Parapharyngeal Space: Diagnostic Imaging and Intervention.

Diagnosis of lesions of the parapharyngeal space (PPS) often poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its deep location. As a result of the topographical relationship to nearby neck spaces, a very precise differential diagnosis is possible based on imaging criteria. When in doubt, imaging-guided - usually CT-guided - biopsy and even drainage remain options.

Impact of Reverberation on Speech Perception in Noise in Bimodal/Bilateral Cochlear Implant Users with and without Residual Hearing.

(1) : The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of reverberation on speech perception in noise and spatial release from masking (SRM) in bimodal or bilateral cochlear implant (CI) users and CI subjects with low-frequency residual hearing using combined electric-acoustic stimulation (EAS). (2) : In total, 10 bimodal, 14 bilateral CI users and 14 EAS users, and 17 normal hearing (NH) controls, took part in the study. Speech reception thresholds (SRTs) in unmodulated noise were assessed in co-located masker condition (S0N0) with a spatial separation of speech and noise (S0N60) in both free-field and loudspeaker-based room simulation for two different reverberation times.

The German cochlear implant registry: one year experience and first results on demographic data.

Purpose: Clinical registries have great potential for quality control of medical procedures regarding the indications, therapeutic processes and results, including their possible complications. This is particularly true when providing patients with severe hearing loss or deafness with a cochlear implant (CI). This treatment represents a lifelong care process that requires continuous quality control over time.

Comparison of 96-kV and 120-kV cone-beam CT for the assessment of cochlear implants.

Background: To compare the diagnostic value of 120-kV with conventional 96-kV Cone-Beam CT (CBCT) of the temporal bone after cochlear implant (CI) surgery.

Methods: This retrospective study included CBCT scans after CI surgery between 06/17 and 01/18. CBCT allowed examinations with 96-kV or 120-kV; other parameters were the same.

[Cochlear implants reduce tinnitus in older patients in the long term].

Background: Tinnitus is one of the most common otologic comorbidities, particularly in older patients with severe hearing loss or deafness. Cochlear implants (CI) have been used for hearing rehabilitation more and more successfully in elderly patients and CI treatment is performed in Germany without an age limit. The aim of this follow-up study was to assess the tinnitus burden in the long-term follow-up of elderly patients with hearing rehabilitation using CI.

Organoids-the key to novel therapies for the inner ear?

The sensitivity and the complexity of the human inner ear in conjunction with the lack of regenerative capacity are the main reasons for hearing loss and tinnitus. Progress in the development of protective and regenerative therapies for the inner ear often failed in the past not least due to the fact that no suitable model systems for cell biological and pharmacological in vitro studies were available. A novel technology for creating "mini-organs", so-called organoids, could solve this problem and has now also reached inner ear research.

Thematic coverage and readability of online patient information on cochlear implant care.

Introduction: The treatment of patients with a cochlear implant (CI) is usually an elective, complex and interdisciplinary process. As an important source of information, patients often access the internet prior to treatment. The quality of internet-based information regarding thematic coverage has not yet been analysed in detail.

Frankfurt concept of early inpatient rehabilitation after cochlear implant treatment : Feasibility for aftercare.

Background: The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) clinical practice guideline on cochlear implant (CI) treatment, which was updated in 2020, defined the entire process of CI care for the first time. In the present study, the feasibility and results of very early rehabilitation were examined.

Materials And Methods: The intervention group (IG) comprised 54 patients in whom rehabilitation was initiated within 14 (maximally 28) days after implantation.

Outcome Prediction of Speech Perception in Quiet and in Noise for Cochlear Implant Candidates Based on Pre-Operative Measures.

(1) Background: The fitting of cochlear implants (CI) is an established treatment, even in cases with considerable residual hearing but insufficient speech perception. The aim of this study was to evaluate a prediction model for speech in quiet and to provide reference data and a predictive model for postoperative speech perception in noise (SPiN) after CI provision. (2) Methods: CI candidates with substantial residual hearing (either in hearing threshold or in word recognition scores) were included in a retrospective analysis ( = 87).

[Frankfurt concept of early inpatient rehabilitation after cochlear implant treatment : Feasibility for aftercare. German version].

Background: The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) clinical practice guideline on cochlear implant (CI) treatment, which was updated in 2020, defined the entire process of CI care for the first time. In the present study, the feasibility and results of very early rehabilitation were examined.

Materials And Methods: The intervention group (IG) comprised 54 patients in whom rehabilitation was initiated within 14 (maximally 28) days after implantation.

Cochlear implant therapy improves the quality of life and social participation in the elderly: a prospective long-term evaluation.

Purpose: In recent years, the number of elderly cochlear implant (CI) candidates is continuously rising. In addition to the audiological improvement, other positive effects of CI treatment can also be observed in clinical routine. The "quality of life" as a parameter of success directly experienced by the patient is increasingly becoming the focus of clinical research.

