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J Am Acad Audiol 2021 Jun 3. Epub 2021 Jun 3.

Department of Otolaryngology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku-shi, Kochi, Japan.

Background:  Cartilage conduction hearing aids (CCHAs) were newly devised and spread fast in Japan since their launch in 2017. However, little knowledge is available for this new device.

Purpose:  The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge of CCHAs and suggest their indication. Read More

Acta Otolaryngol 2021 May 31:1-6. Epub 2021 May 31.

Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background: Individuals with unilateral hearing loss show poor spatial hearing, but individual variability is high.

Aims/objectives: To investigate if the degree of hearing loss in unilateral ear canal atresia affects horizontal sound localization and speech recognition.

Materials And Methods: Twelve subjects with unilateral ear canal atresia without childhood hearing intervention. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 May 19;14(5). Epub 2021 May 19.

ENT, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry, India.

The following is a case report of an adolescent with mental retardation who had congenital aural atresia with contralateral congenital facial palsy. She developed multiple intracranial complications (cerebellar abscess and lateral sinus thrombosis) due to cholesteatoma. We managed her in a multidisciplinary approach. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021 Jul 11;146:110756. Epub 2021 May 11.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative navigation (ION) using adhesive fiducials and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone in pediatric patients undergoing atresiaplasty for congenital aural atresia (CAA).

Methods: From June 2018 to August 2019, a retrospective review was performed on pediatric patients with unilateral or bilateral CAA who underwent atresiaplasty with or without concurrent bone anchored implant (BAI) placement. Single stage atresiaplasty was performed at a tertiary referral center with ION linked to image-guidance compatible HRCT non-contrast temporal bone images. Read More

Am J Case Rep 2021 May 12;22:e929933. Epub 2021 May 12.

Oto-Rhino-Laryngosurgery Clinic, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Kajetany/Warsaw, Poland.

BACKGROUND Here we present a case of Vibrant Soundbridge implantation in a 13-year-old girl with bilateral aural atresia of the external ear canal. In this instance, we attached the device's floating mass transducer (FMT) to a mobilizable complex of the incus and malleus, which functionally connected to the short process of the incus. CASE REPORT The article presents a case study of a patient with a congenital defect of the middle and external ear and conductive hearing loss, who was referred for middle ear implantation. Read More

J Int Adv Otol 2021 Mar;17(2):186-189

Departmenf of Otolaryngology, Erciyes University School of Medicine, Kayseri, Turkey.

Aural atresia is a congenital disease that is characterized by an embryologic developmental defect of the external auditory canal (EAC). There is an erythematous, bulging tympanic membrane by otoscope in physical examination of acute otitis media (AOM). Children with aural atresia experience AOM as children have normal anatomy. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2021 Apr;56(4):340-345

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100730, China Beijing Institute of Otolaryngology, Beijing 100005, China.

To investigate the feasibility and safety of auricle reconstruction combined with Bonebridge implantation for bilateral aural atresia patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted for 36 cases(72 ears) who underwent Bonebridge implantation combined with bilateral auricle reconstruction from February 1, 2017 to January 15, 2020. All cases were bilateral congenital aural atresia and underwent Nagata auricle reconstruction for both sides simultaneously. Read More

Audiol Neurootol 2021 Apr 8:1-10. Epub 2021 Apr 8.

Otorhinolaringologist, Catholic University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Argentina.

Background: The ADHEAR™ system (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a nonsurgical bone conduction device (BCD) to treat conductive hearing loss (CHL) and single-sided deafness. In contrast to the nonsurgical alternatives on headbands or spectacle frames, the audio processor of ADHEAR is placed retroauricularly on an adhesive adapter. The published evidence on the performance of this system is limited to studies with a trial period of 2-8 weeks. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 Feb 25:3489421997651. Epub 2021 Feb 25.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a period of social isolation that has challenged the ability of providers to uphold in-person patient care. Although commonplace in pediatric otolaryngology, multidisciplinary clinics pose a unique challenge during this time due to increased infection risk from multiple patient-provider interactions. Guidance on the application of telemedicine for multidisciplinary clinics in pediatric otolaryngology is limited. Read More

HNO 2021 Feb 18. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, LMU Klinikum Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.

Background: Congenital aural atresia, which is usually unilateral, causes hearing loss and aesthetic impairment. Besides tympanoplasty with/without canalplasty and bone conduction devices, active middle ear implants are also available for functional rehabilitation.

