OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of age, ex and body index on selected static tests of balance and to generate referance normtive data among the different population groups.

METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 100 asymptomatic normal adult Filipino volunteers, aged 20 to 69 years were tasked to perform selected static balance tests. These tests included classic Romberg (CR), Romberg with Jendrassik (RJ) maneuver, tandem Romberg (TR), standing on foam with feet apart (SOFFA), standing on foam with feet together (SOFFT) and standing on one leg (SOL). All tests were done with eyes opened (EO) followed by eyes closed (EC) for 30 seconds each. Volunteers were grouped into age groups by decades, normative values were obtained and effects of age, sex and body mass index, if any, on performance of the various tests were determined.

RESULTS: All volunteers were able to do the CR and RJ maneuver for 30 seconds. All were able to perform for 30 seconds the TREO, SOFFA EO and SOFFT EO procedures. Some volunteers were unable to complete the TREC, SOFFA EC, SOFFT EC, SOL EO and SOL EC procedures. The mean performance duration values for TREC, SOFFA EC, SOFFT EC, SOL EO AND SOL EC were significantly negatively correlated with age. Although majority of tests were negatively correlated with body mass index, the correlations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Age significantly affects selected static balance performance whereas sex and body mass index do not significantly affect selected static balance performance. The normative values generated in this study are inconclusive because of inadequate sample size, particularly in the older age group. The results, however, showed the potential value of the 5th percentile as a normative norm in systematically assessing the involvement of the vesticular, visual and proprioceptive organs i balance function.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Sample Size ; Body Mass Index ; Posture ; Foot ; Volunteers

OBJECTIVES: To  report  a  case  of  congenital  oval  window  aplasia  (COWA)  in  a  Filipino  adult presenting   with      unilateral   maximal   conductive   hearing   loss   and   discuss   the   diagnostic considerations, pathophysiology and management.
METHODS:
Design: Case Report
Setting: Tertiary Public Referral Center
Patient: One
RESULTS: Audiometric evaluation showed a maximal unilateral left conductive hearing loss. High resolution temporal bone CT showed absence of the oval window on the left along with facial and stapes  abnormalities.    Exploratory  tympanotomy  showed  an  aberrant  facial  nerve,  monopodal and  abnormally  located  stapes  and  absent  oval  window. Postoperative  hearing  gain  achieved after a neo-oval window and Schuknecht piston wire prosthesis remained stable over two years.
CONCLUSION: A congenital minor ear anomaly classified as Cremers Class 4a in which a congenital oval  window  aplasia  was  associated  with  an  aberrant  facial  nerve  anomaly  and  a  monopodal stapes is reported. Recent literature supported the view that congenital oval window aplasia can in selected cases be amenable to various surgical approaches and a stable postoperative hearing gain is achievable in the long term.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Ear, Middle ; Hearing

Objective: To review available resources and provide evidence-based recommendations that may optimize otorhinolaryngologic out-patient health care delivery in the “post”-COVID-19 era while ensuring the safety of our patients, healthcare workers and staff. Data Sources: Relevant peer-reviewed journal articles; task force, organizational and institutional, government and non-government organization recommendations; published guidelines from medical, health-related, and scientific organizations. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature on the COVID-19 pandemic as it pertained to “post”-COVID 19 out-patient otorhinolaryngologic practice was obtained from peer-reviewed articles, guidelines, recommendations, and statements that were identified through a structured search of the data sources for relevant literature utilizing MEDLINE (through PubMed and PubMed Central PMC), Google (and Google Scholar), HERDIN Plus, the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Health Library, and grey literature including social media (blogs, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook). In-patient management (including ORL surgical procedures such as tracheostomy) were excluded. Retrieved material was critically appraised and organized according to five discussion themes: physical office set-up, patient processing, personal protection, procedures, and prevention and health-promotion. Conclusion These recommendations are consistent with the best available evidence to date, and are globally acceptable while being locally applicable. They address the concerns of otorhinolaryngologists and related specialists about resuming office practice during the “post”-COVID-19 period when strict quarantines are gradually lifted and a transition to the “new” normal is made despite the unavailability of a specific vaccine for SARS-CoV-2. While they target practice settings in the Philippines, they should be useful to ENT (ear, nose & throat) surgeons in other countries in ensuring a balance between service and safety as we continue to serve our patients during these challenging times.