The Effect of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening on Spoken Language after Cochlear Implantation.

Background: The universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) was fully implemented across New Zealand by 2010 to improve outcomes for children with prelingual deafness. A previous audit undertaken by our center, the Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP), demonstrated that UNHS has significantly reduced the time to referral and surgery for cochlear implants in these children.

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between earlier implantation and language development, the time taken to achieve age-appropriate language, and the effect of socioeconomic status on language skills.

Round window insertion of precurved perimodiolar electrode arrays: how successful is it?

Hypothesis: The goal of this human temporal bone study was to assess the safety and efficacy of round window insertion of the Cochlear Contour Advance electrode and identify any anatomic obstacles that may affect its insertion.

Background: Minimizing intracochlear trauma during electrode insertion reduces the risk of losing residual hearing. The Contour Advance electrode is designed for insertion via an anteroinferior cochleostomy, in which drilling causes a degree of inner ear trauma.

The prevalence of atopic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children with otitis media with effusion (OME).

Study Design: A validated questionnaire from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood was used to determine the prevalence of allergic symptoms in children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of children with OME undergoing ventilation tube insertion, and the results were compared with a large reference group of school children of the same age.

Giant cell reparative granuloma of the temporal bone treated with calcitonin.

Objective: A case report of a giant cell reparative granuloma involving the temporal bone successfully treated with calcitonin.

Study Design: Case report.

Setting: Teaching hospital, tertiary referral center.

Upper airway surgery benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnoea who cannot tolerate nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay of treatment for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, tolerance and compliance are poor. An audit using the Christchurch Hospital ORL surgery database identified patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA.