Journal Reviews
Cochlear implant and age
In an American ageing society with more prevalent hearing loss, fewer geriatric patients are opting for cochlear implants (CI). This is mainly due to comorbidities and potential complications. Authors conducted a retrospective review of CI patients from 2015 till 2021....
The ACS-NSQIP study – predictive risk factors and outcomes in primary malignant parotid tumour surgery
Malignant parotid gland tumours occupy a good proportion of the ENT surgeon’s operative caseload. Large standardised datasets for malignant parotid tumour surgery are limited. This international multi-institutional study is based on the pooled American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality...
Virtual vestibular rehabilitation (VR) is as effective as in-person VR
The effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation (VR) for patients with several vestibular disorders is well established. Access for in-person clinic-based VR is however patchy and limited. To widen access, offering VR via virtual platforms is increasingly being adopted. The authors conducted...
What are the airway, voice and swallowing outcomes of a mucosal-sparing surgical approach to improving the glottic airway in bilateral vocal fold immobility?
Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) causes significant breathing problems as well as voice and swallowing difficulties. Surgical interventions aim to enlarge the glottic outlet by altering or removing glottic structures which improve breathing but often lead to worsening dysphonia and...
Saddle nose deformity repair – structured approach
We often come across saddle noses in our specialist rhinology clinics. The saddle nose deformity represents collapse of the cartilaginous and / or bony nasal support structures resulting in dorsal height loss. Acquired cases are due to trauma or surgery...
Temperature-controlled radiofrequency treatment of the nasal valve confers sustained benefit
Aiming to investigate long-term efficacy and safety (three years post treatment), this was an extension of a previous multicentre, prospective, single-blinded, randomised controlled trial that investigated the effectiveness and safety of temperature-controlled radiofrequency treatment (TCRF) to the nasal valve (NV)...
Patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP respond to biologics in the real world
Clinical trials have demonstrated that biologics are effective in treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This multicentre (15 tertiary care centres in France) observational prospective cohort study aims to examine the effectiveness of biologics in treating CRSwNP...
Say what you don’t mean: cognitive difficulties in Parkinson’s can worsen intelligibility
Hypokinetic dysarthria, seen in 70–90% of people with Parkinson’s, causes reduced range of movement during speech production, reduced volume, rate, pitch and intelligibility. This study aimed to explore the role of higher cognitive function in speech production by asking 20...
Do easier-to-swallow tablets improve medication adherence in people with dysphagia?
Swallowing tablets can be challenging for many people, but particularly so for those with a diagnosis of dysphagia. As a result, many medications are prepared in alternate formats including liquid, dissolvable or orally disintegrating tablets that dissolve on contact with...
Talk your brain well: discourse training to fortify your cognitive functioning and protect against dementia
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be described as a transitional stage prior to a diagnosis of dementia. Approximately 15% of people with amnestic MCI (where memory is the leading symptom) develop dementia. Nonpharmacological interventions, specifically cognitive training, has shown some...
Do intranasal corticosteroids resolve eustachian tube dysfunction?
Eustachian tube dysfunction is a widely prevalent problem, both in children and adults. In many ways, it affects the quality of life in terms of earaches, feeling of blockage and variable hearing. Use of intranasal corticosteroids is customary but whether...
Association of tinnitus with dementia
In this large case-controlled study, the authors have compared the presence of tinnitus prior to the diagnosis of dementia in the study group with those without dementia. Dementia patients were selected from the National Health Insurance group. The control group...