Prognostic factors for sudden drops in hearing level after minor head injury in patients with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To identify factors associated with sudden drops in hearing level after minor head trauma in patients with an enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA).

Methods: A systematic review of the literature on sudden drops in hearing level after minor head trauma in patients with an EVA was conducted. The studies were retrieved from Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane and critically appraised using predefined criteria.

Survival analysis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: influence of smoking and drinking.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are associated with tobacco and alcohol; however, the prognostic relevance of these substances is unclear.

Methods: Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed for patients with (n = 1829) and without (n = 183) substance use.

Results: HNSCC-specific survival (death due to primary-HNSCC or recurrent HNSCC) and HNSCC/second primary tumor-specific survival (death due to primary-HNSCC or recurrent HNSCC or second primary tumor) were not significantly different for patients who smoked and drank alcohol (hazard ratio [HR], 1.