Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Qingqiao Capsule (清窍胶囊) in Treating Patients with Secretory Otitis Media

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of Qingqiao Capsule （清窍胶囊, QQC） in treating patients with secretory otitis media （SOM）. Methods： A total of 90 patients were randomly assigned into the treated group （n：45） and the control group （n=45）. Patients in the treated group were administrated with QQC, 5 capsules each time, 3 times a day for totally 10-14 days, and those in the control group were given per os cefaclor capsules 0.5g each time for adult, 3 times a day, or 20mg/（kg·d） for children, for 10-14 days. The therapeutic efficacy of treatment on the patients was observed and compared after treatment and followed up for 3-6 months. Results： （1） The clinical efficacy in the treated group was superior to that in the control group with significant statistical difference （P〈0.01）; （2） Comparison of the efficacies in patients of three different TCM syndrome types （the external pathogenic wind invasion caused auditory orifice stuffiness type, the Gan-Dan damp-heat steaming up auditory orifice type and the Pi-deficiency dysfunction induced dirty dampness blocking ear type） showed no statistically significant difference（P〉0.05）; （3） The vanishing rate and time needed of the main symptoms and signs in the treated group were superior to those in the control group on ear muffle, tinnitus, hearing impairment, hydrotypanum, pure tone threshold and abnormal tongue figure, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, only those of earache, otopiesis and abnornal pulse figure were insignificantly different between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： QQC is an effective Chinese composite medicine on patients with SOM, and shows no obvious adverse reaction.

THE EFFECT OF EXOGENOUS SURFACTANT ON THE EUSTACHIAN TUBE FUNCTION IN THE GERBIL MODEL OF SECRETORY OTITIS MEDIA

Objective To investigate the effect of exogenous surfactant on Eustachian tube opening function. Methods This reasarch measures for the Eustachian tube opening pressure by injection of surface active substance into middle ear space, studying the effect of surfactant on Eustachian tube opening function. Results It has been showed that the injection of killed streptococcus pneumoneac bacteria by the transtympanic route, successfully developed a secretory otitis media model. Eustachian tube opening pressure in ears with SOM was significantly greater than those without effusion ( P <0.01). Irrigation the middle ear space with surfactant resulted in a dramatic decrease in eustachian tube passive opening pressure in both normal and patients ( P <0.01). Conclusion The results indicate that flushing with exogenous surfactant by the transtympanic rote reduce of eustachian tube surface tension, and it benefits the Eustachian tube opening.

Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube combined with tympanostomy tube insertion and middle ear pressure equalization therapy for recurrent secretory otitis media

Objective: To report outcomes of balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty combined with tympanostomy tube insertion and middle ear pressure equalization therapy in treatment of recurrent secretory otitis media. Methods: Fifty one patients with recurrent secretory otitis media (62 ears) underwent balloon dilation of Eustachian tube and tympanic tube insertion under general anesthesia, followed by long term middle ear pressure equalization therapies. The Eustachian tube score (ETS) and Eustachian tube function questionnaire (ETDQ-7) were used for pre- and postoperative (up to 12 months) evaluation of Eustachian tube functions. Results: The mean ETS score was 2.34 ± 0.97 preoperatively, and 6.17 ± 1.54, 7.23 ± 1.62, 8.24 ± 1.97, and 7.63 ± 1.86 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05). The ETDQ-7 score was 4.82 ± 1.07 preoperatively, and 2.20 ± 0.54, 2.32 ± 0.68, 2.53 ± 0.79, and 2.67 ± 0.76 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube combined with tympanostomy and catheterization resulted in significant improvement of subjective symptoms and objective evaluation of Eustachian tube functions in most patients with recurrent secretory otitis media, as indicated by the ETS and ETDQ-7 scores, demonstrating high levels of efficacy and patient satisfaction.

Clinical Evaluation of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Secretory Otitis Media

Background: Secretory otitis media (SOM) patients usually complain about tinnitus accompanied with a sensation of hearing loss and ear fullness. Investigation of the association between Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and tinnitus has been rarely reported. Methods: The clinical records of 34 patients with unilateral SOM accompanied with tinnitus were reviewed in search of bone conduct (BC) hearing thresholds and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). All the enrolled patients take audio-gram and THI preoperative and three month’s postoperative between February 2015 and January 2016. Differences between the affected side and the other in BC threshold, preoperatively and postoperatively were calculated. Correlations between BC thresholds’ lose and change of the THI scores’ postoperative data were analyzed. Results: The mean BC thresholds of the SOM ears preoperative were 18.3 ± 10.7 dBHL, which was higher than the other ear (16.6 ± 8.8 dBHL, t = 2.105, p t = 3.510, p t = 6.958, p t = 3.195, p t = 3.057, p Conclusion: SOM could bring about SNHL and tinnitus which reduced post-operatively. In addition, Tinnitus has correlation with bone-conduct hearing thresholds and conductive hearing loss.

