Routine use of prophylactics in clean otologic surgery is not supported by evidence, and their role in contaminated cases warrants more research
Restoring Microbial Balance Key to Keeping Sinuses Healthy
New research suggests that shifting bacterial populations may spur chronic rhinosinusitis
Newly Formed Society for Middle Ear Disease Aims to Educate, Advocate
The Society for Middle Ear Disease aims to promote public and professional awareness of the importance of otitis media as a major health problem.
Cochlear Implant Surgery: How Young Is Too Young?
A new study suggests the procedure can be safe for infants, and yield profound improvements in auditory outcomes.
New Sudden Hearing Loss Guidelines Provoke Mixed Opinions
Symptom Reviews: Panel discusses the nuances of otology cases
Middle Ear Implants Offer Potential: New breed of devices may stimulate compliance, experts say
For decades, otolaryngologists have been frustrated by the refusal of some patients with hearing loss to use hearing aids. Statistics on noncompliance vary, but there is general agreement that only about 20 percent to 25 percent of Americans with treatable hearing loss use hearing aids. The problem seems to be more acute for people with mild hearing loss: A consumer survey conducted by the nonprofit Better Hearing Institute in 2009 found that fewer than 10 percent of people with mild hearing loss use amplification and that even among people with moderate-to-severe hearing loss, only four in 10 use amplification.
Change of Course?: Studies point to antibiotics as optimal treatment for otitis media
The question of how soon to give antibiotics to children with acute otitis media (AOM) is receiving renewed attention with the publication of two studies that show the benefit of immediate treatment over the “wait-and-see” approach recommended in the 2004 guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAP/AAFP).
VR Simulator Training Improves Cadaveric Temporal Bone Dissection
Can supervised training with a virtual reality (VR) simulator improve performance in cadaver temporal bone dissection? Background: Cadaveric temporal bone dissection exercises are the cornerstones of otologic surgical training, but there […]
Socioeconomic Disparity Seen in Families of Hearing-Impaired Children
What are the disparities in socioeconomic status and health care utilization in hearing-impaired children? Background: Multiple barriers potentially contribute to health disparities experienced by children with hearing loss. These can include […]