Can anatomy-based fitting improve musical perception in adult cochlear implant users?

Objectives: To compare Anatomy-Based Fitting (ABF) vs. Default Fitting (DF) in terms of music perception and music enjoyment in CI users.

Methods: CI users ≥ 18 years implanted with a Synchrony ST Flex28 (MEDEL) with at least 12 months of experience with either ABF or DF, with good speech tests outcomes (≥ 65% disyllables) were enrolled.

Intraoperative assessment of cochlear nerve functionality in various vestibular schwannoma scenarios: Lessons learned.

The use of cochlear implants (CIs) is on the rise for patients with vestibular schwannoma (VS). Besides CI following tumor resection, new scenarios such as implantation in observed and/or irradiated tumors are becoming increasingly common. A significant emerging trend is the need of intraoperative evaluation of the functionality of the cochlear nerve in order to decide if a CI would be placed.

Has Coranavirus Disease 2019 Changed the Incidence and Outcome of Bell's Palsy?

Background: Objectives: (1) To determine whether the incidence of Bell's Palsy (BP) increased during the pandemic. (2) To investigate whether the outcomes of patients with BP and COVID-19 infection or vaccination differ from those in the pre-pandemic era.

Methods: Patients with BP were studied in 2 periods retrospectively (March 2021-March 2022 and August 2018-August 2019).

Is Age a Limiting Factor for Audiological Results in Active Middle Ear Implants?

Active middle ear implants (AMEI) are implantable options for patients with sensorineural, conductive, or mixed hearing loss who are not good candidates for hearing aids. The aim of this study was to compare audiological, surgical, quality of life, and sound quality outcomes in adults <60 and ≥60 years receiving an AMEI. Twenty adult patients who underwent AMEI implantation were divided into two groups, <60 and ≥60 y.

QoL, CIs, QALYs, and Individualized Rehabilitation: The Clinical and Practical Benefits of Regularly Assessing the Quality of Life of Adult Cochlear Implant Recipients.

This study aimed to report quality of life (QoL) scores in unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users and to generate guidance for clinicians on using QoL measures to individualize CI counselling and rehabilitation and to increase access to CIs as a mode of rehabilitation. Participants (n = 101) were unilateral CI users with single-sided deafness (SSD; n = 17), asymmetrical hearing loss (AHL; n = 26), or bilateral hearing loss (Uni; n = 58). Generic QoL was assessed via the Health Utilities Index (HUI-3), and disease-specific QoL was assessed via the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing scale (SSQ12) and Nijmegen CI Questionnaire (NCIQ) at preimplantation and at 6 and 12 months of CI use.

Validation of the Spanish version of the Electronic Facial Palsy Assessment (eFACE).

Purpose: The clinician-graded electronic facial paralysis assessment (eFACE) is a relatively new digital tool for assessing facial palsy. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the eFACE.

Methods: Forward-backward translation from the original English version was performed.

Meludia platform as a tool to evaluate music perception in pediatric and adult cochlear implant users.

Purpose: Music perception is one of the greatest challenges for cochlear implant (CI) users. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate the music perception of CI users using the online Meludia music training program as music testing platform, (ii) to compare performance among three age groups, and (iii) to compare CI users with their normal hearing (NH) peers.

Methods: 138 individuals participated, divided between children (6-10 y), adolescents (11-16 y), and adults (≥ 17 y).

Long-Term Non-Users of Transcutaneous Auditory Implants: Thirty Years of Experience at a Single Institution.

Although it is a recognized phenomenon, there is little published in the literature on the discontinuation of auditory implant use. To evaluate the incidence of device non-use of transcutaneous auditory implants. : This is a retrospective study of all living individuals (children and adults) implanted at the La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) between 1992-2015, with a follow-up examination endpoint of December 2022.

The effect of risk factors on cognition in adult cochlear implant candidates with severe to profound hearing loss.

Hearing loss has been identified as a major modifiable risk factors for dementia. Adult candidates for cochlear implantation (CI) represent a population at risk of hearing loss-associated cognitive decline. This study investigated the effect of demographics, habits, and medical and psychological risk factors on cognition within such a cohort.

Evolution of Type D Personality Traits After Cochlear Implantation in Severely Hearing Impaired Adults 55 Years and Older: An Exploratory Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study.

Purpose: To study the evolution of type D personality traits in older adults after cochlear implantation compared with a control group of severely hearing impaired older adults who did not receive a cochlear implant (CI). The influence of COVID-19 on this evolution was also explored. Type D personality combines a high degree of negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI).

Validation of the Spanish version of the Sunnybrook facial grading system.

Purpose: The Sunnybrook facial grading system (SFGS) is one of the most widely employed tools to assess facial function. The present study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Spanish language version of the SFGS.

Methods: Forward-backward translation from the original English version was performed by fluent speakers of English and Spanish.

Contribution and safety of the side-to-end hypoglossal-to-facial transfer in multidisciplinary facial reanimation.

Background: This study evaluates facial and tongue function in patients undergoing side-to-end hypoglossal-to-facial transfer (HFT) with additional techniques.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients underwent a side-to-end HFT. Twelve had additional cross-face grafts, and 9 had an additional masseter-to-facial transfer.

Using Generic and Disease-Specific Measures to Assess Quality of Life before and after 12 Months of Hearing Implant Use: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Multicenter, Observational Clinical Study.