Inflammatory factors, cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with secretory otitis media

Objective:To investigate the changes of inflammatory factors, cellular immunity and humoral immunity in patients with secretory otitis media.Methods:A total of 82 cases of secretory otitis media admitted in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected as the observation group, and 80 healthy volunteers in our hospital were selected as the control group. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), calcitonin (PCT), platelet activating factor (PAF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+, IgA, IgG, IgM. were detected and compared.Results: The levels of TNF-α, PCT, PAF and ET-1 in the observation group were (2.21 ± 0.13) ng/mL, (3.96 ± 0.81) ng/mL, (149.50 ± 21.08) ng/mL, and (1.67 ± 0.53) μg/L, which were all higher than those of the control group, the differences were significant. The levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ in the observation group were (51.95 ± 4.47)%, (37.04 ± 3.94)% and (1.10 ± 0.04) respectively, which were all lower than those in the control group, the differences were significant. The level of CD8+ in the observation group was (33.63 ± 3.94)%, higher than that in the control group, the difference was significant. The levels of IgA, IgG and IgM in the observation group were (4.97 ± 0.22) g/L, (31.16 ± 2.53) g/L and (5.12 ± 0.17) g/L respectively, which were all higher than the control group, the differences were significant.Conclusion:Inflammatory factors and immune status of patients with secretory otitis media are abnormal. It is suggested to strengthen clinical monitoring of relevant indicators.

Changes of proinflammatory, fluid balance, vascular permeability and oxidative stress in patients with secretory otitis media

Objective: To investigate the changes of proinflammatory, fluid balance, vascular permeability and oxidative stress in patients with secretory otitis media. Methods: A total of 42 patients with secretory otitis media treated in our hospital from September 2016 to January 2018 were selected as the observation group and 42 healthy people as the control group. The levels of proinflammatory effect [including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-β2)], fluid balance [including aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) and aquaporin-4 (AQP-4)], vascular permeability [including hyaluronic acid (HA), fibronectin (Fn) and platelet activating factor (PAF)] and oxidative stress-related indexes [including malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were observed and compared between the two groups. Results: The levels of AQP-1, AQP-4 and Fn in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The expression levels were (4.52±0.39) g/L, (23.06±7.21) g/L and (120.59±13.07) mg/L, respectively. The levels of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, HA, PAF, MDA and SOD were significantly higher than those of the control group and the expression levels were (11.99±4.23) 毺g/L, (4.22±1.66) 毺g/L, (70.54±6.99) 毺g/L, (123.83±20.58) ng/mL, (6.30±0.44) nmol/mL and (15.85±0.78) NU/mL, respectively. The difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: Inflammatory reaction occurs in patients with otitis media with secretory otitis media. It is easy to break the liquid balance in the middle ear cavity and to increase vascular permeability and oxidative stress. The relevant indicators should be strengthened in clinical practice, so as to provide evidence for early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Co-infection with Neisseria mucosa in a patient with tuberculous otitis media

Tuberculous otitis media(TOM) is a rare manifestation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low incidence rates among extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases. Diagnosis is often delayed because of the presence of several clinical manifestations and the high prevalence of secondary bacterial infections. Few reports have attributed secondary bacterial infections in patients with TOM to commensal Neisseria. Thus, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical features of commensal Neisseria is important, considering its recent presentation as an infection-causing pathogen. Neisseria mucosa is a commensal inhabitant in humans and is generally considered non-pathogenic but can cause infection in rare cases. Here, we report an atypical secondary infection caused by Neisseria mucosa in an 81-year-old woman with TOM being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Direct purulent otorrhea smear microscopy revealed no acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, whereas the phagocytosis of gram-negative cocci by white blood cells was confirmed using Gram staining. Otorrhea culture revealed the growth of N. mucosa. Subsequently, M. tuberculosis infection in the otorrhea was identified using a culture-based method. Vigilance is critical for the early detection of TOM to prevent further complications. This report raises awareness regarding TOM and provides insight into the pathogenicity of N. mucosa in otitis media.

