Comparison of tympanostomy tubes for endoscopic placement in adults with otitis media with effusion

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of two types of tympanostomy tube,in terms of extrusion time and recurrence rate,after endoscopic ventilation tube placement in adults with otitis media with effusion.Materials and methods:The clinical data for 125 ears from 91 patients who underwent endoscopic ventilation tube placement was retrospectively reviewed.The ears included in the study were divided into groups A and B.The Shepard tube was used in all ears from group A.The T-tube was used in all ears from group B.Extrusion time and recurrence rate were recorded and statistically analyzed.Results:Group A included 103 ears(82.4%).Group B included 22 ears(17.6%).The average extrusion time for group A was significantly shorter than that for group B(160.5±106.6 days vs 274.1±120.5 days,p<0.05).No significant difference in recurrence rate was observed between groups A and B(72.8%vs 63.6%,p=0.44).Conclusion:Compared with the Shepard tube,the T-tube lasts longer in the ear drum in adult patients with otitis media with effusion.However,use of the Shepard tube,compared with use of the T-tube,does not significantly reduce the recurrence rate after extrusion.

Audiological characteristics and exploratory treatment of a rare condition of acute-otitis-media-associated sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND Acute otitis media(AOM)is a common disease that is more prevalent in children.Most studies concerning AOM-associated sudden sensorineural hearing loss are case reports and retrospective in nature,hence the etiology of AOM-associated sudden hearing loss has not been fully established.AIM To analyze audiological characteristics of AOM-associated sudden hearing loss and evaluate efficacy of combined tympanostomy tube placement(TTP)and intratympanic methylprednisolone.METHODS Eight adult patients who were diagnosed with AOM-associated sudden hearing loss and ineffectively treated by conventional medical therapy were enrolled in this study.Basic data were collected,and pure tone audiometry was performed to assess the audiological characteristics.Combination therapy with TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone injection was given to the patients.RESULTS Mixed or sensorineural hearing loss was observed at high frequencies(2–4 kHz).All the cases in this study were cured after TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone.After treatment,the average hearing threshold at affected frequencies was significantly lower than those in the pretreatment group(P<0.05)and was similar to that in the healthy ears(P>0.05).CONCLUSION AOM rarely induces sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Combination therapy with TTP and intratympanic methylprednisolone injection may be effective after failure of conventional medical treatment.

Static analysis of tympanic membrane in aero-otitis media by three-dimensional model of the middle ear

The three-dimensional(3D)model of the middle ear is of great significance to the research of middle ear related diseases.The particular focus of this work is to simulate the impact of aircraft altitude and speed changes on the tympanic membrane(TM)during the descent phase,so as to analyze the pathogenesis of aero-otitis media and the mechanical response characteristics of TM under static pressure.The simulations showed that the stress and strain of TM increase as the altitude difference and speed of the aircraft increase,and the maximum stress and strain areas are consistent with the clinical observation of TM hyperemia.Therefore,among many prevention and treatment measures of aero-otitis media,it is a therapeutic method to directly balance the pressure difference between the inner and outer TM.