Translation of the international outcome inventory for hearing aids into Portuguese from Portugal.

Objective: To translate the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) Questionnaire from English to Portuguese (from Portugal) and to validate this instrument of study on the Portuguese population.

Design: In this prospective study, a translation from English into Portuguese of the IOI-HA was performed, and linguistic adaptation and counter translation were also accomplished. The data were analysed for internal consistency testing for correlations between each individual item and the total score of the IOI-HA, assessing the Cronbach α and performing test-retest analysis.

Five-Year Hearing Outcomes in Bilateral Simultaneously Cochlear-Implanted Adult Patients.

Objective: To report the speech performance and sound localization in adult patients 5 years after bilateral simultaneous cochlear implantation and to evaluate the change in speech scores between 1 and 5 years.

Design: In this prospective multicenter study, 26 patients were evaluated 5 years after implantation using long straight electrode arrays (MED-EL Combi 40+, standard electrode array, 31 mm). Speech perception was measured using disyllabic words in quiet and noise, with the speech coming from the front and a cocktail party background noise coming from 5 loudspeakers.

Validity and Reliability of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly: Version Adapted for Use on the Portuguese Population.

Background: The use of the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) questionnaire enables us to measure self-perceived psychosocial handicaps of hearing impairment in the elderly as a supplement to pure-tone audiometry. This screening instrument is widely used and it has been going through adaptations and validations for many languages; all of these versions have kept the validity and reliability of the original version.

Purpose: To validate the HHIE questionnaire, translated into Portuguese of Portugal, on the Portuguese population.

The Voice Track multiband single-channel modified Wiener-filter noise reduction system for cochlear implants: patients' outcomes and subjective appraisal.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential improvements of speech perception and sound quality provided by a multiband single channel noise-reduction algorithm based on the modified Wiener-filter adapted to cochlear implant sound processing.

Design: This study was a longitudinal trial with a repeated-measures design. Outcome measures were performed on the first day when the noise reduction feature was provided and after a one month habituation period.

Clinical evaluation of the xDP output compression strategy for cochlear implants.

Technological advances in the domain of digital signal processing adapted to cochlear implants (CI) are partially responsible for the ever-improving outcomes observed with this neural prosthesis. The goal of the present study was to evaluate audiometric outcomes with a new signal processing strategy implemented in Oticon Medical-Neurelec cochlear implant systems, the xDP strategy. The core of this approach is a preset-based back-end output compression system, modulating a multi-channel transfer function depending on the intensity and information content of input sounds.

Improvement of cognitive function after cochlear implantation in elderly patients.

Importance: The association between hearing impairment and cognitive decline has been established; however, the effect of cochlear implantation on cognition in profoundly deaf elderly patients is not known.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between cognitive function and hearing restoration with a cochlear implant in elderly patients.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Prospective longitudinal study performed in 10 tertiary referral centers between September 1, 2006, and June 30, 2009.

Tolerance and osteointegration of TricOs(TM)/MBCP(®) in association with fibrin sealant in mastoid obliteration after canal wall-down technique for cholesteatoma.

Conclusion: The TricOs™/MBCP(®) and fibrin sealant composite was a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated material for mastoid cavity filling and immediate reconstruction of the external auditory meatus after cholesteatoma surgery with canal wall down (CWD).

Objective: To assess the tolerance and osteointegration of a bone graft substitute, TricOs™/MBCP(®), in association with fibrin sealant for filling the mastoid cavity after cholesteatoma surgery using the CWD technique.

Methods: In this prospective observational study 57 patients with cholesteatoma suitable for CWD were recruited from April 2006 to April 2008 and followed up for 1 year.

Predictive factors of cochlear implant outcomes in the elderly.

Objective: To analyze predictive factors of cochlear implant outcomes and postoperative complications in the elderly.

Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal study performed in 10 tertiary referral centers.

Methods: Ninety-four patients aged 65-85 years with a profound, postlingual hearing loss were evaluated before implantation, at time of activation, and 6 and 12 months after cochlear implantation.

Comparison between bilateral cochlear implants and Neurelec Digisonic(®) SP Binaural cochlear implant: speech perception, sound localization and patient self-assessment.

An alternative to bilateral cochlear implantation is offered by the Neurelec Digisonic(®) SP Binaural cochlear implant, which allows stimulation of both cochleae within a single device. The purpose of this prospective study was to compare a group of Neurelec Digisonic(®) SP Binaural implant users (denoted BINAURAL group, n = 7) with a group of bilateral adult cochlear implant users (denoted BILATERAL group, n = 6) in terms of speech perception, sound localization, and self-assessment of health status and hearing disability. Speech perception was assessed using word recognition at 60 dB SPL in quiet and in a 'cocktail party' noise delivered through five loudspeakers in the hemi-sound field facing the patient (signal-to-noise ratio = +10 dB).

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.

Speech performance and sound localization abilities in Neurelec Digisonic® SP binaural cochlear implant users.

In this prospective study the outcome of the Digisonic® SP Binaural cochlear implant (CI), a device enabling electric stimulation of both cochleae by a single receiver, was evaluated in 14 postlingually deafened adults after 12 months of use. Speech perception was tested using French disyllabic words in quiet and in speech-shaped noise at +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Horizontal sound localization in quiet was tested using pink noise coming from 5 loudspeakers, from -90 to +90° along the azimuth.

Bilateral cochlear implantation in children: localization and hearing in noise benefits.

Objective: The aim of this study was to report speech performance in quiet and in noise, sound localization with cochlear implanted children bilaterally. Their performances were compared also in unilateral conditions. In addition, speech and language evaluation was analyzed.

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.

Long-term results of 28 esthesioneuroblastomas managed over 35 years.

Background: The purpose of our study was to assess the long-term results in the management of patients with esthesioneuroblastoma.

Methods: A total of 28 patients were retrospectively reviewed to analyze their clinical features, treatment outcomes, pattern of failures, and course of the disease.

Results: The patients were classified as 2 patients with T1, 10 patients with T2, 10 patients with T3, and 6 patients with T4; the results of all were included in this study.

Bilateral vibrant soundbridge implantation: audiologic and subjective benefits in quiet and noisy environments.

Conclusions: The results support bilateral sequential implantation for patients who are not completely satisfied after implantation of one side.

Objective: To evaluate the benefit of bilateral Vibrant Soundbridge middle ear implantation as compared with unilateral implantation in quiet and noisy environments.

Methods: This was a multicentric and retrospective study of 15 patients with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss who were implanted sequentially in both ears.

Speech performance and sound localization in a complex noisy environment in bilaterally implanted adult patients.

Objective: To evaluate speech performance, in quiet and noise, and localization ability in adult patients who had undergone bilateral and simultaneous implantation.

Study Design: Prospective multi-center study.

Methods: Twenty-seven adult patients with profound or total hearing loss were bilaterally implanted in a single-stage procedure, and simultaneously activated (Med-El, Combi 40/40+).

Benefit of the Vibrant Soundbridge device in patients implanted for 5 to 8 years.

Objectives: To assess audiological performance, satisfaction rate, and side effects of 100 patients who have been using the middle ear implant Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) for 5 to 8 yr when compared with data collected from 3 to 18 mo postsurgery.

Design: Audiological testing and subjective evaluation using self-assessment scales were performed in 77 out of the 100 patients using the VSB for 5 to 8 years. The results were compared to data collected 3 months (audiological testing) and 18 months (self-assessment scales) after surgery.

Zinc protection against pneumolysin toxicity on rat cochlear hair cells.

