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Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology 2016Sudden deafness is characterized by an abrupt hearing loss of at least 30dB in three sequential frequencies in the standard pure tone audiogram over three days or less.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Sudden deafness is characterized by an abrupt hearing loss of at least 30dB in three sequential frequencies in the standard pure tone audiogram over three days or less. Treatment is based on its etiology, and oral corticosteroids are widely used. Intratympanic corticosteroids are included as primary or secondary treatment when there is no improvement with the use of oral corticosteroids.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of therapy with intratympanic steroids in sudden deafness.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed of publications on the topic in the databases of PubMed/MEDLINE, with the keywords: sudden deafness, sudden hearing loss, and corticosteroids.
RESULTS
Thirty scientific studies were analyzed. As to the objectives of the study analyzed, 76.7% sought to evaluate the use of intratympanic therapy salvage after failure to conventional treatment, and intratympanic therapy was used as the primary treatment 23.3% of the studies.
CONCLUSION
Intratympanic corticosteroid therapy is prescribed primarily when there is failure of conventional therapy and when it is limited to use systemic corticosteroids, such as the diabetic patient.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Dexamethasone; Hearing Loss, Sudden; Humans; Injection, Intratympanic; Methylprednisolone; Treatment Outcome; Tympanic Membrane
PubMed: 26873148
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.06.007 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2023Children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often experience motor skill disturbances, particularly in balance and gait, due to potential vestibular... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Children and adolescents with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) often experience motor skill disturbances, particularly in balance and gait, due to potential vestibular dysfunctions resulting from inner ear damage. Consequently, several studies have proposed the use of virtual reality-based games as a technological resource for therapeutic purposes, aiming to improve the balance and gait of this population.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of evidence derived from randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials that employed virtual reality-based games to enhance the balance and/or gait of children and adolescents with SNHL.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across nine databases, encompassing articles published in any language until 1 July 2023. The following inclusion criteria were applied: randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials involving volunteers from both groups with a clinical diagnosis of bilateral SNHL, aged 6-19 years, devoid of physical, cognitive, or neurological deficits other than vestibular dysfunction, and utilizing virtual reality-based games as an intervention to improve balance and/or gait outcomes.
RESULTS
Initially, a total of 5984 articles were identified through the searches. Following the removal of duplicates and screening of titles and abstracts, eight studies remained for full reading, out of which three trials met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review. The included trials exhibited a very low quality of evidence concerning the balance outcome, and none of the trials evaluated gait. The meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences in balance improvement between the use of traditional balance exercises and virtual reality-based games for adolescents with SNHL (effect size: -0.48; [CI: -1.54 to 0.57]; = 0.37; I = 0%).
CONCLUSION
Virtual reality-based games show promise as a potential technology to be included among the therapeutic options for rehabilitating the balance of children and adolescents with SNHL. However, given the methodological limitations of the trials and the overall low quality of evidence currently available on this topic, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results of the trials analyzed in this systematic review.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Postural Balance; Exercise Therapy; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Gait; Virtual Reality
PubMed: 37514897
DOI: 10.3390/s23146601 -
International Journal of Audiology Aug 2023Remote hearing screening and assessment may improve access to, and uptake of, hearing care. This review, the most comprehensive to date, aimed to (i) identify and assess... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Remote hearing screening and assessment may improve access to, and uptake of, hearing care. This review, the most comprehensive to date, aimed to (i) identify and assess functionality of remote hearing assessment tools on smartphones and online platforms, (ii) determine if assessed tools were also evaluated in peer-reviewed publications and (iii) report accuracy of existing validation data.
DESIGN
Protocol was registered in INPLASY and reported according to PRISMA-Extension for Scoping Reviews.
STUDY SAMPLE
In total, 187 remote hearing assessment tools (using tones, speech, self-report or a combination) and 101 validation studies met the inclusion criteria. Quality, functionality, bias and applicability of each app were assessed by at least two authors.
RESULTS
Assessed tools showed considerable variability in functionality. Twenty-two (12%) tools were peer-reviewed and 14 had acceptable functionality. The validation results and their quality varied greatly, largely depending on the category of the tool.
CONCLUSION
The accuracy and reliability of most tools are unknown. Tone-producing tools provide approximate hearing thresholds but have calibration and background noise issues. Speech and self-report tools are less affected by these issues but mostly do not provide an estimated pure tone audiogram. Predicting audiograms using filtered language-independent materials could be a universal solution.
