Journal Detail Information

1

Cite

Share

Bilateral Sequential Pneumolabyrinth Resulting from Nose Blowing.

Joong Seob LEE ; Sae Young KWON ; Ji Heui KIM ; Hyung Jong KIM

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):182-185. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.182

Pneumolabyrinth describes a condition with entrapped air in the labyrinth and usually occurs in temporal bone fractures that involve the otic capsule. While sporadic cases of bilateral pneumolabyrinth have been reported, cases lacking head trauma are very rare. We report the case of a 43-year-old man who had sudden hearing loss bilaterally after blowing his nose at an interval of 1 year. Although conservative management for the right ear and exploratory tympanotomy with sealing of the possible site of perilymphatic leakage in the left ear were performed, hearing outcome was poor in both ears. To our knowledge, this is the first case of bilateral pneumolabyrinth occurring as a result of nose blowing.
Adult ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Ear ; Ear, Inner ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sudden ; Humans ; Nose* ; Temporal Bone ; Valsalva Maneuver

2

Cite

Share

A Case of Sudden Deafness with Intralabyrinthine Hemorrhage Intralabyrinthine Hemorrhage and Sudden Deafness.

Jeong Jin PARK ; Se Won JEONG ; Jae Wook LEE ; Su Jin HAN

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):178-181. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.178

Sudden hearing deterioration may occur in our population, but it is difficult to explain the exact pathophysiology and the cause. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is usually useful to evaluate neural lesions such as acoustic schwannoma and hemorrhage in labyrinth. Recently some cases of SSNHL caused by intralabyrintine hemorrhage were reported by the advance of MRI. In the case of intralabyrintine hemorrhage, MRI showed a hyperintense signal in the labyrinth on the pre-contrast and contrast enhanced T1-weighted image and relatively weak intensity on T2-weighted image. The prognosis SSNHL by intralabyrintine hemorrhage is generally known to be poor. We report a case of sudden deafness with intralabyrintine hemorrhage who has a history of anticoagulant administration, with a review of literature.
Ear, Inner ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Hearing Loss, Sudden* ; Hemorrhage* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neuroma, Acoustic ; Prognosis

3

Cite

Share

Analysis of Bacterial Biofilms on a Cochlear Implant Following Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infection.

Gi Jung IM ; Yun Suk AN ; June CHOI ; Jae Jun SONG ; Sung Won CHAE ; Hak Hyun JUNG

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):172-177. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.172

To demonstrate biofilm formations on a cochlear implant magnet of a pediatric patient suffering from a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. The appearance of biofilm colonies was analyzed on different magnet sections. The appearance of MRSA biofilms on the surface of an explanted cochlear implant was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focusing on the pattern of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) within the biofilms. SEM revealed unique biofilms with a three-dimensional EPS complex and tower-like formations. Biofilm configurations changed from the margin to the center of the magnet. Biofilms were solitary and scattered at the margin; large and plate-like in the center; and stacked in layers, forming towers and water channels, in the middle region. After a MRSA infection, biofilm formations were observed on the surface of a magnet. Bacterial biofilms provide optimal conditions for bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance and can cause intractable infections that lead to device failure.
Aquaporins ; Biofilms* ; Cochlear Implants* ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Equipment Failure ; Humans ; Methicillin Resistance* ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus* ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Polymers

4

Cite

Share

Does Hearing Aid Use Increase the Likelihood of Cerumen Impaction?.

Vinaya MANCHAIAH ; Jonathan ARTHUR ; Huw WILLIAMS

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):168-171. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.168

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Impacted cerumen is a common condition in adults. It is commonly believed that wearing hearing aids may increase the cerumen impaction, although no empirical evidence exist. The current study was aimed at studying if the use of hearing aids increase the likelihood of impaction of cerumen. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study used retrospective design. The study sample included 164 consecutive patients who were referred to cerumen clinic from Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Wales. Audiologist classified the cerumen impaction into four categories (i.e., no cerumen; non-occluding cerumen; occluding cerumen; and fully non-occluding cerumen and debris). Chi-square analysis was performed to study the association between hearing aid use and cerumen impaction. RESULTS: The current study results showed no association between hearing aid use and cerumen impaction. Also, there was no association between right/left ear and cerumen impaction. CONCLUSIONS: These results interesting and contrary to our assumption that hearing aid use increases the likelihood of cerumen impaction. More well-controlled studies with prospective designs are needed to confirm if these results are accurate.
Adult ; Cerumen* ; Ear ; Hearing Aids* ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing* ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Retrospective Studies ; Wales

5

Cite

Share

Feasibility and Safety of Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation Paired with Notched Music Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus.

