Positioning Accuracy in Otosurgery Measured with Optical Tracking.

Objectives: To assess positioning accuracy in otosurgery and to test the impact of the two-handed instrument holding technique and the instrument support technique on surgical precision. To test an otologic training model with optical tracking.

Study Design: In total, 14 ENT surgeons in the same department with different levels of surgical experience performed static and dynamic tasks with otologic microinstruments under simulated otosurgical conditions.

Regional Pattern of Dementia and Prevalence of Hearing Impairment in Germany.

Objectives: To determine the association between hearing impairment and dementia.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Claims data of the Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse, the largest public health insurance company in Germany.

Can nasal decongestants improve eustachian tube function?

Objective: To evaluate the effect of nasal decongestants on eustachian tube (ET) opening.

Study Design: A prospective nonrandomized study.

Setting: A tertiary referral center.