Background and Objectives: Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) provide a noninvasive approach for assessing saccular and vestibular nerve function. Although air-conducted stimuli are commonly used, bone-conduction stimulation offers advantages for individuals with conductive hearing loss. This study aimed to establish normative values and evaluate the test-retest reliability of BC-induced mVEMP using 500 Hz tone bursts in young adults. Subjects and Methods: This normative study included 45 healthy participants (aged 18-35). Bone conduction mVEMPs were elicited using 500 Hz tone bursts delivered through a B71 RadioEar vibrator. Responses from the masseter muscle were recorded using surface electrodes placed in a zygomatic montage. Participants underwent two test sessions within 1 month. The assessed parameters included P1 and N1 latencies, peak-to-peak amplitude, and asymmetry ratio. Threshold estimation was performed on a subset of 15 participants to determine response detectability. Results: Normative values revealed consistent P1 and N1 latencies across sessions with mean latencies of 11.76 ms and 14.77 ms, respectively. No significant interaural or sex-related differences were noted, except for ipsilateral P1 latency and contralateral N1 latency. The test-retest reliability ranged from fair to good, particularly for the P1 latency and asymmetry ratio. Threshold responses were reliably elicited at intensities up to 115 dB SPL. Conclusions: Bone conduction mVEMP elicited stable and reproducible responses in healthy young adults, supporting its clinical utility, particularly in patients with conductive pathology, those with reduced neck muscle strength, and within geriatric populations.
This study explores the extent to which commonly used tinnitus questionnaires align with relevant International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) domains. The aim is not to establish the superiority of any tool, but rather to identify potential gaps in domain coverage and to support more intentional questionnaire selection. A rapid review was conducted to identify validated tinnitus questionnaires used in clinical practice. Each questionnaire was systematically linked to ICF categories employing established frameworks. The study compared the domain coverage of the ICF-based international inventory for tinnitus (ICF-TINI) with that of other commonly used questionnaires and mapped overlapping and unique ICF codes to determine the breadth of coverage. While ICF-TINI addressed a wide range of ICF domains, no single questionnaire provided complete coverage, particularly for the domains of environmental factors and participation. Other tools such as the Tinnitus Functional Index and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory also demonstrated broad but incomplete domain representation. The findings underscore the importance of strategically combining tinnitus questionnaires based on ICF domain mapping, rather than relying solely on familiarity or tradition. The study proposes an evidence-informed approach to tool selection that may enhance person-centered tinnitus assessment. Further research is required to determine whether broader ICF coverage leads to improved outcomes.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Hearing loss can have direct adverse effects on the significant others (SOs) of individuals with hearing loss. The term "third-party disability" is used to refer to the difficulties faced by family members because of the health conditions of their SOs. The "Hearing Impairment Impact-Significant Other Profile (HII-SOP)" is a tool designed to measure hearing loss-related quality of life among spouses of English speakers with hearing loss. In the present project, we have sought to translate the HII-SOP questionnaire into Kannada, a southern Indian language spoken by 43.7 million people, and validate it. Subjects and. METHODS:In the first phase, we translated the questionnaire into Kannada following a structured protocol. In the second phase, we evaluated the psychometric properties by administering the translated version (HII-SOP-K) to 57 SOs of individuals with hearing loss. The sample included spouses, children, and other caregivers of individuals with hearing loss who were native speakers of Kannada (mean age: 47.96 years). RESULTS:The HII-SOP-K showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.90) and strong test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.914). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the five factors accounted for 58.3% of the variance. Most SOs reported mild-to-moderate third-party disabilities. The relationship between SOs (spouses, children, and others) and individuals with hearing loss had no significant effect on HII-SOP-K scores. CONCLUSIONS:The Kannada version of the HII-SOP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing third-party disabilities among the SOs of individuals with hearing loss. Assessment of third-party disabilities will facilitate patient- and family-centered audiological care and may enable the inclusion of SOs in the aural rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss and facilitate a comprehensive understanding of third-party disability among Kannada speakers; thus, HII-SOP-K is suitable for use in clinical and research contexts among Kannada speakers.