Hyun Joon SHIM ; Min Young KWAK ; Yong Hwi AN ; Dong Hyun KIM ; Yun Jin KIM ; Hyo Jung KIM

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):159-167. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.159

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A recent study demonstrated that tinnitus could be eliminated by vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) paired with notched sounds in a rat tinnitus model. The aims of this clinical study were to investigate the effects and safety of transcutaneous VNS (tVNS) by patch-type electrode paired with notched music for treating chronic tinnitus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with refractory chronic tinnitus for >12 months were included in this study. A patch-type electrode was attached to the auricular concha of the patient's left ear and tVNS was performed for 30 min (pulse rate 25 Hz, pulse width 200 micros, and amplitude 1-10 mA) using a transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation eco2. During tVNS, the patients listened to notched music cleared of the frequency spectrum corresponding to the tinnitus with a 0.5 octave notch width. RESULTS: After 10 treatment sessions, 15/30 patients (50%) reported symptom relief in terms of a global improvement questionnaire. The mean tinnitus loudness (10-point scale) and the mean tinnitus awareness score (%) improved significantly from 6.32+/-2.06 to 5.16+/-1.52 and from 82.40+/-24.37% to 65.60+/-28.15%, respectively (both p<0.05). None of the patients had any specific side effects, such as changes in heart rate or blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of tVNS paired with notched music therapy in patients with chronic tinnitus, with the use of a pad-type electrode attached to the auricular concha.
Animals ; Blood Pressure ; Ear ; Electrodes ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Music Therapy* ; Music* ; Rats ; Tinnitus* ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; Vagus Nerve Stimulation* ; Vagus Nerve*

6

Cite

Share

Is Intratympanic Dexamathasone Injection Effective for the Treatment of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss?.

Kyu Ho LEE ; Sung Hoon RYU ; Hyung Min LEE ; Su Kyoung PARK ; Hyung Jong KIM ; Jiwon CHANG

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(3):154-158. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.3.154

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of intratympanic (IT) steroids when used as an initial therapy in sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), and when it is used as a salvage therapy in a refractory SSNHL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 122 patients with SSNHL. First, patients were divided into three groups according to the initial treatment; IT steroid, systemic steroid and combined (systemic and IT steroid) groups. Second, patients were divided into two groups according to the salvage treatment in a refractory SSNHL; IT steroid and the control (non IT group). Fifty eight patients who did not respond to initial therapy were included in the second analysis. Hearing was assessed immediately before the treatment and 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 3 months after the treatments. Hearing recovery was defined as an improvement of >15 dB and the final hearing of 25-45 dB in the audiogram. RESULTS: When we analyzed the hearing recovery in initial treatment, the comparison of audiogram among three groups did not result in significantly different outcomes. There were no differences in the recovery rate in 2 and 4 weeks throughout all the frequencies. Also, the analysis of the salvage treatment demonstrated that neither IT steroid group nor control group was significantly effective in treating the refractory SSNHL. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that initial treatment of SSNHL with IT steroid alone is as effective as systemic steroid alone or a combination therapy. Also, salvage IT steroids for refractory SSNHL did not have any additional beneficial effects.
Hearing ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Salvage Therapy ; Steroids

7

Cite

Share

A Case of Bruxism-Induced Otalgia.

