Hydrogel Matrix Containing Microcarriers for Dexamethasone Delivery to Protect Against Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss.

A functional hydrogel containing biopolymer microcarriers loaded with dexamethasone was developed to address the hearing loss that results from cisplatin ototoxicity. The drug delivery platform was tested both in vitro in the HEI-OC1 inner ear cell line and in vivo in a rat animal model. The newly described formula offered prolonged release of the contained dexamethasone for up to six days and transformed into a solid state at body temperature, thus counteracting its clearing through the Eustachian tube when injected into the middle ear.

Vertigo Associated with Otosclerosis and Stapes Surgery-A Narrative Review.

Otosclerosis is a pathological condition affecting the temporal bone, and is characterized by remodelling of the labyrinthine bone tissue through a dynamic process of osteolysis and osteogenesis. This condition progressively leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Stapedotomy, a surgical procedure involving the removal of the stapes superstructure and its replacement with a prosthesis, is the treatment of choice to improve hearing in individuals with otosclerosis.

The Effect of Pluronic-Coated Gold Nanoparticles in Hearing Preservation Following Cochlear Implantation-Pilot Study.

Introduction: During cochlear implantation, electrode insertion can cause cochlear damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, which can affect the residual hearing. Nanoparticles are increasingly studied as a way to increase the availability of inner ear protective factors. We studied the effect on rats of Pluronic-coated gold nanoparticles (Plu-AuNPs) containing dexamethasone, which were applied locally in the rat’s middle ear following the implant procedure.

Biopolymer Lipid Hybrid Microcarrier for Transmembrane Inner Ear Delivery of Dexamethasone.

Dexamethasone is one of the most often used corticosteroid drugs for sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and is used either by intratympanic injection or through systemic delivery. In this study, a biopolymer lipid hybrid microcarrier was investigated for enhanced local drug delivery and sustained release at the round window membrane level of the middle ear for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Dexamethasone-loaded and dexamethasone-free microparticles were prepared using biopolymers (polysaccharide and protein, pectin and bovine serum albumin, respectively) combined with lipid components (phosphatidylcholine and Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide) in order to obtain a biopolymer-liposome hybrid system, with a complex structure combining to enhance performance in terms of physical and chemical stability.

Current Concepts and Future Trends in Increasing the Benefits of Cochlear Implantation: A Narrative Review.

Hearing loss is the most common neurosensory disorder, and with the constant increase in etiological factors, combined with early detection protocols, numbers will continue to rise. Cochlear implantation has become the gold standard for patients with severe hearing loss, and interest has shifted from implantation principles to the preservation of residual hearing following the procedure itself. As the audiological criteria for cochlear implant eligibility have expanded to include patients with good residual hearing, more attention is focused on complementary development of otoprotective agents, electrode design, and surgical approaches.

Obstructing Sleep Apnea in Children with Genetic Disorders-A Special Need for Early Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment.

Background-Children with genetic disorders have multiple anatomical and physiological conditions that predispose them to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). They should have priority access to polysomnography (PSG) before establishing their therapeutic protocol. We analyzed the prevalence and the severity of OSAS in a particular group of children with genetic disorders and strengthened their need for a multidisciplinary diagnosis and adapted management.

Saccular function evolution related to cochlear implantation in hearing impaired children.

Vestibular sensorial input is essential for psychomotor development of the very small children. In consequence, possible vestibular impairment induced by cochlear implantation in deaf children could affect the balance and walking learning process. Some of cochlear implanted children can present congenital vestibular deficit.

Neurodevelopmental Aspects and Cortical Auditory Maturation in Children with Cochlear Implants.

: The cochlear implant is not only meant to restore auditory function, but it also has a series of benefits on the psychomotor development and on the maturation of central auditory pathways. In this study, with the help of neuropsychological tests and cortical auditory potentials (CAEPs), we intend to identify a series of instruments that allow us to monitor children with a cochlear implant, and later on, to admit them into an individualized rehabilitation program. : This is a longitudinal study containing 17 subjects (6 boys and 11 girls) diagnosed with congenital sensorineural hearing loss.

Assessment of Cortical Auditory Function Using Electrophysiological and Neuropsychological Measurements in Children with Bone-Anchored Hearing Aids.

Children suffering from conductive or mixed hearing loss may benefit from a bone-anchored hearing aid system (BAHA Attract implantable prosthesis). After audiological rehabilitation, different aspects of development are improving. The objective of this case report is to propose a comprehensive framework for monitoring cortical auditory function after implantation of a bone-anchored hearing aid system by using electrophysiological and neuropsychological measurements.

The Potential Use of P1 CAEP as a Biomarker for Assessing Central Auditory Pathway Maturation in Hearing loss and Associated Disabilities: a case report.

We report a case in which we quantified the maturation of the central auditory pathway in children with hearing loss and associated disabilities; the audiological intervention was performed using the BAHA softband. The hearing aid was applied according to the international clinical protocols. The presented case reveals the importance of using the P1 CAEP biomarker in clinical practice along with a neuropsychological evaluation to assess the maturation of the central auditory pathways and to objectively quantify the results of auditory rehabilitation in children with hearing loss and associated disabilities.

Do we know enough about the genetic involvement in laryngeal cancer susceptibility and prognostic outcome?

Introduction: Advances in molecular biology have opened the door to a wide range of research material through the usage of genetic testing on certain variables within the human genome known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).The purpose of this article is to present a review on the influence variants within SNPs have on the outcome of laryngeal cancer when associated with different variables, such as external toxins or survival rate. Amongst these toxins, the most frequent and most studied have been alcohol and tobacco consumption, with a proven increased rate of overall cancer risk within the aero-digestive tract.

Safety and effectiveness of chloral hydrate in outpatient paediatric sedation for objective hearing tests.

Objectives: Chloral hydrate is a sedative that has been used for many years in clinical practice and, under proper conditions, gives a deep and long enough sleep to allow performance of objective hearing tests in young children. The reluctance to use this substance stems from side effects reported over time that can vary, depending on dose, procedure settings and immediate life supporting intervention when needed. Our study adds to those that have appeared in recent years, showing that chloral hydrate is an effective and safe substance when is used in proper conditions.

Effects of family environment features on cochlear-implanted children.

Purpose: The role of cochlear implant in deaf children development is well-known. However, the results are highly variable and depend on several factors. The most important role belongs to the family, family environment in which the child develops.

Otorrhagia as the initial presentation of an internal carotid artery aneurysm in the middle ear. Case presentation.

Middle ear aneurysms are rare and difficult to treat. The case of a 50-year-old female who presented with left otorrhagia caused by an internal carotid aneurysm is reported. She had no medical history of tinnitus, vertigo, otalgia or otorrhea.

Health-related quality of life in cochlear implanted patients in Romania.

Objectives: Cochlear implantation is a well established treatment method in severe to profound hearing impaired people. Hearing devices do not cure hearing loss, but correct the disability, so it is important to assess the benefits not only on auditory-verbal performances but in terms of health-related quality of life.

Materials And Methods: We evaluated the health-related quality of life in a cochlear implant group (84 patients), split into two subgroups, according to the age of implantation and compared with a hearing aided group (50 patients).