Topics: Humans; Mobile Applications; Reproducibility of Results; Hearing Tests; Noise; Hearing
PubMed: 35678292
DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2075798 -
Vaccines Dec 2023(1) Background: Vaccine safety is an important topic with public health implications on a global scale. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available... (Review)
Review
(1) Background: Vaccine safety is an important topic with public health implications on a global scale. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available literature assessing sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) incidence and severity following both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as prognosis and outcomes. (2) Methods: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant publications evaluating post-vaccination SNHL were selected from PubMed and Embase, searching from inception to July 2023. (3) Results: From 11 observational studies, the incidence of post-vaccination SNHL was low for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines, ranging from 0.6 to 60.77 per 100,000 person-years, comparable to all-cause SNHL. (4) Conclusions: The incidence rates of SNHL following COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccinations remained reassuringly low. Most patients experienced improved hearing function in the weeks to months following vaccination. This study underscores the importance and safety of vaccinations and encourages ongoing surveillance and detailed reporting of hearing loss cases post-vaccination.
PubMed: 38140238
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121834 -
Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal Apr 2023Diabetes is associated with a risk of idiopathic sudden deafness. The main treatment of diabetic sudden deafness is systemic and topical application of steroids. Topical... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Diabetes is associated with a risk of idiopathic sudden deafness. The main treatment of diabetic sudden deafness is systemic and topical application of steroids. Topical steroid therapy reduces systemic adverse reactions compared with systemic therapy.
PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis design on the improvement value and recovery rate of pure tone mean hearing threshold (PTA).To investigate whether there is difference between local and systemic steroid treatment as the initial treatment for sudden deafness patients with diabetes.
METHODS
We searched databases from publication date to October 1, 2022 including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, web of science, CNKI, Wan fang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), and VIP information resource system. A systematic literature review was conducted on the efficacy and safety of local and systemic steroid therapy for diabetic sudden deafness. RevMan5.4 and stata14 software were used for Meta-analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 23 studies were included in this study, covering 1777 patients, including 885 cases in the observation group (local steroid group) and 894 cases in the control group (systemic steroid group). Meta-analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the total effective rate of local and systemic steroid treatment for diabetic sudden deafness between groups (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.11-1.22, < 0.05). The effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. For the improvement of PTA, the difference between groups was statistically significant (RR = 6.60, 95% CI = 3.07-10.14, < 0.05). The improvement of PTA in the local steroid group was higher than that in the systemic steroid group. Subgroup analysis showed that there were significant differences between groups in hormones, drug administration, follow-up time and course of disease.
CONCLUSION
Topical steroid therapy is effective in the treatment of diabetic sudden deafness. Hormone methylprednisolone has high effective rate; the shorter the course of disease and the longer the follow-up time are, the higher the total effective rate will be. Tympanic injection is more effective than post-aural injection. Topical steroid injections are safer for hormonal side effect.
PubMed: 37039340
DOI: 10.1177/01455613231170090 -
Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal... Sep 2022Genes associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss are commonly included in reproductive carrier screening panels, which are now routinely offered in preconception and... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Genes associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss are commonly included in reproductive carrier screening panels, which are now routinely offered in preconception and prenatal care in many countries. However, there is debate whether hearing loss should be considered a medical condition appropriate for screening. This systematic review assessed research on opinions of those with a lived experience of deafness and the general public regarding genetic testing for deafness in the reproductive setting.
METHODS
Search of 5 online databases yielded 423 articles, 20 of which met inclusion criteria. We assessed the quality of each study, extracted data, and performed thematic analysis on qualitative studies.
RESULTS
Most studies indicated interest in the use of prenatal diagnosis for deafness. However, there were mixed views, and sometimes strongly held views, expressed regarding the reproductive options that should be available to those with an increased chance of having a child with deafness. Studies were small, from a limited number of countries, and most were too old to include views regarding preimplantation genetic testing.
CONCLUSION
There is a broad range of views regarding the use of reproductive options for deafness. Further research is essential to explore the benefits and harms of including nonsyndromic hearing loss genes in carrier screening.
Topics: Child; Deafness; Female; Genetic Testing; Humans; Pregnancy; Prenatal Diagnosis; Reproduction
PubMed: 35659827
DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.05.005 -
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology Jul 2023Children with single-sided deafness often receive inconsistent clinical recommendations because there is currently no clear best practice in paediatric single-sided... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Children with single-sided deafness often receive inconsistent clinical recommendations because there is currently no clear best practice in paediatric single-sided deafness. This systematic review of the literature aimed to compare commonly used treatments and attempted to support the use of a particular treatment modality.
METHOD
This was a comprehensive literature review from 1 January 2000 to 22 February 2022; the study compared the outcomes of bone conduction devices and cochlear implantation in paediatric patients with single-sided deafness.
RESULTS
Fifteen studies consisting of 202 patients were examined. Variables including speech reception in quiet and noise, as well as quality of life measures were compared. Both cochlear implantation and bone-anchored hearing aids demonstrated benefits in sound perception. Quality of life measures improved with both modalities.
CONCLUSION
Although both bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implantation appear to provide significant improvements, additional research with more direct comparisons is needed to provide more decisive results.
