The prevalence and characteristics of tinnitus in the youth population of the United States.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of tinnitus in U.S. adolescents.

Systematic assessment of noise amplitude generated by toys intended for young children.

Objective: To systematically evaluate the noise generated by toys targeted for children and to compare the results over the course of 4 consecutive holiday shopping seasons.

Study Design: Experimental study.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Tympanomastoidectomy with otoendoscopy.

A cadaveric study was performed to test the hypothesis that intact-canal-wall mastoidectomy (ICWM) with otoendoscopy allows for equal or better visualization of the middle ear cavity structures when compared with canal-wall-down mastoidectomy (CWDM) with microscopy. Ten temporal bones were prepared with a reversible canal-wall-down tympanomastoidectomy technique. Five anatomic sites in each middle ear cavity (lateral epitympanum, posterior crus of the stapes, the sinus tympani, eustachian tube orifice, and round window niche) were marked with paint.

In vivo electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage in a rabbit model: a minimally invasive approach for otoplasty.

Objective: To report the first successful study to date of in vivo electromechanical reshaping of ear cartilage in a rabbit model.

Methods: Ears of New Zealand white rabbits were reshaped using percutaneous needle electrode electromechanical reshaping (5 V for 4 minutes) and were then bolstered for 4 weeks. Ten ears were treated, with 2 undergoing sham procedures and serving as controls.

Laser treatment of scars.

Recent advances in optical technologies have produced laser systems capable of optimizing the appearance of scars from various etiologies. Laser treatment can commence as early as the time of the initial injury and as late as several years after the injury. Optimal results can now be attained with minimal down time.

Noise-induced hearing threshold shift among US adults and implications for noise-induced hearing loss: National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and evaluate the associated risk factors of the noise-induced hearing threshold shift (NITS) in the US adult population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The study population consisted of 5,418 individuals aged 20-69 years who had complete audiologic data from the NHANES database. Stringent criteria were used to define NITS.

Transmastoid approach to temporal bone cerebrospinal fluid leaks.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate various presentations and treatment options for spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage originating in the temporal bone.

Materials And Methods: Clinical data and imaging results for 18 ears (15 patients) presenting with spontaneous CSF leakage originating in the temporal bone were reviewed. Average follow-up period was 13.

Mechanical analysis of the effects of cephalic trim on lower lateral cartilage stability.

Objective: To determine how mechanical stability changes in the lower lateral cartilage (LLC) after varying degrees of cephalic resection in a porcine cartilage nasal tip model.

Methods: Alar cartilage was harvested from fresh porcine crania (n = 14) and sectioned to precisely emulate a human LLC in size and dimension. Flexural mechanical analysis was performed both before and after cephalic trims of 0 (control), 4, and 6 mm.

Use of lasers in acute management of surgical and traumatic incisions on the face.

This article is a clinically practical review structured around the specific applications of laser technologies used in acute management of soft tissue injuries in surgical incisions and trauma. Surgical and traumatic incisions and injuries provide the clinician with the unique opportunity to follow the progression and maturation of the wound healing response from a very early stage. There has been a recent interest in early cosmetic optimization of surgical and traumatic wounds on the face using optical technologies.

Porcine cartilage model for simulation of nasal tip aesthetics and mechanics.

Background: The aesthetics of the human nose is highly dependent on the complex structure of the lower lateral cartilages (LLC). Understanding optimum shape and mechanical properties of the LLC is pivotal to achieving satisfactory results in nasal tip rhinoplasty.

Objective: The authors introduce an ex vivo animal model to replicate the shape and mechanics of human nasal LLC as a tool for research and surgical education.

Facial nerve mapping and monitoring in lymphatic malformation surgery.

Objective: Establish the efficacy of preoperative facial nerve mapping and continuous intraoperative EMG monitoring in protecting the facial nerve during resection of cervicofacial lymphatic malformations.

Methods: Retrospective study in which patients were clinically followed for at least 6 months postoperatively, and long-term outcome was evaluated. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics (i.

Airway procedures and hemangiomas: treatment patterns and outcome in U.S. pediatric hospitals.

Objective: Characterize and compare care in children with hemangiomas, who do or do not undergo airway procedures.

Methods: National retrospective cohort study of patients aged 0-18 with hemangiomas, from 33 freestanding United States pediatric hospital discharge records, 2001-2005. The main outcome measures were therapy, readmission and mortality.

Similar histologic features and immunohistochemical staining in microcystic and macrocystic lymphatic malformations.

Background: Lymphatic malformations are benign but potentially life-threatening lesions mostly found in the head and neck. They can be classified into two types: microcystic and macrocystic. Microcystic lesions are more difficult to treat.

Facial nerve anatomy, dissection and preservation in lymphatic malformation management.

Objective: To describe facial nerve anatomy and surgical techniques used for safe lymphatic malformation resection of malformation involving the facial nerve.

Methods Design: retrospective case series.

Setting: tertiary pediatric hospital.