Streptococcus pneumoniae can induce local and systemic diseases such as meningitis, otitis media, and pneumonia. One third of these meningitis cases can be associated with irreversible sensorineural hearing loss whose mechanisms likely involves the exotoxin pneumolysin (PLY) that irreversibly damages cochlear hair cells (HCs). In the respiratory system and in neuron it has been demonstrated that zinc deficiency increases severity and mortality of such infections in animal models and in children.

Antibodies to myelin protein zero (P0) protein as markers of auto-immune inner ear diseases.

Background/aims: The inner ear can be the target of autoimmune disorders. Recognition of autoimmune inner ear disease is important, as it is one of the very few forms of sensorineural hearing loss (HL) that can be successfully treated by medical therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the detection of antibodies to myelin protein P0 (MPZ) could be a diagnostic test for inner ear disease of autoimmune cause.

Twenty years' experience in the treatment of acoustic neuromas with fractionated radiotherapy: a review of 45 cases.

Purpose: To evaluate very long-term results of fractionated radiotherapy (FRT) of acoustic neuromas (AN).

Methods And Materials: From January 1986 to January 2004, FRT was performed in 45 consecutive patients (46 AN). Indications were as follows: poor general condition contraindicating surgery, hearing preservation in bilateral neuromas, partial resection, nonsurgical recurrence.

Outcome-based assessment of endolymphatic sac decompression for Ménière's disease using the Ménière's disease outcome questionnaire: a review of 90 patients.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients treated by endolymphatic sac decompression (ELSD) for Ménière's disease (MD) with a dedicated questionnaire, while recording the results of this surgery on vertigo attacks using the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery criteria.

Study Design: Retrospective case review in a tertiary referral care center.

Material And Methods: Ninety patients who have MD were treated by ELSD at our institution between 1986 and 2004.

Surgery of cerebellopontine angle epidermoid cysts: role of the widened retrolabyrinthine approach combined with endoscopy.

Objectives: To evaluate the use of the retrolabyrinthine approach (RLA) combined with endoscopy with particular reference to preservation of cranial nerve function and completeness of excision in surgery of epidermoid cysts.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed on a series of 8 consecutive patients of whom 7 have undergone surgery. Main outcome measures Measures include audiological and neurological status preoperatively and postoperatively, size of the lesion, the surgical approach, completeness of excision, and operative morbidity.

Vestibular schwannoma surgery outcomes: our multidisciplinary experience in 400 cases over 17 years.

Objectives/hypothesis: The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of short- and intermediate-term postoperative complications after vestibular schwannoma surgery.

Study Design: Retrospective review in a tertiary referral center.

Methods: In 400 patients who underwent surgical removal of vestibular schwannoma from 1984 to 2000,symptoms, preoperative evaluation, surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed using standardized grading systems.

A middle ear implant, the Symphonix Vibrant Soundbridge: retrospective study of the first 125 patients implanted in France.

Objective: The Vibrant Soundbridge is an active semi-implantable middle ear implant for the rehabilitation of patients with a sensorineural hearing loss who are not able to derive adequate benefit from conventional hearing aids. A retrospective study was performed to assess the overall level of satisfaction of implanted patients and to investigate the potential determinants of postoperative success.

Study Design: A retrospective survey of audiological data from repeated measures and subjective data from self-assessment scales administered postoperatively was conducted to determine the degree of benefit and satisfaction for Vibrant Soundbridge implantees.

Prognostic value of the blink reflex in acoustic neuroma surgery.

Objective: The study goal was to demonstrate that blink reflex analysis can predict postoperative facial nerve outcome in cerebellopontine angle tumor surgery.

Study Design, Setting, And Patients: In an open and prospective study conducted at a single tertiary care center over 3 years, 91 subjects with a vestibular schwannoma filling the internal auditory meatus were enrolled and operated on via a translabyrinthine approach. The difference in latency of the early response (DeltaR1) of the blink reflex between the pathologic side and the healthy side was calculated in every patient during a complete electrophysiologic examination of the facial nerve performed on the day before surgery.