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Video-augmented consent in thyroid surgery

Short, procedure-specific thyroid surgery videos improve patient understanding, standardise risk discussions and support informed consent. Background Informed consent is an important principle which underpins modern surgical practice. Patients are given information regarding their medical condition, discussion of the proposed treatment,...

Utilisation of cortical auditory evoked potentials in the paediatric population

Introduction Early identification of hearing loss in infants followed by prompt intervention is well established as the key to maximising the development of speech, language and psychosocial skills. Many countries have already adopted early hearing detection and intervention (EDHI) programs,...

Speech mapping and the benefits of using in clinical practice

Fitting hearing aids is not simply a case of one size fits all. Nicole da Rocha discusses the benefits of using speech mapping as a verification tool. The verification of hearing aids has become quintessential for best practice. Using either...

Underdiagnosing eosinophilic oesophagitis in food bolus obstruction: a wake-up call for ENT units

The management of FBO has evolved, with most cases now done by upper GI clinicians. Biopsies should be taken routinely to investigate possible eosinophilic oesophagitis. In acute soft food bolus obstruction (FBO), uncovering the root cause is as crucial as...

Surgical technology and operating room safety failures: lessons from vascular and general surgery

Background – surgical technology and otolaryngology An estimated 234 million major surgical procedures are performed annually worldwide. This requires the interaction of multidisciplinary teams with varying contributions of surgical technology and therefore makes surgical procedures prone to multiple sources of...

BACO 2015: Meet the Key Brits

The triennial BACO is always a feast of academic and social activity – and BACO 2015 promises to be as busy as ever. We hear from three of the key British speakers who are making big contributions to this year’s...

The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline: current perspectives

Editorial clarification This article reviews research exploring associations between hearing impairment, cognitive decline and dementia. While evidence shows a dose-dependent relationship, it is important to note that association does not prove causation, and current research does not definitively show if...

Migration and training: a British-Nigerian surgeon’s perspective

Less than 4% of doctors on the UK’s medical register describe their ethnicity as African or part African, yet there are myriad driving forces behind the migration of medical trainees from Africa to the UK and other developed countries. Ekpemi...

User perspectives of online audiological rehabilitation programmes

Recent research shows that online audiological rehabilitation programmes have the potential to improve the quality of life of hearing aid users. However, there are still areas that need need improvement. Elisabet Thorén discusses some of the problems people face when...

Stricture after total laryngectomy: what are the risk factors?

Stricture after total laryngectomy is common but not inevitable. New insights into risk factors could help clinicians anticipate problems and improve swallowing outcomes. Why this complication deserves renewed attention Total laryngectomy remains one of the defining operations in head and...