Microglial activation in the cochlear nucleus after early hearing loss in rats.

Objective: Microglia are highly specialized tissue macrophages in the central nervous system. Their activation in the auditory system has been reported in adult hearing loss models, but their status in the developing auditory system is less understood. Therefore, we investigated microglial status in the cochlear nucleus (CN) during normal developing periods and after exposing rats to amikacin, a potent ototoxin, around the time of hearing onset.

Usefulness of reconstructed 3D images for cochlear implantation in a case with a facial nerve anomaly.

Facial nerve anomalies are a potential problem in patients with cochleovestibular malformations. A case of cochlear implant (CI) surgery in the presence of intra-temporalbone facial nerve bifurcation is presented. During the first surgery, the facial nerve bifurcation obscured the promontory and round window.

Soft-wall reconstruction of the canal wall with retrograde bone work for pediatric cholesteatoma: Long-term results.

Objective: To retrospectively evaluate the long-term results of surgery for retrograde bone work, using soft-wall reconstruction of the canal wall, for pediatric cholesteatoma.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a series of 25 consecutive ears of 24 patients who were ≤16 years of age. All children underwent cholesteatoma surgery between October 2002 and August 2008.