Se Hyung KIM

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2016;20(2):123-126. doi:10.7874/jao.2016.20.2.123

Here, the author presents a case of bruxism-induced otalgia in a 29-year-old female patient. The pain was sharp and penetrating in character. It was usually worse in the morning and frequently radiated to the right temporal area. She had received unsuccessful medical treatments for migraine headache. The otoendoscopic examination revealed a normal tympanic membrane. A thorough inspection of her teeth revealed excessive wear on the incisal edges, and the cause of her otalgia was identified as bruxism-related temporomandibular joint disorder. After the use of an occlusal splint and repeated botulinum toxin injections in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles, along with good sleep hygiene, she experienced significant relief of pain and symptoms. The author suggests that multidisciplinary cooperation between ENT clinicians and dentists is necessary for the quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment of bruxism and the consequential referred otalgia.
Adult ; Botulinum Toxins ; Bruxism ; Dentists ; Diagnosis ; Earache* ; Female ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Migraine Disorders ; Muscles ; Occlusal Splints ; Pain, Referred ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders ; Tooth ; Tooth Wear ; Tympanic Membrane

8

Cite

Share

Is a Solitary Fibrous Tumor in the External Auditory Canal Benign?.

Chi Kyou LEE ; Hyun Ju LEE

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2016;20(2):120-122. doi:10.7874/jao.2016.20.2.120

A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an extremely rare, distinct otological soft-tissue tumor. Only two such tumors in the external auditory canal have been reported. A SFT related to hemangiopericytomas (HPC), which commonly arise in the central nervous system. HPCs act malignant in many cases, while SFTs at other sites are mainly benign. A 25-year-old female presented with highly vascular tumor at the right external auditory meatus and bleeding from the mass when a crust was removed from its surface. After excisional biopsy followed by pre-operative embolization, this tumor confirmed with SFT. The recurrence rate of SFT is very low after complete resection, with a slightly increased risk of recurrence with extrathoracic tumors. We describe the third case of SFT in the external auditory canal and review the literature.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Central Nervous System ; Ear Canal* ; Female ; Hemangiopericytoma ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Recurrence ; Solitary Fibrous Tumors*

9

Cite

Share

A Systematic Approach to Find a Professional Audiology Clinic: Patient-Based Information.

Gungu KIM ; Gibbeum KIM ; Wondo NA ; Woojae HAN

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2016;20(2):114-119. doi:10.7874/jao.2016.20.2.114

This brief communication introduced a systematic way to find a professional audiology clinic developed for patients and professionals by the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and Healthy Hearing. Patients can access each organization's website to find professionals and/or clinics based on criteria such as location, hours, special areas, types of service, reviews and rating by previous patients, and kinds of insurance accepted. Such a system may protect the patients from information overload, guarantee accurate information, and help them find themselves professional audiologists who can assist them. We expect professional organizations to adopt this system as soon as possible and link hearing-impaired patients with professional audiologists in Korea.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association ; Audiology* ; Hearing ; Hearing Aids ; Humans ; Insurance ; Korea ; Societies

10

Cite

Share

Skin Flap Necrosis by Bone Marking with Methylene Blue in Cochlear Implantation.

Yeon Hoo KIM ; Sung Il CHO

Journal of Audiology & Otology.2015;19(2):108-110. doi:10.7874/jao.2015.19.2.108

One of surgical complications in cochlear implantation is the necrosis of the skin flap above the receiver-stimulator coil. We present a case of 55-year-old woman who underwent cochlear implantation and developed a bluish skin necrosis due to bone marking. The planned position for the receiver-stimulator was marked using methylene blue through skin to bone. She did not undergo skin flap thinning and underwent successful implantation with complete electrode insertion. Few weeks postoperatively, the patient developed bluish discoloration with progressive thick, blue eschar formation and skin flap necrosis. She subsequently underwent wound debridement and skin flap closure. Cochlear explantation was not necessary. Timely diagnosis and management about this complication is necessary to prevent further skin breakdown and subsequent device extrusion. This report identifies the marking using methylene blue as another possible source of skin flap necrosis in cochlear implantation, and surgeons should be aware of this potential complication.
Cochlear Implantation* ; Cochlear Implants* ; Debridement ; Diagnosis ; Electrodes ; Female ; Humans ; Methylene Blue* ; Middle Aged ; Necrosis* ; Postoperative Complications ; Skin* ; Wounds and Injuries

DISPLAY OPTIONS

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share

Cite

Share