Structured reports of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies have the potential to improve overall report quality compared to free text reports.

Purpose: To compare free text (FTR) and structured reports (SR) of videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) and evaluate satisfaction of referring otolaryngologists and speech therapists.

Materials And Methods: Both standard FTR and SR of 26 patients with VFSS were acquired. A dedicated template focusing on oropharyngeal phases was created for SR using online software with clickable decision-trees and concomitant generation of semantically structured reports.

Spectrum of novel mutations found in Waardenburg syndrome types 1 and 2: implications for molecular genetic diagnostics.

Objectives: Till date, mutations in the genes PAX3 and MITF have been described in Waardenburg syndrome (WS), which is clinically characterised by congenital hearing loss and pigmentation anomalies. Our study intended to determine the frequency of mutations and deletions in these genes, to assess the clinical phenotype in detail and to identify rational priorities for molecular genetic diagnostics procedures.

Design: Prospective analysis.

Influence of cochlear implantation on peripheral vestibular receptor function.

Objective: The objectives of this study were 1) to assess the influence of a cochlear implantation on peripheral vestibular receptor function in the inner ear in the implant and in the nonimplant side, and 2) to analyze a possible correlation with resulting vertigo symptoms.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Setting: Cochlear implant center at tertiary referral hospital.

Influence of cochlear implantation on sacculus function.

Objectives: To examine the influence of cochlear implantation (CI) on the sacculus function and to analyze a possible correlation with resulting vertigo symptoms.

Methods: In a prospective study including 25 patients undergoing CI, preoperative and postoperative assessment of vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP), caloric horizontal semicircular canal (hSCC) response, and subjective vertigo symptoms were assessed. The patients with postoperative vertigo were compared to the patients without postoperative vertigo with regard to the findings of VEMP responses and caloric testing.

Prevalence and characteristics of preoperative balance disorders in cochlear implant candidates.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate the frequency and characteristics of preoperative vertigo symptoms in patients who undergo cochlear implantation (CI), in order to differentiate them from CI-related symptoms.

Methods: In a prospective observational study, 47 adult CI candidates were asked about vertigo problems on a questionnaire. A subdivision into 3 groups was done: group A (probable otogenic vertigo), group B (possible otogenic vertigo), and group C (not otogenic vertigo).

Effect of cochlear implantation on horizontal semicircular canal function.

The objective of this study was to assess the influence of a cochlear implant (CI) on horizontal semicircular canal (hSCC) function, to test the correlation with symptomatic vertigo and to identify possible risk factors for a postoperative vestibular impairment. In a prospective observational study design, forty-seven adult patients who had undergone cochlear implantation at Cochlear Implant Center at a tertiary referral university hospital, Munich, between 2003 and 2007, were studied. Postoperative vertigo symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire followed by a structured interview.