Hearing impairment in older adults may affect cognitive function and increase the risk of dementia. Most cognitive tests are delivered auditorily, and individuals with hearing loss may fail to hear verbal instructions. Greater listening difficulty and fatigue in acoustic conditions may impact test performance. This study aimed to examine the effect of decreased audibility on cognitive screening test performance in older adults.

Older adults (n = 63) with different levels of hearing loss completed a standard auditory Mini-Mental State Examination test and a written version of the test.

Individuals with moderate to moderately severe hearing loss (41–70 dB) performed significantly better on the written (24.34 ± 4.90) than on the standard test (22.55 ± 6.25), whereas scores were not impacted for mild hearing loss (less than 40 dB).

Hearing evaluations should be included in cognitive assessment, and test performance should be carefully interpreted in individuals with hearing loss to avoid overestimating cognitive decline.

The aim of this study was to develop a novel live Delphi method to obtain a consensus on the skills and competencies that a new ENT registrar (specialty trainee level 3) should possess. Developing a clear outcome set for core surgical trainees is important so that this phase of training can be directed at specific aims.

Attendees at the North of England meeting participated in this Delphi exercise. Participants comprised a range of ENT professionals from medical student to consultant surgeons. The main outcome measure of consensus was defined prior to the study as the median response value: strongly agree or more for positive consensus and strongly disagree or less for negative consensus.

This study identified multiple areas that reached consensus relating to elective and operative skills and demonstrated agreement in areas relating to ENT specific and allied specialty experience.

This study has highlighted a novel method for shaping surgical curricula.

Children with single-sided deafness often receive inconsistent clinical recommendations because there is currently no clear best practice in paediatric single-sided deafness. This systematic review of the literature aimed to compare commonly used treatments and attempted to support the use of a particular treatment modality.

This was a comprehensive literature review from 1 January 2000 to 22 February 2022; the study compared the outcomes of bone conduction devices and cochlear implantation in paediatric patients with single-sided deafness.

Fifteen studies consisting of 202 patients were examined. Variables including speech reception in quiet and noise, as well as quality of life measures were compared. Both cochlear implantation and bone-anchored hearing aids demonstrated benefits in sound perception. Quality of life measures improved with both modalities.

Although both bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implantation appear to provide significant improvements, additional research with more direct comparisons is needed to provide more decisive results.

To establish the relationship between endoscope temperatures and luminosity with a variety of light source types, endoscope ages, endoscope sizes, angles and operative distance in transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.

Transcanal endoscopic ear surgery was simulated in an operating theatre using 7 mm plastic suction tubing coated in insulating tape. An ATP ET-959 thermometer was used to record temperatures, and a Trotec BF06 lux meter was used to measure luminosity. Luminosity and temperature recordings were taken at 0 mm and 5 mm from the endoscope tip.

Thermal energy transfer from operating endoscopes is greatest when: the light intensity is high, there is a light-emitting diode light source and the endoscope is touching the surface. Additionally, larger-diameter endoscopes, angled endoscopes and new endoscopes generated greater heat.

It is recommended that operative light intensity is maintained at the lowest level possible, and that the surgeon avoids contact between patient tissues and the endoscope tip.

The General Medical Council will be implementing a national medical licensing assessment for all UK medical students by 2024–25. Surgeon educator perceptions on a national undergraduate curriculum in otolaryngology were reviewed accordingly.

A mixed methods study was undertaken within a UK school of surgery assessing ENT surgeon educators. Perspectives on teaching content, quality and student experience were assessed with degree of agreement assessed (Likert scoring). Associated qualitative focus group sessions underwent detailed thematic analysis according to grounded theory.

A response rate of 50 per cent was achieved involving 21 participants working across 14 hospitals. These showed strong agreement that implementation of a national curriculum would improve the standard of teaching delivered at a personal, institutional and national level. Further themes were identified relating to the personal, institutional and specialty related factors influencing practical delivery.

A series of practical recommendations are made to potentially assist the implementation of a national ENT curriculum.

Sir Felix Semon established the Semon Lecture series in 1913 to advance the specialty of laryngology. The annual lectures continue to the present day (there have been 95 to date).

This review illustrates how instrumental these lectures have been in shaping otolaryngology.

The period 1913–1970 preceded subspecialisation, and so forms the background of laryngology (as well as rhinology and otology) as we know it today. This era forms the focus of the article.

