Journal Reviews
Facial paralysis revisited
Facial paralysis grading is a confusing issue. Lots of classifications have been proposed but all are subjective. The authors attempted to automate the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (SFGS) by training a convoluted neural network (CNN) deep learning system. They used...
Tonsillectomy and the environment
The authors compared the carbon footprint of various techniques used for subtotal tonsillectomy. The techniques included radiofrequency ablation, coblation and cold steel with bipolar diathermy. All medical equipment was reported and their carbon emissions in eCO₂ calculated. Cold steel with...
The cocktail party conundrum
I feel, with slight sadness and disappointment, that a good cocktail party, dresses, punch bowls and all is not currently in its heyday and, therefore, opportunity of attending is slim. However, from what I remember, they tend to be a...
Expectations and practice
Reading this paper is reassuring. It does not appear to be groundbreaking in its results but research can be as useful, if not more so, when it consolidates knowledge and helps unify the research base. This paper focuses on those...
Family-centred early hearing detection and intervention
This mixed-methods study provides important insight into how caregivers in South Africa experience early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI) services. Using both survey data and narrative interviews, the authors explore how well current services reflect the principles of family-centred early...
Meaningful life changes following hearing aid use: a qualitative user perspective
Part of a larger survey on hearing aid outcomes and experiences, this US-based study explores meaningful life changes due to hearing aid use in adults, with the aim of contributing to and improving all aspects of aural rehabilitation for this...
Let’s talk brains: review of care pathways for communication management post brain tumour
One in five people with a brain tumour have speech and language difficulties such as aphasia – a language impairment that can result in difficulties using and understanding words and sentences and participating in conversations. This paper describes a scoping...
Temporal bone fractures in children – are we doing enough?
This is a retrospective study which assessed clinical presentation and prognosis in 91 children under the age of 18 who developed temporal bone fractures from trauma, the commonest of which was falls from heights followed by motor vehicle accident. The...
Cochlear implant – should we follow the curve?
Slimmer electrodes were developed by cochlear implant companies under the premise of hearing preservation (HP). Electrode types included stylet-curved electrodes sheath-curved electrodes, and straight-flexible electrodes. Previous reviews did not compare sheath and straight electrodes. A systematic review and meta-analysis were...
Columellar strut grafts versus septal extension grafts – which is better?
Rhinoplasty is a commonly performed procedure that, while often pursued for cosmetic enhancement, can also significantly influence nasal airway function. This seven year retrospective cohort study performed at a tertiary centre in Australia compares two well established techniques for nasal...
Ramsey Hunt causes more widespread vestibular dysfunction that other causes of acute peripheral vestibulopathy
The extent of semicircular canal dysfunction in different conditions causing acute vestibular syndrome (AS) has not been widely studied. The authors share their findings in a retrospective study of patients presenting with AVS in three conditions: Ramsay Hunt syndrome (RHSD),...
What are the consequences of facial palsy on working life?
Facial palsy (FP) has multiple causes, including iatrogenic or idiopathic paralysis, trauma and tumours. Whilst for certain aetiologies, such as Bell’s palsy, recovery of function is expected, many patients will experience permanent symptoms due to incomplete recovery of the facial...