Comparison of hearing performance in patients with borderline indication for active middle ear or cochlear implants: clinical outcomes to guide preoperative counseling and decision making.

Purpose: The aim of the presented study was to compare the audiological benefit achieved in cochlear implant (CI) patients who, in principle, could still have been treated with an active middle ear implant (AMEI) with a group of AMEI users.

Methods: Results of 20 CI patients with a pure-tone average (PTA) of 70 dB HL prior to surgery were compared with a group of 12 subjects treated with a Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB). Pre-surgical comparison included PTA for air conduction and bone conduction, maximum speech recognition score for monosyllabic words (WRSmax), and aided monosyllabic word recognition at 65 dB SPL.

Uncommon Coexistence of Pleomorphic Adenoma and Warthin's Tumor in a Painfully Swollen Left Parotid Gland: A Surgical Case Report.

BACKGROUND Benign pleomorphic adenoma is the most common primary tumor of the salivary glands and mainly arises in the parotid gland. Warthin's tumor, or papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, represents <30% of benign parotid tumors. The simultaneous occurrence of multiple parotid tumors is rarely described - depending on the corresponding histology (different/identical), the time of their occurrence (synchronous/metachronous), as well as their location (unilateral/bilateral), multiple parotid tumors can be further sub-classified.

Does Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Material Decomposition Improve Radiomics Capability to Predict Survival in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients? A Preliminary Investigation.

Objective: Our study objective was to explore the additional value of dual-energy CT (DECT) material decomposition for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) survival prognostication.

Methods: A group of 50 SCCHN patients (male, 37; female, 13; mean age, 63.6 ± 10.

[Organoids-the key to novel therapies for the inner ear? German version].

The sensitivity and the complexity of the human inner ear in conjunction with the lack of regenerative capacity are the main reasons for hearing loss and tinnitus. Progress in the development of protective and regenerative therapies for the inner ear often failed in the past not least due to the fact that no suitable model systems for cell biological and pharmacological in vitro studies were available. A novel technology for creating "mini-organs", so-called organoids, could solve this problem and has now also reached inner ear research.

Prospective study on magnetic resonance imaging in cochlear implant patients.

Purpose: Monocentric, prospective study to investigate whether concomitant support of cochlear implant (CI) patients by CI-trained otolaryngologists and application of a standardized head bandage can minimize potential complications during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods: Thirty-seven patients with 46 CIs underwent MRI with a prophylactic head bandage. All participants and the otolaryngologist at the CI center completed pre- and post-MRI questionnaires documenting body region scanned, duration of MRI and bandage wear, field strength during the scan, and any complications.

Speech perception in modulated noise assessed in bimodal CI users.

Background: Although good speech perception in quiet is achievable with cochlear implants (CIs), speech perception in noise is severely impaired compared to normal hearing (NH). In the case of a bimodal CI fitting with a hearing aid (HA) in the opposite ear, the amount of residual acoustic hearing influences speech perception in noise.

Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate speech perception in noise in a group of bimodal CI users and compare the results to age-matched HA users and people without subjective hearing loss, as well as with a young NH group.

Structure and establishment of the German Cochlear Implant Registry (DCIR).

Hearing rehabilitation of patients with severe hearing loss or deafness using cochlear implants (CI) is a very successful but also complex and lifelong process that requires high quality standards for structure, process, and results. Medical registries represent an ideal tool for conducting quality control relevant to care while at the same time collecting scientific data. Therefore, at the initiative of the Executive Committee of the German Society of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC), a Germany-wide CI registry (the German Cochlear Implant Register, DCIR) was to be established.

[Speech perception in modulated noise assessed in bimodal CI users-German version].

Background: Although good speech perception in quiet is achievable with cochlear implants (CIs), speech perception in noise is severely impaired compared to normal hearing (NH). In the case of a bimodal CI fitting with a hearing aid (HA) in the opposite ear, the amount of residual acoustic hearing influences speech perception in noise.

Objective: The aim of this work was to investigate speech perception in noise in a group of bimodal CI users and compare the results to age-matched HA users and people without subjective hearing loss, as well as with a young NH group.

Conception and implementation of a certification system for quality control of cochlear implant treatment in Germany.

A standardized and structured process is indispensable for optimal hearing rehabilitation with cochlear implants (CI). The Executive Committee of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (DGHNO-KHC), initiated the conception of a certification program and a Whitepaper based on the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) clinical practice guideline (CPG) describing the current medical standards of CI care in Germany. The goal was to independently confirm implementation of this CPG and make this information publicly available.

Radiomics for therapy-specific head and neck squamous cell carcinoma survival prognostication (part I).

Background: Treatment plans for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) are individually decided in tumor board meetings but some treatment decision-steps lack objective prognostic estimates. Our purpose was to explore the potential of radiomics for SCCHN therapy-specific survival prognostication and to increase the models' interpretability by ranking the features based on their predictive importance.

Methods: We included 157 SCCHN patients (male, 119; female, 38; mean age, 64.