Changes came about by a standardisation of practices and research, and in the treatment of conditions. The initial period was crucial.

Many lectures highlight the specialty's growth. Now, another vital resource, a dedicated website (semonlectures.org), has made this information more accessible to the wider public.

Totally endoscopic ear surgery is a novel method of conducting otological surgery. Hierarchical task analysis and the systematic human error reduction and prediction approach (‘SHERPA’) are valuable tools that can effectively deconstruct the technical and non-technical skills required to successfully complete a surgical procedure.

Twenty-five endoscopic tragal cartilage tympanoplasties were observed, to identify the tasks and subtasks required for completion of totally endoscopic tragal cartilage tympanoplasty. The systematic human error reduction and prediction approach was used to identify the potential risks and methods, to reduce or remediate these risks.

A hierarchical task analysis was performed, identifying 8 tasks and 50 subtasks for a safe approach to completing totally endoscopic tragal cartilage tympanoplasty. A risk score for each subtask was calculated to produce a systematic human error reduction and prediction approach and to highlight potential errors.

This hierarchical task analysis allowed for quick reference to a correct method of endoscopic tympanoplasty. The systematic human error reduction and prediction approach was employed to reduce the risks associated with undergoing endoscopic tympanoplasty, to improve patient safety.

There is no consensus in the literature regarding the relationship between high-resolution computed tomography findings and hearing thresholds in pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis. This study evaluated the association between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometry in otosclerosis in the spongiotic phase.

A cross-sectional study was conducted of 57 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation and tomographic findings. Air conduction and bone conduction thresholds on audiometry, and air–bone gap, were analysed.

There were no correlations between sites affected by otospongiosis and air conduction threshold, bone conduction threshold or air–bone gap in the analysed tomographic images, but the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum.

There were no relevant associations between high-resolution computed tomography findings and pure-tone audiometric measurements. However, the diameter of the otospongiotic focus was greater in the presence of extension of the otospongiotic foci to the cochlear endosteum.

Mentoring within surgery is increasingly recognised as a powerful development tool, but participant expectations have not previously been explored. This study aimed to explore and analyse participant expectations from the UK's first national otolaryngology mentorship programme.

Participants completed open-ended questionnaires. Responses were qualitatively analysed using a grounded theory approach. Iterative cycles were used to develop codes using a constant comparison technique. Emerging categories were refined to identify core themes.

Key mentee expectations were career, and clinical and academic guidance. Enhancing networking opportunities was highlighted by medical students and junior trainees. Psychosocial and lifestyle support were predominant themes for all trainees. Receiving impartial advice and guidance from outside their training region was expressed only by senior trainees. Mentor expectations aligned with those of mentees.

This study identified key areas of the ‘hidden curriculum’ for students and trainees in otolaryngology, showing the evolving expectations and priorities as they progress through training.

To examine the complication rate in adult patients during and after cochlear implantation.

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who had undergone cochlear implantation at a tertiary referral centre between 2009 and 2018. All complications and their treatments were categorised as either minor or major, as well as intra- or post-operative.

The records of 392 patients with 395 implants were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 89 ± 65.5 months (range, 6–408 months). The mean age of patients was 46 ± 15.2 years (range, 19–84 years). Sixty-two patients (16 per cent) had minor complications and 31 (8 per cent) had major complications.

Although cochlear implantation has the potential for significant intra- and post-operative complications, the actual complication rate is relatively low, and it can therefore be considered a safe procedure.

To determine the association between frontal sinus pneumatisation and concomitant anatomical variations in paranasal sinuses as seen on computed tomography.

A total of 403 patients who underwent paranasal sinus computed tomography were allocated to three groups according to the degree of frontal sinus pneumatisation (type 1 – hypoplasia; type 2 – medium size; and type 3 – hyperplasia). In this unique model, the prevalence of ipsilateral variations on paranasal sinuses on each side of the head were analysed separately within each pneumatisation group.

The type 3 frontal sinus pneumatisation group showed a greater association with ipsilateral variations of the sphenoid bone. Variations included pneumatisation of the anterior clinoid process, lateral sphenoid recess, pterygoid process and greater wing, and exposure of Vidian canal. This group also showed significant associations with male gender, and the presence of frontal and Onodi cells.

