Exposure to recreational and electronic noise sources increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in pediatric and young adult populations—frequently referred to as Generation Z. Extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) is commonly used for the early detection and prognostication of NIHL. Here, we used EHFA to evaluate the potential hearing loss associated with the use of technological devices in Generation Z individuals. Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive investigation. Individuals aged 10-22 years who presented to our clinic with any complaint between January 15, 2023, and January 15, 2024 and who were scheduled for routine hearing assessment were included. All participants underwent conventional audiometry covering conventional frequencies (CFs) as well as EHFA. Participants were divided into two groups based on weekly use of personal listening devices (PLDs): less than 10 h/week and 10 h/week or more. Differences between the groups were analyzed with respect to CFs and extended high frequencies (EHFs), as well as the presence of vertigo, tinnitus, and subjective hearing loss. Results: No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the presence of symptoms, vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss (p=0.47, p=0.75, p=0.10, and p=0.99, respectively). No significant differences were observed in the average CFs between the right and left ears (p=0.53 and p=0.38, respectively). In the right ear at 10 kHz, the mean threshold for participants using PLDs less than 10 h/week was 7.50±7.70, compared to 5.0±10.88 for those using PLDs 10 h or more per week (p=0.02). For all other frequencies, average thresholds in both ears were higher in participants with weekly PLDs ≥10 h compared to those with <10 h, although these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: EHFs tended to be higher in individuals using PLDs for ≥10 h/week, although the differences were not statistically significant at most frequencies. A significant difference was observed only at 10 kHz in the right ear; however, this may reflect interindividual variability rather than a consistent exposure effect. This study is the first in which NIHL in Generation Z was the focus, and replication in larger cohorts is warranted.

Background and Objectives: Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is a rapid loss of hearing, exceeding 30 dB in at least 3 consecutive frequencies within 3 days, without any identifiable cause despite thorough investigations. Currently, the etiology and pathogenesis of ISSHL have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess the size of the cochlear nerve in patients with ISSHL and explore its relationship with pretreatment audiograms and treatment response. Subjects and Methods: A total of 125 patients (59 [47.2%] women; mean age 47.7±13.8 years [minimum-maximum: 21-76]) and 60 healthy participants (27 [45%] women; mean age 45.7±16.8 years [minimum-maximum: 20-76]) as a control group were included in this study. The size of the cochlear nerve was assessed on the affected side, compared to the control group, as well as on the unaffected side. Pretreatment and posttreatment audiological values were also analyzed. Results: The cross-sectional area (CSA), vertical diameter (VD), and horizontal diameter (HD) of the CN were found to be smaller on the affected side of ISSHL patients compared to the control group (p<0.01; p=0.04; p=0.02, respectively). In the study group (affected side of ISSHL patients), there were no significant differences in VD, HD, and CSA values between pretreatment audiogram types (p=0.23; p=0.53; p=0.39, respectively), and initial hearing levels (p=0.16; p=0.22; p=0.23, respectively). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in VD, HD, and CSA values between the recovery groups according to Furuhashi criteria (p=0.18; p=0.37; p=0.27, respectively). Conclusions The size of the CN may be a risk factor for ISSHL, but it does not affect the type of audiogram curves and was not prognostic in terms of treatment response.

Objectives: . Calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils, has been used in many studies as a biomarker showing the presence of inflammation. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between serum calprotectin level and response to the treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). Methods: . The present study is a prospective, cross-sectional historical cohort study. The study group consisted of 44 patients with ISSHL, and the control group consisted of 41 healthy volunteers without ear pathology. At the same time, patients in the study group were divided into three groups according to the response to ISSHL treatment (recovered, partially recovered, unrecovered). The relationship between the groups was statistically evaluated in terms of serum calprotectin levels. Results: . The mean serum calprotectin value was 75.67±19.48 ng/mL in the study group and 50.24±29.14 ng/mL in the control group (P=0.001). Serum calprotectin value according to the severity of hearing loss in the mild, moderate and severe was 66.20±8.82, 70.35±16.77, and 91.23±19.73 ng/mL, respectively. Serum calprotectin value in the severe group was significantly higher compared to the moderate and mild groups (P=0.004, P=0.001, respectively). Serum calprotectin value according to the treatment response in the recovered, partially recovered and unrecovered groups was 63.36±11.54, 80.17±12.06, and 85.33±22.33 ng/mL, respectively. Serum calprotectin value in the recovered group was significantly lower compared to the partially recovered and unrecovered groups (P=0.002, P=0.001, respectively). Conclusion . Serum calprotectin value informs the clinician about both the severity of hearing loss and the response to treatment. Hence, serum calprotectin can be used as an important biomarker in ISSHL patients for the determination of the prognosis of disease.

Aged ; Bacteremia ; complications ; etiology ; Fatal Outcome ; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Streptococcaceae ; isolation & purification