Background and Objectives: 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.
Educational counseling is a fundamental component of tinnitus management; however, its structure, content, and clinical outcomes vary. This scoping review analyzed ten peer-reviewed studies to inform the development of standardized, evidence-based protocols. Three studies evaluated educational counseling alone, whereas seven combined it with other therapeutic approaches. Most interventions delivered key content during an initial session. Six studies employed individual face-to-face formats, whereas four compared delivery modes, including individual versus group or traditional versus technology-assisted methods. Counseling content was typically derived from expert consensus or prior research, and three studies explicitly described the theoretical rationales underlying their counseling frameworks. Core topics included auditory anatomy and tinnitus pathophysiology, although these topics were occasionally omitted from brief sessions. Nine studies presented practical management strategies, and five studies tailored content using individual hearing and tinnitus profiles. All studies used self-report measures, with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory being the most common. Some studies reported improvements from counseling alone, whereas others showed outcome differences when counseling was combined with hearing aids or sound therapy, or delivered in alternative formats. This heterogeneity underscores the need for clearer and more standardized clinical protocols, as outcomes may vary depending on the content provided, patient characteristics, delivery method, patient's understanding, and application of information.
Background and Objectives: Early identification and management of (central) auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] necessitate a multidisciplinary approach due to its potential effects on listening, communication, and academic performance. It is crucial to assess the awareness and knowledge of the team members involved in the management of (C)APD to bridge the gap between early identification and intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of (C)APD among pediatricians in India. Subjects and Methods: This study used a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. Phase I involved the development and content validation of the questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 14 closed-ended questions to assess the awareness and knowledge of the causes, symptoms, assessment, treatment, and management of (C)APD. Phase II involved the administration of the developed questionnaire to 118 pediatricians practicing in India with at least one year of experience. Results: The findings of the study indicated that the majority (94.07%) of the pediatricians were aware of (C)APD, but only a few had diagnosed a child with (C)APD (32.2%). Most pediatricians showed varying levels of accuracy in recognizing common symptoms of (C)APD. Subgroup analyses of the symptom knowledge domain using Fisher’s exact chi-square tests revealed that pediatricians with ≥11 years of experience (p=0.043) and those with postgraduate qualifications demonstrated significantly better recognition of (C)APD symptoms (p=0.009). Participants demonstrated a good understanding of the multidisciplinary team involved in the diagnosis and management of (C)APD. Conclusions: Pediatricians in India possess a good general awareness of (C)APD but limited detailed knowledge of its symptoms and management. Clinical experience and postgraduate qualifications were associated with a greater understanding of (C)APD symptomatology. The gap between knowledge and clinical practice underscores the need for targeted training, curriculum integration, and structured referral pathways to improve early identification and intervention for (C)APD.
We report the first documented case of facial-stapedial synkinesis (FSS) secondary to Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHS) by describing the clinical manifestations and definitive surgical treatment outcome of this rare condition. A 35-year-old female presented with initial symptoms of severe right-sided facial weakness, otalgia, hyperacusis, ear fullness, and erythematous vesicles in the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, suggestive of RHS. She later developed an intermittent “quivering” or “buzzing” sensation in her right ear initiated by facial movements such as closing her eyes and smiling. We performed magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and serial audiometric testing, and administered pharmacological treatment, including prednisone and famciclovir, for the initial infection, followed by stapedial tendon tenotomy for the definitive management of FSS. This case provides valuable clinical insights as the first reported instance of FSS secondary to RHS. RHS causes a more severe facial paralysis with lower rates of complete recovery, with an increased risk of aberrant facial nerve regeneration. FSS should be considered in patients presenting with persistent auditory symptoms after facial paralysis. Stapedial tendon tenotomy is an effective treatment option for patients with severe refractory symptoms.
Compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recording provides an objective electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve function after injury. In rodent models, vibrissal CMAPs serve as quantitative surrogates of facial nerve integrity; however, practical descriptions of CMAP recording setups using widely available systems remain limited. In this study, we detail a practical and reproducible method for recording vibrissal CMAPs following direct stimulation of the facial nerve trunk in rats, using a BIOPAC-based system. CMAPs were recorded before and after unilateral facial nerve crush injury, followed by transection and epineural repair. Direct nerve trunk stimulation reliably elicited stable CMAP waveforms and supramaximal stimulation produced consistent responses suitable for longitudinal assessment. Baseline CMAP amplitudes were comparable to previously reported values. After facial nerve injury, CMAPs on the injured side were absent at 1 week, reappeared at 2 weeks, and increased further by 4 weeks. Because absolute CMAP amplitudes varied across recording sessions despite intact contralateral nerves, functional recovery was evaluated using left/right amplitude ratios. Single-peak CMAP amplitude was used to minimize waveform variability and stimulus-related artifacts. This method provides a straightforward and accessible approach for the electrophysiological assessment of facial nerve injury and recovery in experimental rodent models.
Background and Objectives: Age-related hearing loss is a key risk factor for dementia; however, community healthcare professionals often lack training in hearing care for people with dementia. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the Hearing Guidelines of Unified Information for Dementia Experts (H-GUIDE), an educational booklet designed to improve hearingrelated knowledge and practices in dementia care. Subjects and Methods: The H-GUIDE consists of five sections: Hearing Loss and Dementia, Hearing Screening Tests, Introduction of Hearing Aids, Use of Hearing Aids, and Maintenance of Hearing Aids. Participants were 71 long-term care workers, including facility managers and healthcare professionals. The Knowledge Attitude Practice (KAP), Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and Hearing Aid Knowledge Inventory (HAKI) questionnaires were applied before, after, and two months after the educational intervention. Results: Participants showed significant improvements in hearingrelated knowledge, practice, and intention to use the H-GUIDE post intervention. These effects were sustained during the two-month follow-up. The HAKI scores increased significantly posttest and remained stable over time. Conclusions: The H-GUIDE was validated as an effective and user-friendly educational tool that enhances hearing care competency among dementia healthcare professionals; it also supports early detection and management of hearing problems.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Hearing loss negatively affects communication and quality of life. While clinician-led rehabilitation is beneficial, access barriers and poor long-term adherence limit its overall impact. This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of self-directed auditory rehabilitation across the lifespan. Materials and. METHODS:A systematic search was conducted using five electronic databases for peer-reviewed studies involving children, adults, and older adults with at least mild hearing loss, who participated in self-directed auditory rehabilitation and reported behavioral, objective, or patient-reported auditory outcomes. RESULTS:Twenty-two studies with 1,851 screened records were included in the synthesis, which encompassed varied populations, devices, and rehabilitation formats. Random-effects meta-analyses showed significant speech recognition improvement in pediatric participants (Cohen's d=1.32, standard error [SE]=0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08-1.56; p<0.05), with effects maintained at 1-3 months. A moderately significant benefit was observed in both adults and older adults (Cohen's d=0.55, SE=0.05, 95% CI: 0.45-0.65). Although publication bias was present in some adult studies, the sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. CONCLUSIONS:Self-directed auditory rehabilitation produces meaningful and sustained speech recognition benefits in individuals with hearing loss, endorsing its integration as an accessible adjunct to conventional audiologic care. Future studies should refine the program content and reduce intervention variability.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to assess the homogeneity of the audibility of word and sentence corpora for use in the development of speech audiometry test tools in Tamil. Materials and. METHODS:A Tamil corpus (675 words and 195 sentences) was compiled from books, magazines, and novels of children aged five to ten years. A female speaker was chosen to record the corpus based on expert ratings. All recorded contents were root mean square-normalized using Adobe Audition 3.0. The recorded material was randomly placed into 27-word lists (25 words/list) and 20-sentence lists for psychometric assessment. Speech perception testing was done at five intensities (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 dB SL; referenced to pure-tone average) in 20 adults with normal hearing. RESULTS:Analysis of variance indicated significant differences (p<0.01) in speech perception scores as a function of intensity for all words and sentences. A logistic regression model was fitted to estimate the thresholds (i.e., the intensity level at which 50% scores were obtained) from the curve, which was observed around 10.12 dB SL for the words and 11.77 dB SL for the sentences. CONCLUSIONS:All words and sentences in the pediatric Tamil corpus were observed to be homogenous in audibility. Hence, all words and sentences can be utilized for developing an assessment tool process, as well as in subsequent clinical assessments.