Optimizing Location of Subdermal Recording Electrodes for Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine if different facial muscle groups demonstrate different responses to facial nerve stimulation, the results of which could potentially improve intraoperative facial nerve monitoring (IOFNM).

Methods: IOFNM data were prospectively collected from patients undergoing cochlear implantation. At different stages of nerve exposure, three sites were stimulated using a monopolar pulse.

Topical Triamcinolone on "Sweet Spots" to Block Dynamic Pain after Tonsillectomy and Uvulo-Palato-Pharyngo-Plasty.

Objectives: Severe pain on swallowing (or dynamic pain) has long been a problem in patients receiving tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and/or snoring. We have previously verified that dynamic pain after laser-assisted uvulopalatoplasty could immediately be mitigated by local treatments with topical triamcinolone on the "sweet spots" of the wounds. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of applying triamcinolone on "sweet spot" in surgical incisions instead of whole surgical wounds to alleviate dynamic pain of some oropharyngeal surgeries such as tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Rounded Insertion Technique for Cochlear Implantation Surgery to Treat Cystic Inner Ear Malformation.

Objective: This article outlines the advantages and applicability of the rounded insertion technique of cochlear implants in patients with cystic inner ear malformation. This technique enables the insertion of the maximum number of electrodes and prevents the unwanted entry of electrodes into the internal auditory canal.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients with cochlear hypoplasia (CH) and/or common cavity (CC) who underwent CI (cochlear implantation) via rounded insertion technique.

Differences in the impedance of cochlear implant devices within 24 hours of their implantation.

Cochlear implantation is a surgical procedure, which is performed on severely hearing-impaired patients. Impedance field telemetry is commonly used to determine the integrity of the cochlear implant device during and after surgery. At the Department of Otolaryngology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan), the cochlear implant devices are switched on within 24 hours of their implantation.

Correction: Evolution of impedance field telemetry after one day of activation in cochlear implant recipients.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Evolution of impedance field telemetry after one day of activation in cochlear implant recipients.

Objectives: Changes in impedance between 24 hours and one month after cochlear implantation have never been explored due to the inability to switch on within one day. This study examined the effect of early activation (within 24 hours) on the evolution of electrode impedance with the aim of providing information on the tissue-to-electrode interface when electrical stimulation was commenced one day post implantation.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review at a single institution.

Safety and feasibility of initial frequency mapping within 24 hours after cochlear implantation.

Conclusion: Switch-on within 24 h after cochlear implantation can be safely and practically performed. The minimally invasive approach presented here also brought about benefits such as nonstop rehabilitation programs and shorter duration of uncertainty/worry for patients and their families about surgical outcomes. Those were important factors for international patients.

Contribution of nonimplanted ear to pitch perception for prelingually deafened cochlear implant recipients.

Introduction: Bimodal stimulation (BMS) has been shown to be beneficial for the performance of pitch ranking in postlingually deafened adults. However, the contribution of nonimplanted ears to pitch perception with respect to duration of hearing aid (HAs) use for prelingually cochlear implantees remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether experiences/duration of HAs use in the nonimplanted ear improved pitch perception ability in this population of subjects.

Impedance and electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) drop within 24 hours after cochlear implantation.

Previous animal study revealed that post-implantation electrical detection levels significantly declined within days. The impact of cochlear implant (CI) insertion on human auditory pathway in terms of impedance and electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) variation within hours after surgery remains unclear, since at this time frequency mapping can only commence weeks after implantation due to factors associated with wound conditions. The study presented our experiences with regards to initial switch-on within 24 hours, and thus the findings about the milieus inside cochlea within the first few hours after cochlear implantation in terms of impedance/ECAP fluctuations.

Low body mass index and jaw movement are protective of hearing in users of personal listening devices.

Objectives/hypothesis: Sound pressure level delivered through personal listening devices (PLDs) and reaching the ear drum might be affected by body size and jaw movements. This study aimed to investigate whether jaw movement and/or smaller body mass index (BMI) resulted in decrease of sound pressure level within the ear canals of PLD users via an earbud earphone.

Study Design: Case series.

Music training improves pitch perception in prelingually deafened children with cochlear implants.

Objective: The comparatively poor music appreciation in patients with cochlear implants might be ascribed to an inadequate exposure to music; however, the effect of training on music perception in prelingually deafened children with cochlear implants remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether previous musical education improves pitch perception ability in these children.

Methods: Twenty-seven children with congenital/prelingual deafness of profound degree were studied.