Acute Otitis Media in Children Aged 0-5 Years, Epidemiological Aspects and Management in the Paediatrics Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry)

Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The aim of our study was to improve the management of AOM in the Paediatric Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 01 July to 31 December 2011;the study covered 525 cases out of a total of 6276 children, i.e. a frequency of 8.36%. Results: The most affected age group was 6 to 11 months. Males predominated (69.71%). 82.29% had a history of recurrent rhinopharyngitis. The most frequent reason for consultation was incessant crying (66.29%). Rhinopharyngitis and malaria were the most commonly associated pathologies (87.62% and 39.62% respectively). 72.19% of our patients were admitted with congestive AOM and received medical treatment. We recorded one case of otomastoiditis which was treated surgically. Conclusion: AOM is more common in children aged between 6 and 24 months. Good collaboration between paediatricians and ENT specialists is essential to reduce the morbidity of AOM.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Nuclear Factor κB p65 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Various Cytokines in Otitis Media

The expression and clinical significance of relevant cytokines in otitis media (OM) are discussed, and the alterations to the pathological state of the otitis media mucosa are further understood through the study of cytokine transduction pathways. More and more studies have shown that relevant cell proliferation and inflammation progression pathways play a role in the development of otitis media, such as the Jun amino-terminal protein kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway, which are involved in the proliferation of the middle ear mucosa during otitis media, which affects the mucosal cilia, motor function, Eustachian tube function, and the mucosal ciliary function. These studies provide new ideas for the treatment of otitis media and further explore the feasibility of immunotherapy in the future treatment of otitis media. In this paper, we present a review of the latest research progress on the expression of various cytokines in otitis media.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns of Isolated Bacteria from Otitis Media in Children at Mohamed Aden Sheikh Children Teaching Hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland

Background: Otitis media (OM) is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear. OM is a prevailing problem among children in Hargeisa. The antibiotic susceptibility of etiologic bacteria is not investigated in Somaliland which hinders the effective treatment of OM cases in children. Objective: This study aimed at determining the etiologic bacteria and its antibiotic susceptibilities in children presenting with OM to a pediatric referral hospital in Hargeisa for the period March 2013-May 2017. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted on a random sample of 270 children with OM. The laboratory used standard microbiological techniques for bacterial isolation and Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method for antibiotic susceptibility testing. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi Info 7 and any associations among the study variables tested with Chi2 test with confidence level of 95% and p value of Results: The rate of bacterial isolation was 96.3%. The predominant bacterial isolate was S. aureus (31.48%) followed by P. aeruginosa (24.81%) and P. mirabilis (15.93%) respectively while the least prevalent isolates were coagulase negative Staphylococcus (1.48%), S. pyogenes (0.74%) and Enterobacter spp. (0.37%) in descending order. Age group 0 - 3, χ2 (143,270 = 223.245, p = 0.000) showed highest bacterial isolation. There was no significant relationship between bacterial isolate and gender, χ2 (11,270 = 9.2283, p = 0.6008). S. aureus showed highest sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin (85.7%), amikacin (76.5%), and gentamicin (73.8%). All isolates showed mixed resistance pattern. Conclusion: S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and P. mirabilis were the leading causative pathogens of otitis media. No association was established between isolate distribution and gender. Both the isolated gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria showed greatest sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin while the highest resistance was observed to penicillins, tetracyclines and sulfonamides. The Otitis Media among children in Hargeisa could be possibly treated, based on the antibiogram of the major associated bacteria, with topical and systemic formulations of the following antibiotic groups: fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and 3rd gen. cephalosporins.

Chronic otitis media and middle ear variants:Is there relation?

BACKGROUND Chronic otitis media(COM)is an inflammatory disease that lasts for a long time.It is common in developing countries.Hearing loss can result from COM.The relationship between variations in middle ear anatomy and COM was investigated in our study.AIM To compare the prevalence of middle ear anatomic variations between the cases with COM and healthy individuals.METHODS This retrospective study included 500 patients with COM and 500 healthy controls.The presence of those variants was determined:Koerner’s septum,facial canal dehiscence,high jugular bulb,jugular bulb dehiscence,jugular bulb diverticulum,sigmoid sinus anterior location and deep tympanic recesses.RESULTS A total of 1000 temporal bones were examined.The incidences of these variants were respectively(15.4%-18.6%),(38.6%-41.2%),(18.2%-4.6%),(2.6%-1.2%),(1.2%-0%),(8.6%-0%),(0%-0%).It was observed that only high jugular bulb(P<0.001)and anteriorly located sigmoid sinus frequencies(P=0.002)in the case group were statistically significantly higher than the control groups.CONCLUSION COM is a multifactorial disease and variants of middle ear have always been important in terms of potential risk for complication during surgery but rarely associated with COM as an etiology or as a consequence of the disease.We didn't find a positive correlation between COM and Koerner’s septum and facial canal defect.We ended up with a significant conclusion with the variants of dural venous sinuses-high jugular bulb,dehiscence of jugular bulb,diverticulum of jugular bulb and anteriorly located sigmoid sinus-that have been studied less and frequently associated with inner ear illnesses.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection Caused COVID-19 Related Otitis Media Is Commonly Existed with Good Prognosis