Interpretation of the paranasal sinus variations is imperative for pre-operative evaluation in functional endoscopic sinus surgery, particularly in patients with frontal sinus hyperplasia. Attention to variation on the ipsilateral side is informative.

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression in patients with post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis.

This retrospective study included 10 patients with post-traumatic complete facial nerve paralysis who underwent endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression. The surgical technique was explained step by step, and the surgical complications, hearing status and facial nerve function 12 months post-operatively were reported.

Endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression allowed exposure of the geniculate ganglion to the mastoid segment. The facial nerve function improved from House–Brackmann grade VI to grades I and II in 8 of 10 (80 per cent) patients, and 2 patients experienced partial recovery (House–Brackmann grades III and IV). No severe complication was reported.

Endoscopic transcanal facial nerve decompression, involving the nerve from the geniculate ganglion to the mastoid segment, is a safe and effective approach in patients with post-traumatic facial nerve paralysis.

Coronavirus disease 2019 can spread through aerosols produced by surgical procedures, but knowledge of the extent of aerosol production and the risk posed by many common procedures does not exist. This study analysed aerosol generation during tonsillectomy and how it differs between distinct surgical techniques and instruments. The results can be used in risk assessment during current and future pandemics and epidemics.

An optical particle sizer was used to measure particle concentrations generated during tonsillectomy from the perspectives of the surgeon and other staff. Coughing is commonly used as a reference for high-risk aerosol generation; therefore, coughing and the operating theatre's background concentration were chosen as reference values. Different instruments were also compared to find the safest way to perform the tonsillectomy from the perspective of airborne transmission.

Eighteen tonsillectomies were evaluated; all techniques mostly generated less than 1 μm particles. For the surgeon, bipolar electrocautery significantly exceeded the particle generation of coughing in both total and less than 1 μm particles and was found to produce significantly higher total and less than 1 μm aerosol concentrations than cold dissection and BiZact. No technique exposed other staff to a greater aerosol concentration than is generated by a cough.

Bipolar electrocautery generated high aerosol concentrations during tonsillectomy; cold dissection generated significantly less. The results support cold dissection as the primary tonsillectomy technique, particularly during the epidemics of airborne diseases.

Guidance for the management of thyroid nodules has evolved over time, from initial evaluation based predominantly on clinical grounds to now including the established role of ultrasound and fine needle aspiration cytology in their assessment. There is, however, significant variation in the management of thyroid nodules depending on which national guidelines are followed. In addition, there are certain clinical situations such as pregnancy and paediatric thyroid nodules that have differing evaluation priorities.

This review aimed to provide an overview of currently accepted practices for the initial investigation and subsequent management of patients with thyroid nodules for the non-specialist. The review also addresses areas of variance between the systems in common clinical use, as well as newer, evolving technologies, including molecular testing in the evaluation of malignancy in thyroid nodules.

There is currently no consensus on the ideal protocol of imaging for post-treatment surveillance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aimed to consolidate existing evidence on the diagnostic effectiveness of positron emission tomography-computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging.

Systematic electronic searches were conducted using Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library (updated February 2021) to identify studies directly comparing positron emission tomography-computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans for detecting locoregional recurrence or residual disease for post-treatment surveillance.

Searches identified 3164 unique records, with three studies included for meta-analysis, comprising 176 patients. The weighted pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity for scans performed three to six months post-curative treatment were: positron emission tomography-computed tomography, 0.68 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.49–0.84) and 0.89 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.84–0.93); magnetic resonance imaging, 0.72 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.54–0.88) and 0.85 (95 per cent confidence interval, 0.79–0.89), respectively.

Existing studies do not provide evidence for superiority of either positron emission tomography-computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging in detecting locoregional recurrence or residual disease following curative treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy, in which mastoidectomy is performed underwater, can be employed during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery for cholesteatoma removal. It was hypothesised that endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy might take less time than endoscopic non-underwater mastoidectomy because the endoscope does not need to be removed for cleaning.

This study compared the mastoidectomy and total operative durations between the endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy (n = 25) and endoscopic non-underwater drilling (control, n = 8) groups. Moreover, it compared the size of resected areas of the external auditory canal between the two groups.

