Predictors of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) and similar forms of chronic dizziness precipitated by peripheral vestibular disorders: a systematic review.

Background: The literature on predictors of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) following peripheral vestibular insults has not been systematically reviewed.

Methods: We systematically reviewed studies on predictors of PPPD and its four predecessors (phobic postural vertigo, space-motion discomfort, chronic subjective dizziness and visual vertigo). Investigations focused on new onset chronic dizziness following peripheral vestibular insults, with a minimum follow-up of 3 months.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lifestyle and behaviours, mental health and education of students studying healthcare-related courses at a British university.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected most industries, including health education. In this study, we surveyed students studying healthcare-related courses at our university on how their lifestyles and behaviours, mental health and education had been affected by the pandemic.

Methods: Mixed methods cross-sectional study.

Running a paediatric ambulatory sleep service in a pandemic and beyond.

Objectives: In response COVID-19, re-establishing safe elective services was prioritised in the UK. We assess the impact on face-to-face hospital attendance, cost and efficiency of implementing a virtual sleep clinic (intervention 1) to screen for children requiring level 3 ambulatory sleep studies using newly implemented ENT-UK guidelines for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) investigation (intervention 2).

Objectives: (1) compare the proportion of children attending sleep clinic undertaking a sleep study before and after implementation of these interventions; (2) compare clinic cancellations and first-time success rates of sleep studies before and after intervention.

Cochlear implant eligibility in an adult hearing aid population: a multi-perspective service evaluation of a patient referral pathway at a British district general hospital.

Objectives: To quantify patient eligibility for cochlear implantation following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2019 guidelines (TA566) over five years at our institution, and identify factors influencing patients' decisions surrounding cochlear implantation referral.

Methods: A multi-perspective service evaluation was conducted at a district general hospital, comprising cochlear implantation eligible patients. The main outcome measures were: eligibility numbers for 2014-2019, comparing application of TA566 versus 2009 (TA166) guidelines; and patient interview transcripts and questionnaires.

Acute otitis externa: Consensus definition, diagnostic criteria and core outcome set development.

Objective: Evidence for the management of acute otitis externa (AOE) is limited, with unclear diagnostic criteria and variably reported outcome measures that may not reflect key stakeholder priorities. We aimed to develop 1) a definition, 2) diagnostic criteria and 3) a core outcome set (COS) for AOE.

Study Design: COS development according to Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) methodology and parallel consensus selection of diagnostic criteria/definition.

Secondary Obliteration Surgery for Troublesome Mastoid Cavities: A Prospective Series of 228 Pediatric and Adult Cases.

Objective: To present the results of a 15-year longitudinal study in a pediatric and adult population with secondary obliteration of troublesome mastoid cavities.

Study Design: Prospective longitudinal study.

Patients: Children (≤16 yrs) and adults who had obliteration surgery (228 ears) between 2000 and 2017.

Assessment of Potential Risk Factors for the Development of Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness: A Case-Control Pilot Study.

(1) To assess whether neuroticism, state anxiety, and body vigilance are higher in patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) compared to a recovered vestibular patient group and a non-dizzy patient group; (2) To gather pilot data on illness perceptions of patients with PPPD. 15 cases with PPPD and two control groups: (1) recovered vestibular patients ( = 12) and (2) non-dizzy patients (no previous vestibular insult, = 12). Main outcome measures: Scores from the Big Five Inventory (BFI) of personality traits, Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7) scale, Body Vigilance Scale (BVS), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), modified Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ).

A safe and comparable alternative to BIPP packing following tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation.

Purpose: To compare two post-operative ear packing methods following tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation.

Methods: A prospective study of patients undergoing tympanoplasty for tympanic membrane perforation over a 2-year period was undertaken across two district general hospitals. Data, including demographics, pre-operative ear state, and graft type used for repair were recorded.

TORS for OSA: a practice, pitfalls and literature review.

Purpose: Trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) is increasingly employed in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) management. Objective outcomes are generally assessed through polysomnography. Pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a useful adjunct in objective upper airway assessment, in particular the tongue base, providing useful information for surgical planning and outcome assessment, though care must be taken in patient positioning during surgery.

