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Prognostic factors for myringoplasty

This retrospective study looked at the factors that were associated with a higher success rate for tympanic membrane perforation closure. The authors looked at 247 procedures. They compared the results of temporalis fascia versus tragal cartilage. The cartilage grafts had...

CIs and the elderly

Although cochlear implantation (CI) is thought to be a predominantly paediatric procedure, more and more adults are candidates for cochlear implants. This retrospective study was performed on 80 adults aged above 50 who were implanted for at least nine months....

Review of surgical treatments of intractable Meniere’s disease

This is a nice summary of the evidence available for the surgical treatments for intractable Meniere’s disease. To summarise, in five-10 years, over 90% of vestibular neurectomy cases, more than 80% of intratympanic gentamycin treatment, and 70-80% of endolymphatic sac...

Are they just ignoring you?

The clarity of hearing in background noise, which is influenced by the signal-to-noise ratio, has been a much-debated topic over many years from various angles. This study looks at anaesthetised cats and, as cats are not commonly known for their...

What Plug?

For decades, audiologists have encouraged people to wear hearing protection when they attend concerts. Traditionally, the most accessible options have been foam plugs, which have limited appeal due to their poor sound quality. Disposable foam plugs absorb high frequency sounds...

Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islanders and Pacific Islander Ear Care Manual

I was delighted to review this manual, having had the previous privilege of joining its lead author, Professor Harvey Coates, in one of his indigenous ear health clinics just outside Perth, Western Australia. Prof Coates has worked with a broad...

A raised neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio predicts vestibular schwannoma growth

It has long been known that the neutrophil to lymphocyte count ratio (NLR) is a marker of inflammation and that a higher ratio relates to poorer outcomes in some malignant tumours including some head and neck cancers. Neutrophilia (and therefore...

Hearing loss and QOL

This article evaluates the impact of hearing loss and its rehabilitation on the quality of life (QoL) of adults. The authors suggest that the currently used scale, Aphab, is long, complicated and does not take into account minor changes. The...