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of loss of cervical lordosis (LCL) and cervical disc pathologies (CDPs) on the auditory system and to identify the predominant anatomical sites of these effects using both objective and subjective audiological assessments. Subjects and. METHODS:This prospective controlled study included 98 individuals: 57 patients diagnosed with CDP via cervical spinal magnetic resonance imaging and 41 individuals without such a diagnosis. Of the participants, 68 (69.4%) were female, and 30 (30.6%) were male. CDP was assessed based on the presence and level of bulging or protrusion. Cervical lateral radiographs revealed LCL in 65 patients, while 33 showed no such loss. The mean age of participants was 41.0±6.9 years (range: 21-52 years). All participants underwent audiological evaluation, including assessment of hearing thresholds and the presence of tinnitus. RESULTS:The mean speech frequency and high-frequency hearing thresholds, measured by pure-tone audiometry, were significantly higher in the 57 patients with CDP than in the 41 control participants (p=0.04 and p=0.02, respectively). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in speech frequencies, high-frequency hearing thresholds, and otoacoustic emission measurements, as assessed by pure-tone audiometry, between the 65 patients with LCL and the 33 control participants without LCL (p=0.22, p=0.18, p=0.51, respectively). Upon evaluating the groups for the presence and severity of tinnitus, no differences in LCL or CDP were observed (p=0.81 and p=0.95, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:Our findings indicate that patients with CDPs exhibit elevated hearing thresholds. Given the limited number of studies addressing inner ear function in common conditions such as cervical disc herniation and LCL, this study contributes to the literature by emphasizing the importance of auditory assessments in these patients.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to compare sound field audiometry (SFA) and headphone-based audiometry (HPA) during the hearing aid fitting process. Factors associated with the differences between the two methods were also investigated. Subjects and. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed 42 patients who underwent both unaided SFA and HPA on the same day. RESULTS:Hearing thresholds obtained in SFA were lower than those measured with HPA at 250 Hz (p=0.016). No significant differences were observed at other frequencies. When comparing the clinical characteristics of the groups with lower and higher thresholds of SFA at 250 Hz, patients with mixed hearing loss (MHL) were more prevalent in the group with lower hearing thresholds in SFA, whereas those with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) were more common in the group with equal or higher thresholds in SFA (p=0.011). Moreover, in subjects with SNHL, no significant difference was observed between the average of the thresholds at the four frequencies (4-FA) of SFA and that of HPA (p=0.156), while a significant difference was observed in subjects with MHL (p=0.028). When compared across the frequency, the thresholds of SFA at 250 Hz and 1,000 Hz were significantly lower than those of HPA (p=0.004 and p=0.009, respectively) in MHL. CONCLUSIONS:Improvement in aided hearing in SFA compared with unaided HPA must be interpreted with caution at lower frequencies in subjects with MHL. Meanwhile, when validating the efficacy in HA users with SNHL, the process can be simplified using unaided HPA instead of SFA; however, unaided SFA should be employed in those with MHL.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Cholesteatomas are chronically progressive keratinizing epithelial lesions that locally destroy tissue and erode bone. Surgery is the primary treatment for cholesteatomas; however, tumor recurrence and complications have prompted the search for more effective medical therapies. Halofuginone (HF) inhibits multiple pathways implicated in cholesteatoma pathogenesis. Therefore, the dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects of HF on the spontaneously transformed human adult skin keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell line were investigated, and the IC50 values of HF were determined as a preliminary step in evaluating the potential of using HF as a pharmacological treatment for cholesteatoma. Materials and. METHODS:An in vitro experiment was conducted using HaCaT cells, which is an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line. Cells were treated with HF at 0.1 μM to 100 μM for 24 and 48 hours. Cell viability was measured via an MTT assay, and the IC50 values were calculated using nonlinear regression analysis. RESULTS:HF treatment substantially dose- and time-dependently reduced HaCaT cell viability. The IC50 values at 24 and 48 hours were 2.74 μM and 0.24 μM, respectively, reflecting a more than ten-fold increase in cytotoxic potency over time. The differences between the treatment groups were significant at both time points (p=0.017 and p=0.001 at 24 and 48 hours, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:HF exerts potent cytotoxic effects on keratinocytes, with efficacy increasing with exposure duration. These findings support the further study of HF as a pharmacological agent for modulating epithelial proliferation in cholesteatomas and related disorders.
The diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) rely on the observation of characteristic nystagmus elicited by specific diagnostic and repositioning maneuvers, making clinician expertise essential. Accurate diagnosis requires careful simulation of the position of otoconial debris within the semicircular canals, both at rest and during dynamic maneuvers. Diagnostic and repositioning maneuvers for posterior and horizontal canal BPPV are well established. However, caution is required in cases of cupulolithiasis, especially involving the vertical canals, where the direction of nystagmus may resemble that seen in canalolithiasis. Key features such as minimal latency and fatigability are important for differential diagnosis. Anterior canal BPPV typically presents with predominantly down-beating nystagmus accompanied by a minimal torsional component. Accordingly, recent therapeutic approaches for anterior canal BPPV have emphasized straight head-hanging and head-flexion maneuvers. In general, repositioning maneuvers achieve high cure rates. Nevertheless, the complex microanatomy and pathophysiology of BPPV may limit treatment efficacy. In such cases, clinicians should reassure patients regarding the benign and non-life-threatening nature of BPPV. A careful and systematic approach can then be adopted to reassess the diagnosis and optimize treatment strategies while minimizing vertigo.
Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) delivers band-limited subsensory electrical noise at the mastoids to amplify vestibular signaling via stochastic resonance. This review synthesizes human studies involving healthy participants and proposes a practical stimulation protocol and reporting checklist to promote standardization of nGVS in vestibular research and clinical translation. Evidence supports the use of a bilateral bipolar mastoid montage; 1.75-10 cm2 electrodes; zero-mean Gaussian white noise with a 0-30 Hz passband (or 0-640 Hz when replicating prior work or testing cortical or perceptual hypotheses); participant-titrated subsensory intensities (typically 100-400 μA, with fixed protocols often 400-1,000 μA); and task-matched stimulation epochs of 10-30 seconds. Reports should specify the electrode polarity, passband and filter details, amplitude reference (peak, peak-to-peak, or root-mean-square), threshold procedures, and total stimulation dose. Under these conditions, nGVS has been shown to improve vestibulospinal outcomes (reduced postural sway and better gait stability), modulate vestibulo-ocular physiology, and lower vestibular motion detection thresholds. The effects scale with task difficulty and baseline vestibular function; tolerability was favorable at the subsensory level. Priorities for future research include head-to-head tests of montage and frequency, individualized dose-response and after-effect mapping, stratification by baseline vestibular status, and mechanistic biomarkers tied to behavior. Standardized parameters and reporting will enable robust meta-analyses and faster clinical translation.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Hearing loss (HL) is a significant global public health concern with an increasing burden falling on India because of factors such as aging, noise exposure, and such comorbidities as hypertension and diabetes. Despite these known risks, comprehensive data are lacking on the causes and patterns of HL in East Singhbhum, Jharkhand, especially in industrial settings. This study aims to address this gap by examining the contributing factors to HL among the local population. Subjects and. METHODS:This study included 295 adult patients of both sexes, aged 20-80 years, diagnosed with HL. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was performed to assess the pattern and degree of HL. RESULTS:Of the 295 cases, most were females (52.54%); however, male participants, especially factory workers (p=0.005), had a higher prevalence of HL (p=0.038). Moreover, younger age (all p<0.05), alcohol use (p=0.003), alcohol and smoking (p<0.001), noise exposure with smoking (p=0.004), hypertension (p= 0.037), diabetes with hypertension (p=0.045), other comorbidities (p=0.018), and unilateral HL (p=0.002) appeared as significant risk factors for HL, as did various clinical diagnoses, including presbycusis (p<0.001), chronic otitis media (p= 0.003), noise-induced HL (p=0.007), sudden sensineural HL (p<0.001), and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS:Noise exposure combined with a smoking habit, use of alcohol without smoking, smoking and alcohol, hypertension without diabetes, diabetes with hypertension, and other predisposing factors were key contributors to HL, highlighting the need for early intervention and management. The most common diagnosis was chronic otitis media.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The auditory brainstem response (ABR) represents a critical tool for evaluating auditory pathways. Although absolute and inter-peak latencies (IPLs) are commonly analyzed, the differences between different stimulus types and presentation modes, particularly during binaural processing, remain underexplored. This study compared the absolute latencies, IPLs, and binaural interaction component (BIC) latencies of ABRs elicited by click and LS CE-chirp stimuli under both monaural and binaural conditions. The present study analyzed the clinical features of cochlear function in Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Twenty-one adults with normal hearing aged 22-25 years underwent ABR testing using click and LS CE-chirp stimuli under binaural, right ear, and left ear conditions. Their absolute latencies, IPLs, and BIC latencies for waves I, III, and V were recorded. BIC latencies were calculated by subtracting each subject's binaural wave latency from their mean monaural latency. RESULTS:The subjects' LS CE-chirp stimuli elicited significantly longer wave V latencies under binaural vs monaural conditions, although their click-evoked ABRs did not show significant differences across the different presentation modes evaluated. The wave III latencies were significantly longer for the LS CE-chirp stimuli under the binaural and right-ear conditions. The IPLs showed stimulus- and ear-dependent differences, with LS CE-chirps evoking shorter IPLs vs. regular clicks under some conditions. The BIC latencies for waves III and V were significantly longer for the LS CE-chirp stimuli, whereas those for wave I showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS:LS CE-chirp stimuli enhanced ABR detectability and revealed longer binaural processing times, particularly at higher auditory brainstem levels. These findings support the utility of LS CE-chirp in terms of assessing binaural integration and central auditory processing.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a minimal inverted-J incision for bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) Attract implantation. Classical large incisions often result in prolonged surgical time and wound-related complications. A linear incision can lead to an incision scar overlapping the implanted magnet, resulting in wound complications, magnet instability, and problems with external device attachment. Our novel incision method overcomes the limitations of both incision methods. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:We assessed the outcomes of patients who underwent BAHA Attract implantation using a minimal inverted-J incision, which was designed to provide adequate exposure while avoiding excessive incision. The total surgery duration, wound healing, and implant stability were evaluated based on hearing outcomes and compared with those of patients who underwent a classical incision. RESULTS:The minimal inverted-J incision and classical incision groups demonstrated no significant differences in surgical time (32.7±6.3 min vs. 36.9±5.4 min, p=0.056), postoperative major wound complications (6.3% vs. 20%, p=0.176), and hearing outcomes (51.8±31.1 dB vs. 49.3±27.8 dB, p=0.585); however, the trends consistently showed that the minimal inverted-J incision group was either superior or comparable to the other groups. CONCLUSIONS:Our novel incision technique for BAHA Attract implantation addresses the limitations associated with both the classical and minimal linear incision approaches.