The mastoidectomy time of the endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (p < 0.01). The total operative time did not differ significantly between the endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy and control groups (p = 0.17). The resected area was significantly larger in the endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy group than in the control group (p < 0.05).

Endoscopic hydro-mastoidectomy enables more extensive bone resection within a shorter period.

To assess hearing rehabilitation in patients with congenital aural atresia using an active middle-ear implant (Vibrant Soundbridge).

Of a cohort of 70 microtia and atresia patients, 10 underwent Vibrant Soundbridge implantation between 2008 and 2021. Two of the 10 patients had binaural implantation, resulting in 12 ears for analysis. Pre- and post-operative audiometry data were analysed, and patient satisfaction was evaluated. Surgical issues regarding coupling sites and outcomes were analysed.

Pure tone average (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz) improved from a pre-operative mean (standard deviation) of 65.3 (8.7) dB HL to a post-operative mean of 26.8 (4.9) dB HL. This resulted in a mean pure tone average gain of 38.5 dB HL. The results indicate no obvious difference between stapes (n = 8) and incus (n = 4) coupling. The mean effective gain for 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz was −17.8 dB HL (standard deviation = 4.3). Concerning effective gain, Vibrant Soundbridge performed best at 2 kHz. Patients reported high overall satisfaction, good sound quality and strongly improved directional hearing.

An active middle-ear implant (Vibrant Soundbridge) allows hearing rehabilitation in selected atretic ears, and provides long-term hearing stability in children and adults.

Chronic suppurative otitis media is a major global disease disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, but few studies have explored access to care for those with ear and hearing disorders.

In a tertiary hospital in Cambodia providing specialist ear services, a mixed method study was undertaken. This study had three arms: (1) quantitative analysis of patients undergoing ear surgery, (2) a questionnaire survey and (3) semi-structured in-depth interviews.

Patients presented with advanced middle-ear disease and associated hearing loss at rates that are amongst the highest per capita levels globally. Patients reported several structural, financial and socio-cultural barriers to treatment. This study showed a significant burden of ear disease in Cambodia, which reflects a delay in receiving timely and effective treatment.

This study highlights the opportunity to integrate effective ear and hearing care into primary care service provision, strengthening the package of activities delivered at government facilities.

Pulsatile tinnitus can be a symptom of vascular pathology. However, many of these pathologies present as incidental findings on scanning for unrelated symptoms. This study investigated whether the pathologies attributed to pulsatile tinnitus could instead be considered incidental findings.

This retrospective study evaluated imaging results of 272 pulsatile tinnitus cases for clinically relevant pathologies, and examined correlations between the site of symptoms and the imaging findings.

Of 272 patients, 238 (88 per cent) had normal scans, 17 (6 per cent) had clinically insignificant incidental findings, and 18 (7 per cent) had findings requiring further investigation or intervention; regarding these latter 18 patients, findings for 8 patients (42 per cent) did not correlate with the symptomatic side. The rates of intracranial aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation in the pulsatile tinnitus group were comparable to those in normal populations.

The comparable rates of vascular abnormalities within the symptomatic pulsatile tinnitus group, plus clinically relevant findings contralateral to symptoms, suggest that vascular pathologies could be incidental findings rather than causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Evaluation is recommended of the effectiveness of the new National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for pulsatile tinnitus investigation.

The hidden cochlear implant concept has two data transmission methods: Bluetooth low energy and transtympanic optical data transfer systems. This study aimed to present the hidden cochlear implant and compare the test results with the existing fully implanted cochlear implant.

The Bluetooth low energy module was implanted into the implant bed. For the transtympanic optical data transfer tests, a receiver was passed through the posterior tympanotomy, and the transmitter was placed in the ear canal.

The Bluetooth low energy module range was 5.2–17.5 m. Transtympanic optical data transfer reached a rate of 1 Mbit/s and had 99.22 per cent accuracy. Despite various obstacles, the accuracy of the transtympanic optical data transfer was more than 99 per cent with a 250 Kbit/s rate. The average power consumption was 310 mW for the implanted Bluetooth low energy module and 41 mW for the transtympanic optical data transfer receiver.

Bluetooth low energy is suitable to be used transcutaneously. Transtympanic optical data transfer is an effective and promising technology. Hidden use cochlear implants aim to have the aesthetics of a fully implantable cochlear implant with higher reliability and a magnet-free design with smart device integration.