The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of hearing implant (HI) use on quality of life (QoL) and to determine which QoL measure(s) quantify QoL with greater sensitivity in users of different types of HIs. Participants were adult cochlear implant (CI), active middle ear implant (VIBRANT SOUNDBRIDGE (VSB)), or active transcutaneous bone conduction implant (the BONEBRIDGE (BB)) recipients. Generic QoL and disease-specific QoL were assessed at three intervals: pre-activation, 6 months of device use, and 12 months of device use.

Effect of cochlear implantation on cognitive decline and quality of life in younger and older adults with severe-to-profound hearing loss.

Purpose: (a) To measure the change in cognition, the improvement of speech perception, and the subjective benefit in people under and over 60 years following cochlear implantation. (b) To assess the relationship between cognition, demographic, audiometric, and subjective outcomes in both age groups.

Methods: 28 cochlear implant (CI) users were assigned to the < 60y group and 35 to the ≥ 60y group.

Quality of Life Following Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Menière's Disease.

Menière's disease (MD) is a disorder characterized by auditory and vestibular dysfunction that significantly deteriorates patients' quality of life (QoL). In addition to the management of vestibular symptoms, some patients with bilateral hearing loss meet criteria for cochlear implantation (CI). (1) To assess hearing results and QoL outcomes following CI in patients with MD.

Cognitive Improvement After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Severe or Profound Hearing Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study.

Objective: To compare the cognitive evolution of older adults with severe or profound hearing impairment after cochlear implantation with that of a matched group of older adults with severe hearing impairment who do not receive a cochlear implant (CI).

Design: In this prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and multicenter study, 24 older CI users were included in the intervention group and 24 adults without a CI in the control group. The control group matched the intervention group in terms of gender, age, formal education, cognitive functioning, and residual hearing.

Does bimodal hearing increase self-assessed abilities and hearing outcomes when compared to unilateral cochlear implantation?

The primary objective of this study was to compare the applicability and benefit of providing unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users with a contralateral hearing aid (HA). This retrospective (case-control) study was conducted in a hospital-based CI centre. Participants self-assessed their hearing via two questionnaires (SSQ and HISQUI).

Cochlear Implant Users with Otosclerosis: Are Hearing and Quality of Life Outcomes Worse than in Cochlear Implant Users without Otosclerosis?

Background: The otosclerotic process may influence the performance of the cochlear implant (CI). Difficulty in inserting the electrode array due to potential ossification of the cochlea, facial nerve stimulation, and instability of the results are potential challenges for the CI team.

Objectives: To evaluate hearing results and subjective outcomes of CI users with otosclerosis and to compare them with those of CI users without otosclerosis.

Clinical guideline on bone conduction implants.

Introduction And Goals: During the last decade there have been multiple and relevant advances in conduction and mixed hearing loss treatment. These advances and the appearance of new devices have extended the indications for bone-conduction implants. The Scientific Committee of Audiology of the Sociedad Española de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello SEORL-CCC (Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery), together with the Otology and Otoneurology Committees, have undertaken a review of the current state of bone-conduction devices with updated information, to provide a clinical guideline on bone-conduction implants for otorhinolaryngology specialists, health professionals, health authorities and society in general.

Guideline on cochlear implants.

Introduction: In the last decade numerous hospitals have started to work with patients who are candidates for a cochlear implant (CI) and there have been numerous and relevant advances in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss that extended the indications for cochlear implants.

Objectives: To provide a guideline on cochlear implants to specialists in otorhinolaryngology, other medical specialities, health authorities and society in general.

Methods: The Scientific Committees of Otology, Otoneurology and Audiology from the Spanish Society of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery (SEORL-CCC), in a coordinated and agreed way, performed a review of the current state of CI based on the existing regulations and in the scientific publications referenced in the bibliography of the document drafted.

Active middle ear implants.

Active middle ear implants are surgically implanted prosthesis, which intend to stimulate the ossicular chain or the inner ear fluids through the oval or round windows. These implants may be useful for the treatment of certain patients with sensorineural hearing loss as well as for conductive or mixed hearing loss. This clinical guide attempts to summarize the current knowledge concerning the basic characteristics and indications of the most commonly used middle ear implants, including Vibrant Soundbrige (Med-el, Innsbruck), Carina (Cochlear, Australia), and Codacs.

Which ear should we choose for cochlear implantation in the elderly: The poorer or the better? Audiometric outcomes, quality of sound, and quality-of-life results.

Conclusions: Cochlear implantation in the poorer ear of an elderly patient does not predict poorer post-operative audiological, quality-of-life (QoL), and quality of sound results.

Objectives: To determine whether choosing the 'better' or the 'poorer' ear for cochlear implantation impacts performance outcome in an elderly population.

Methods: Forty-two out of 73 elderly (≥ 60 years) cochlear implant users with some residual hearing in at least one ear were selected.

Using the HISQUI29 to assess the sound quality levels of Spanish adults with unilateral cochlear implants and no contralateral hearing.

To evaluate cochlear implant (CI) users' self-reported level of sound quality and quality of life (QoL). Sound quality was self-evaluated using the hearing implant sound quality index (HISQUI29). HISQUI29 scores were further examined in three subsets.

Validation of the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19) to assess Spanish-speaking cochlear implant users' auditory abilities in everyday communication situations.

Conclusion: The Spanish-language HISQUI19 is a reliable and easy-to-use tool for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that cochlear implant (CI) users experience in everyday listening situations.

Objectives: To validate the Spanish-language version of The Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index (HISQUI19), a questionnaire for quantifying the self-perceived level of auditory benefit that CI users experience in everyday listening situations.

Methods: Adult Spanish-speaking subjects with a CI were asked to complete a Spanish-language version of the HISQUI19.