The tinnitus patient information pack: usefulness in intrusive tinnitus.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to determine a tinnitus patient information pack's (TPIP) usefulness in patients suffering with tinnitus with respect to their need for further tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT) and in reducing TRT cancellations and non-attenders.

Design/methodology/approach: The paper consists of prospective case series in a district general hospital ENT out-patient department.

Findings: Patients with tinnitus-related symptoms constitute around 2 per cent of the ENT OPD workload at the West Middlesex Hospital, Chelsea & Westminster NHS Trust, London, i.

Incidental mastoiditis on magnetic resonance imaging scans: clinical relevance and cost implications.

Objectives: To determine: (1) the incidence of incidental 'mastoiditis' reported on magnetic resonance imaging scans performed in patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus; (2) how many of those patients have actual otological pathology and/or require treatment; and (3) the financial implications of such a reporting practice.

Method: Retrospective case series.

Results: Between October 2015 and November 2016, 500 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the internal auditory meatus to rule out cerebellopontine angle lesions.

Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness-A Systematic Review of the Literature for the Balance Specialist.

Objective: To present a systematic review of the current data on persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD), a useful and relatively new diagnosis for a disorder that has previously been known by many different names. In addition, to discuss diagnostic criteria and management strategies for this condition with the otologist in mind.

Data Sources: CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, Google Scholar.

Audiologist-led screening of acoustic neuromas in patients with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus: our experience in 1126 patients.

Objective: To determine whether patients within an otolaryngology department presenting with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus can be safely and cost-efficiently screened for acoustic neuroma by audiologists as a first or only point of contact.

Methods: A prospective case series and cost analysis were conducted at a tertiary referral centre. Between April 2013 and March 2017, 1126 adult patients presented to the audiology department with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss and/or unilateral tinnitus.

Trends in Intraoperative Testing During Cochlear Implantation.

Objective: No consensus guidelines exist regarding intraoperative testing during cochlear implantation and wide variation in practice habits exists. The objective of this observational study was to survey otologists/neurotologists to understand practice habits and overall opinion of usefulness of intraoperative testing.

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Long-term Complications and Surgical Failures After Ossiculoplasty.

Objective: To study long-term complications after ossiculoplasty.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Tertiary care referral center otology practice.

The Influence of Intraoperative Testing on Surgical Decision-making During Cochlear Implantation.

Objective: To review our use of intraoperative testing during cochlear implantation (CI) and determine its impact on surgical decision-making.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary referral center.

Simultaneous versus sequential bilateral cochlear implants in adults: Cost analysis in a US setting.

Objectives/hypothesis: From a purely surgical efficiency point of view, simultaneous cochlear implantation (SimCI) is more cost-effective than sequential cochlear implantation (SeqCI) when total direct costs are considered (implant and hospital costs). However, in a setting where only SeqCI is practiced and a proportion of initially unilaterally implanted patients do not progress to a second implant, this may not be the case, especially when audiological costs are factored in. We present a cost analysis of such a scenario as would occur in our institution.

Long-Term Hearing Results After Ossiculoplasty.

Objectives: To determine if the OOPS index is predictive of long-term hearing results after ossiculoplasty.

Study Design: Case series with retrospective chart review.

Setting: Tertiary care otology practice.

Long-term Outcomes After Secondary Mastoid Obliteration.

Objectives: To assess long-term outcomes after secondary mastoid obliteration.

Study Design: Case series with chart review.

Setting: Tertiary care center.

Therapeutic Mastoidectomy in the Management of Noncholesteatomatous Chronic Otitis Media: Literature Review and Cost Analysis.

Objective: Despite evidence that therapeutic mastoidectomy does not improve outcomes in noncholesteatomatous chronic otitis media, it remains widely performed. An up-to-date systematic review is undertaken and conclusions drawn regarding the best evidence-based practice of its management.

Data Sources: PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science.

A limited thoracocervical approach for accessing the anterior mediastinum in retrosternal goiters: Surgical technique and implications for the management of head and neck emergencies.

In this article we describe the surgical management of retrosternal goiters via a limited thoracocervical approach, and we explore how the respective surgical know-how can be used in the management of the carotid blowout syndrome. Four cases involving patients who had undergone thyroidectomy via a limited thoracocervical approach are retrospectively reviewed. An acute blowout of the innominate artery managed with the same principal surgical technique is also reviewed.