Clinical evaluation of an over-the-counter hearing aid (TEO First®) in elderly patients suffering of mild to moderate hearing loss.

Background: Presbycusis has a direct influence on autonomy of the elderly but hearing aids lack of affordability. Moreover a recent review demonstrate that electroacoustic characteristics of OTC hearing aids were generally not suitable for the elderly people. In our study, we assessed the clinical value of a new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid device (TEO First®) in the elderly.

Necrotizing otitis externa: a systematic review.

Objective: To carry out a systematic review of scientific evidence available about necrotizing otitis externa, emphasizing epidemiologic data, diagnosis criteria, treatment protocols, follow-up criteria, prognosis factors, and chronologic evolution.

Data Sources: PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for publications in English and French languages, between 1968 and October 1, 2011.

Study Selection: We included publications of all types including at least 6 cases.

Multicenter evaluation of Neurelec Digisonic® SP cochlear implant reliability.

Over the past decade, the adoption of universal hearing screening in newborns has led to earlier detection of hearing problems and significant lowering of the age of first cochlear implantation. As a consequence, recipients are now expected to keep their cochlear implants (CIs) for a longer period of time. Comprehensive longitudinal information on CI reliability is essential for device choice.

Multicenter evaluation of the digisonic SP cochlear implant fixation system with titanium screws in 156 patients.

Objectives: We describe and evaluate the process of fixation of the Digisonic SP cochlear implant with two titanium screws.

Methods: The characteristics of this implant allow cochlear implantation using a minimal incision, a subperiosteal pocket, and fixation with two titanium screws, without drilling a custom-fitted seat or creating suture-retaining holes in the skull. The fixation system relies on two tailfins for use of osseo-integratable screws, incorporated into the cochlear implant housing.

Cochlear implantation surgery without posterior tympanotomy: can we still improve it?

Conclusion: The amendments made to pre-existing transcanal approaches limit the possibility of extrusion of the electrode and reduce the time of 'blind' surgery.

Objective: Alternative techniques to classic mastoidectomy and posterior tympanotomy for cochlear implantation have already been described but their main drawbacks result in either: (i) the risk of an electrode extrusion through the skin as the groove is drilled into the auditory canal or (ii) the risk of a facial nerve injury as the tunnel is drilled blindly into the posterior canal wall. The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate a new transcanal approach for cochlear implantation ruling out these difficulties.