Otitis media with effusion is a common disease in otolaryngology. Bacteria are the most common pathogen of otitis media with effusion, and other factors such as viruses have also been reported. The present study is aimed to investigate whether the increasing otitis media cases recently is correlated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the COVID-19-related otitis media is commonly existed. Thirty-two patients with otitis media were enrolled Blood cell analysis, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 test bacterial and fungal cultures were tested. Nine patients were identified with positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in middle ear discharge. All the subjects had the common symptoms of stuffy ear, hearing loss, and echoacousia. No positive results were found in cultures for bacterial and fungus of middle ear discharge. The levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly up-regulated in positive cases (P = 0.0335). The levels of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) were higher in positive cases. There were no significant differences of age, gender and prothrombin time (PT) between positive and negative cases. Nasal sprays, ciliary stimulants, and prophylactic antibiotics or low-dose steroid treatments were sequentially used in the otitis media patients caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. All the patients had improvements of typical symptoms within two to four weeks during the following-up. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection caused COVID-19 related otitis media is commonly existed, and the prognosis is good after treatments.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Otitis Media in Children under Five Years of Age in Mogadishu, Somalia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Otitis media (OM) is highly prevalent and is one of the most important causes of preventable hearing loss in developing countries and it may have long-term impacts on the children. Several hospital-based cross-sectional studies have been conducted in East African countries to assess the prevalence of OM;however, no similar studies have been conducted in Somalia. Therefore, we conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study to identify the prevalence and the underlying risk factors of OM among children under the age of five in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to November 2022 at three main hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia. A total of 384 children aged less than 5 years were included. Parents of these children were interviewed with a questionnaire and a clinical examination was performed for each child. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences, SPSS (Version 22, IBM, Inc.), was used for the statistical analysis. Result: The prevalence of otitis media among the 384 children recruited was 31.25% (120/384). Otitis media was significantly associated with age less than one year (P = 0.006), malnutrition (P Conclusion: In summary, the present study found that otitis media was highly prevalent (31.25%) in Mogadishu, Somalia. The majority of the affected children were younger than one year. Age of the child, malnutrition, upper respiratory tract infections, feeding in lying position, and dripping something into a child’s ear were found to significantly increase the risk of developing otitis media in children. In contrast, breastfeeding for more than one year has been found to reduce the risk of developing otitis media in children.

The Effect of Comfort Nursing on the Compliance and Efficacy of Treatment for Children with Acute Otitis Media Caused by Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical effect of comfort nursing on children with acute otitis media.Methods:62 children with acute otitis media caused by upper respiratory tract infection who visited the outpatient clinic of our hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected for this study.They were divided into a study group(n=31)and a control group(n=31).Children in the control group received basic care,while children in the study group received comfort nursing along with basic care.The hearing thresholds,body temperature,treatment compliance,and nursing satisfaction of the two groups of children were compared.Results:After the nursing intervention,the hearing threshold and average body temperature of the children in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);the treatment compliance of the children in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);the nursing satisfaction of the study group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Comfort nursing can improve the treatment effect,treatment compliance,and nursing satisfaction of children with children with acute otitis media caused by upper respiratory tract infection.

The Role of Fibrinolysis in Adhesive Otitis Media(AOM)

Objective To study the effects of Batroxobin on otitis media with effusion(OME), an early stage of Adhesive Otitis Media(AOM), for the purpose of expanding our understanding of the role of fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of AOM. Method Forty cases of OME(45 ears) were randomly selected to receive intratympanic administration of Dexamethasone at 5 mg/ml(Group 1 or G1), Batroxobin at 1 BU/ml(Group 2 or G2) or Batroxobin at 2 BU/ml (Group 3 or G3). Pre-and post-treatment changes in clinical symptoms, the Air conduction Hearing Threshold (AHT) in pure tone audiometry and average AHT over 0.25 to 2 kHz were compared. Results Data from 31 cases(33 ears) were available for analysis. AHTs among three groups were similar prior to treatment(P > 0.05). The rate of normal hearing following treatment in G3 was 70% or 7 / 10, higher than in G1(41.7% or 5 / 12) and G2 (54.5% or 6 / 11)(P < 0.05). The rate of improvement following treatment was 81.8% or 9/11 and 80.0% or 8 / 10 in G2 and G3, respectively, higher than that in G1(50.0% or 6 / 12)(P < 0.05). Conclusions Therapeutic effects of intratympanic injection of Batroxobin on OME is superior to traditionally used Dexamethasone. In addition, higher concentration of Batroxobin appears to be superior to lower concentrations. These findings confirm that fibrinolysis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of middle ear adhesion and that fibrinolytic medicine can prevent or reduce adhesion development in the middle ear.

