moisture exchanger resistances on exercise capacity in this group.

Ten participants underwent two cardiopulmonary exercise tests using their daily life heat and moisture exchanger (0.3 hPa or 0.6 hPa) and one specifically developed for activity (0.15 hPa). Heat and moisture exchanger order was randomised and blinded.

All participants completed both tests. No (serious) adverse events occurred. Only four subjects reached a respiratory exchange ratio of more than 1.1 in at least one test. Maximum exercise levels using heat and moisture exchangers with different resistances did not differ.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in laryngectomees with a heat and moisture exchanger is feasible; however, the protocol does not seem appropriate to reach this group's maximal exercise capacity. Lowering heat and moisture exchanger resistance does not increase exercise capacity in this sample.