Assessing the readability and quality of online written information on epistaxis.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the readability and quality of online written information on epistaxis.

Methods: The terms 'epistaxis' and 'nosebleed' were entered into Google. The first six webpages generated for each search term were screened.

Diagnostic criteria and core outcome set development for necrotising otitis externa: the COSNOE Delphi consensus study.

Objective: Evidence for necrotising otitis externa (NOE) diagnosis and management is limited, and outcome reporting is heterogeneous. International best practice guidelines were used to develop consensus diagnostic criteria and a core outcome set (COS).

Methods: The study was pre-registered on the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database.

Blinded comparison of computed tomography, ultrasound and needle methods to measure skin flap thickness for cochlear implantation.

Purpose: Patient suitability for cochlear implant (CI) devices compatible with magnetic resonance imaging and CI processor configuration is dependent on their retro-auricular skin flap thickness. This is typically measured intra-operatively using a needle and therefore patients are not guaranteed their implant of choice prior to surgery. We aimed to identify an accurate method to measure skin flap thickness pre-operatively to streamline CI selection and simplify the consent process.

The dark kinase STK32A regulates hair cell planar polarity opposite of EMX2 in the developing mouse inner ear.

The vestibular maculae of the inner ear contain sensory receptor hair cells that detect linear acceleration and contribute to equilibrioception to coordinate posture and ambulatory movements. These hair cells are divided between two groups, separated by a line of polarity reversal (LPR), with oppositely oriented planar-polarized stereociliary bundles that detect motion in opposite directions. The transcription factor EMX2 is known to establish this planar polarized organization in mouse by regulating the distribution of the transmembrane receptor GPR156 at hair cell boundaries in one group of cells.

Common challenges in cochlear implant surgery performed under local anaesthesia and how to overcome them: the experience of UK surgeons.

Background: Cochlear implantation performed under local anaesthesia is an increasingly accepted technique worldwide, though the literature to date includes only single-surgeon and single-centre experiences. This study explored the national experience of UK surgeons using this challenging surgical technique, with the goal of providing consensus recommendations.

Methods: A qualitative analysis was conducted of semi-structured interviews with 10 UK-based cochlear implantation surgeons, focusing on common challenges, how to overcome them and candidate selection.

Participant expectations in a national otolaryngology mentorship programme.

Objective: Mentoring within surgery is increasingly recognised as a powerful development tool, but participant expectations have not previously been explored. This study aimed to explore and analyse participant expectations from the UK's first national otolaryngology mentorship programme.

Method: Participants completed open-ended questionnaires.

Patients' experience of necrotising otitis externa: a qualitative study.

Background: Necrotising otitis externa is a serious infective condition. Patients are typically frail, diagnostic delay is common and severe pain is a key feature. This study aimed to qualitatively analyse patient-centred data to identify key themes in the patient's experience.

A comparison of imaging techniques to measure skin flap thickness in cochlear implant patients to enable pre-operative device selection.

Objectives: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-compatible cochlear implants have weaker internal magnets than non-MRI-compatible devices. Their suitability for individual patients is limited by skin flap thickness, traditionally measured with a needle in the operating theatre. We aimed to establish the accuracy of imaging modalities to measure skin flap thickness pre-operatively, with the goal of streamlining device selection and simplifying the consent process.

Higher Speciality Training Boot Camp in Otolaryngology: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of the Northern National Formative Specialty Training 3 Induction Course.

Background Opportunities for new otolaryngology trainees to develop their skills as they embark on specialty training can be limited. Our facility hosted a national simulation-based boot camp for new otolaryngology trainees in the UK. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the boot camp in improving trainee confidence as they transitioned from core surgical training (CST) to higher specialty training (HST) in otolaryngology.

Impact on patients of the coronovirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of cochlear implant surgery: a qualitative study.

Objective: This study aimed to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and postponement of elective surgical procedures for profoundly deaf patients awaiting cochlear implantation.

Method: Open-ended questionnaires were sent to all adult patients awaiting cochlear implantation surgery. Qualitative analysis was performed using a grounded theory approach.

Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation under local anaesthesia in a visually impaired adult with profound sensorineural deafness: A case report.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence recommends that adult patients with severe to profound deafness are eligible for simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation if they are blind or have other disabilities increasing their reliance on auditory stimuli. Cochlear implant (CI) surgery is routinely performed under general anaesthesia (GA), precluding patients who have higher risk associated with GA. Recent literature describes the safety and efficacy of performing unilateral CI surgery under local anaesthesia (LA).