Topics: Child; Humans; Cochlear Implantation; Cochlear Implants; Deafness; Hearing Aids; Hearing Loss, Unilateral; Quality of Life; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36380503
DOI: 10.1017/S0022215122002407 -
The Laryngoscope Apr 2022Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a congenital condition that can lead to various outcomes in pediatric patients including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction.... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) is a congenital condition that can lead to various outcomes in pediatric patients including hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction. Our goal was to critically appraise the literature on the proportion of patients with EVA who report vestibular dysfunction, determine relevant risk factors for the development of these symptoms, and describe vestibular tests and interventions used to improve outcomes.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We queried the EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature. Studies were included if they had n > 10, reported vestibular symptoms or vestibular function testing in patients with EVA, and were published in English. Nonhuman studies, systematic reviews, and review articles were excluded.
RESULTS
Of 808 identified studies, 20 met inclusion criteria. Subjective vestibular symptoms included dizziness, episodic vertigo, and imbalance. Seventeen studies reported subjective vestibular symptoms, ranging from 2% to 71% of patients between studies. Seventeen studies performed some form of vestibular function test, including physical exam maneuvers (Dix-Hallpike), caloric testing, electronystagmography, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials. Of those who had vestibular function testing, 7% to 92% had an abnormal result. Two studies identified head trauma as a risk factor. One study successfully treated patients with BPPV using the Epley maneuver, but other vestibular symptoms were not targeted with treatment.
CONCLUSION
The degree to which vestibular symptoms impact patients with EVA varies significantly. Performing vestibular function testing may help identify asymptomatic patients with vestibular dysfunction. Future studies should target improving treatment of vestibular symptoms in EVA patients. Laryngoscope, 132:873-880, 2022.
Topics: Child; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Vertigo; Vestibular Aqueduct; Vestibule, Labyrinth
PubMed: 34397103
DOI: 10.1002/lary.29819 -
Tropical Medicine & International... Feb 2016To systematically assess the data on the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Africa. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To systematically assess the data on the prevalence and causes of hearing impairment in Africa.
METHODS
Systematic review on the prevalence and causes of hearing loss in Africa. We undertook a literature search of seven electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Medline, Global Health, Web of Knowledge, Academic Search Complete and Africa Wide Information) and manually searched bibliographies of included articles. The search was restricted to population-based studies on hearing impairment in Africa. Data were extracted using a standard protocol.
RESULTS
We identified 232 articles and included 28 articles in the final analysis. The most common cut-offs used for hearing impairment were 25 and 30 dB HL, but this ranged between 15 and 40 dB HL. For a cut-off of 25 dB, the median was 7.7% for the children- or school-based studies and 17% for population-based studies. For a cut-off of 30 dB HL, the median was 6.6% for the children or school-based studies and 31% for population-based studies. In schools for the deaf, the most common cause of hearing impairment was cryptogenic deafness (50%) followed by infectious causes (43%). In mainstream schools and general population, the most common cause of hearing impairment was middle ear disease (36%), followed by undetermined causes (35%) and cerumen impaction (24%).
CONCLUSION
There are very few population-based studies available to estimate the prevalence of hearing impairment in Africa. Those studies that are available use different cut-offs, making comparison difficult. However, the evidence suggests that the prevalence of hearing impairment is high and that much of it is avoidable or treatable.
Topics: Africa; Hearing Loss; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 26584722
DOI: 10.1111/tmi.12640 -
Otolaryngology--head and Neck Surgery :... Nov 2015The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) was initially developed for patients with deafness as a result of neurofibromatosis type 2. ABI indications have recently extended... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The auditory brainstem implant (ABI) was initially developed for patients with deafness as a result of neurofibromatosis type 2. ABI indications have recently extended to children with congenital deafness who are not cochlear implant candidates. Few multi-institutional outcome data exist. Herein, we aim to provide a systematic review of outcomes following implantation of the ABI in pediatric patients with nontumor diagnosis, with a focus on audiometric outcomes.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review of literature was performed using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) recommendations. Variables assessed included age at implantation, diagnosis, medical history, cochlear implant history, radiographic findings, ABI device implanted, surgical approach, complications, side effects, and auditory outcomes.
RESULTS
The initial search identified 304 articles; 21 met inclusion criteria for a total of 162 children. The majority of these patients had cochlear nerve aplasia (63.6%, 103 of 162). Cerebrospinal fluid leak occurred in up to 8.5% of cases. Audiometric outcomes improved over time. After 5 years, almost 50% of patients reached Categories of Auditory Performance scores >4; however, patients with nonauditory disabilities did not demonstrate a similar increase in scores.
CONCLUSION
ABI surgery is a reasonable option for the habilitation of deaf children who are not cochlear implant candidates. Although improvement in Categories of Auditory Performance scores was seen across studies, pediatric ABI users with nonauditory disabilities have inferior audiometric outcomes.
Topics: Auditory Brain Stem Implants; Child; Deafness; Humans; Neurofibromatosis 2; Speech Perception; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26227469
DOI: 10.1177/0194599815596929