One-stage coclear implantation via a facial recess approach in children with otitis media with effusion

Objective:To investigate surgical indications, operative techniques, complications and auditory and speech rehabilitation for cochlear implant (CI) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Material and methods:This is a retrospective review of records of 24children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and OME who were implanted during January 2011 to November 2014 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the PLA Hospital, using one-stage implantation via the facial recess approach and round window insertion. The incus was removed in 8 cases during the implantation procedure. Local infiltration of dexamethasone and adrenaline in the middle ear was also performed. Postoperative complications were examined. Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires including Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR), and the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS) were collected. Results: All electrodes were implanted successfully without any immediate or delayed complications. Inflammatory changes of middle ear mucosa with effusion were noted in all implanted ears. The scores of post-implant CAP and SIR increased significantly in all 24 cases (t ? ?25.95 and ?14.09, respectively for CAP and SIR, p<0.05). Conclusions:One-stage CI via the facial recess approach with round window insertion is safe and effective in cochlear implant candidates with OME, as seen in the 24 children in our study who achieved improved auditory performance and speech intelligibility after CI. Copyright ? 2015, PLA General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

A comparative study of sequential vs.simultaneous type Ⅰ tympanoplasty in patients with bilateral chronic otitis media-Mucosal type

Background:Patients with bilateral chronic otitis media-mucosal type have been conventionally treated with sequential tympanoplasty.Bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty is usually not preferred because of the theoretical risk of iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss.With the advent of modern surgical instruments and surgical techniques,the risk is expected to be lower.This study compares the clinical outcomes in typeⅠtympanoplasty performed simultaneously and sequentially.Materials&methods:This randomized prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital between August 2015 and July 2017.A total of 30 patients were divided into two groups of 15 each.This study analyzed the graft uptake,pure tone audiogram findings pre-and post-operatively,duration of surgery and number of hospital visit for each patient and the outco mes were co mpared between both the groups.Result:Patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty had significantly lesser mean duration of surgery and number of hospital visits than the patients undergoing sequential tympanoplasty.Graft uptake and postoperative wound infections were similar in both the groups.Postoperative hearing improvement was significantly better in the bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty group.However,further studies are needed to authenticate this observation.None of the patients had a postoperative deterioration of hearing or sensorineural hearing loss.Conclusion:Bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty is not only feasible but also better than sequential tympanoplasty,especially in terms of operating time,follow-up and overall financial implications on the patient.

A Model of Spontaneous Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion in Mice with ENU Induced Mutations

Background Chronic otitis media(COM) is a significant clinical problem.Understanding the mechanisms of COM is critical for its control and treatment.However,little is known of the processes leading to COM as a result of lack of animal models of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea(ENU) induced mutations in otitis media with effusion(OME).Methods Otoscopy and auditory brain response(ABR) evaluation were carried out under sedation in Nmf391nmf/nmf mice of 2,4,6 and 8 months of age.The mice were killed for study of middle and inner ear pathology.Results Tympanic membrane visualization and ABR thresholds in 1-to 8-month-old Nmf391nmf/nmf mice showed spontaneous OME and inner ear diseases in approximately 100% of the animals.The significant elevation of ABR thresholds suggested a sensorineural component in hearing loss in addition to the conductive loss.Middle and inner ear histology showed various degrees of outer hair cells loss and middle ear inflammation in all the mice,but no inflammation cells in the inner ear.The ABR threshold at 32 kHz was significantly elevated.Conclusions This study shows histopathologic changes in the Nmf391nmf/nmf mouse model of COM with effusion that have not been reported in human COM.This ENU induced mutation model of COM will be valuable for the characterization of middle ear inflammation and inner ear disease processes that are induced by middle ear infections.We propose that COM with effusion in this ENU induced mutation model is the cause of the cochlea hair cells damage.