Objective: This article aims to present a contemporary review on the treatment possibilities for middle ear malformations, with a focus on audiological rehabilitation with the Vibrant Soundbridge. Read More

Audiol Neurootol 2021 Feb 10:1-8. Epub 2021 Feb 10.

Department of Biophysics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Objective: A review of published data regarding binaural hearing after treatment of congenital unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL) due to aural atresia. Treatment options concern atresia surgery (reconstructive surgery), application of a bone conduction device (BCD), or application of a middle ear implant (MEI).

Data Sources: Database PubMed was searched for articles published in English and German between January 1, 1994, and January 1, 2019. Read More

Ir J Med Sci 2021 Feb 5. Epub 2021 Feb 5.

Department of Speech and Hearing, School of Clinical Therapies, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, T12 EK59, Ireland.

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated, demyelinating disease of the nervous system, which may impact the audiovestibular pathway at different stages of the disease. The auditory and vestibular manifestations of MS as a presenting or early symptom are an area in which more investigation is needed.

Aims: The aim of this review is to determine the auditory and vestibular symptoms, which may occur at the presenting stage of multiple sclerosis. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2021 04;42(4):e476-e482

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.

Objective: To determine reasons for premature termination in surgery for congenital aural atresia (CAA).

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Setting: High-volume tertiary care center. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021 Jan 24:3489421990168. Epub 2021 Jan 24.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.

Objective: To record crossed acoustic reflex thresholds (xART's) postoperatively from patients after surgical repair of unilateral congenital aural atresia (CAA). To seek explanations for when xARTs can and cannot be recorded. We hope to understand the implications for this central auditory reflex despite early afferent deprivation. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021 Mar 22;142:110590. Epub 2020 Dec 22.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: While research has shown that children with single sided deafness have a lower quality of life and developmental outcomes compared to normal hearing peers, little is known about these domains in children with unilateral congenital conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the hearing-related quality of life, developmental outcomes and educational performance in children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia.

Methods: Nineteen children and young adults with unilateral aural atresia received a set of five questionnaires. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2021 04;42(4):e388-e392

Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Objective: This study assessed the effect of ipsilateral bone-conduction amplification on spatial hearing abilities in subjects with congenital unilateral aural atresia (CUAA).

Patients: Twelve patients with unilateral conductive hearing loss secondary to CUAA and normal hearing in the contralateral ear were tested. Most (75%) had limited experience with a bone-conduction hearing aid (BCHA). Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021 Feb 15;141:110564. Epub 2020 Dec 15.

Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, USA; Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address:

Objective: To characterize the adherence of bone conduction hearing devices (BCHDs) for hearing management in children with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA) in relation to the age of offer and fitting. BCHD Soft Bands help predict amplification benefits before surgery can be performed beginning around five years when both hearing and parental compliance reach stability. We hypothesized device compliance might decrease with age of fitting from lack of early acclimatization. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2021 Feb 10;141:110551. Epub 2020 Dec 10.

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA.

Objectives: Patients with microtia and aural atresia have multiple options for treatment of conductive hearing loss (CHL) and auricle reconstruction; however, little is known about the factors influencing treatment selection. This study aims to review the socioeconomic and clinical data of microtia/atresia patients to evaluate congruency with national data and whether these factors affect treatment decisions.

Methods: Retrospective review of patients evaluated in the microtia and atresia multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) at a tertiary academic children's hospital between 2008 and 2018. Read More

Acta Otolaryngol 2021 Feb 3;141(2):129-134. Epub 2020 Nov 3.

Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Key Laboratory of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Background: Bonebridge is an suitable option for conductive hearing loss, however, the traditional approach cannot accomplished a satisfying implantation for patients with congenital malformation or radical mastoidectomy.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical application of retrosigmoid sinus approach in Bonebridge implantation and postoperative evaluation.

Materials And Methods: 11 patients who underwent retrosigmoid sinus approach Bonebridge implantation from March 2016 to September 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 6 males and 5 females, aged 12-54 years old (30. Read More

J Audiol Otol 2020 Oct 10;24(4):161-166. Epub 2020 Oct 10.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea.

Congenital aural atresia is an ear malformation evident at birth, involving various degrees of failed external ear canal development. A true external ear canal is desirable, as devices that replace the canal are inconvenient and expensive. Therefore, an optimal surgical technique is required. Read More

Acta Otolaryngol 2021 Jan 12;141(1):34-38. Epub 2020 Oct 12.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Kanagawa, Japan.

Background: Detailed studies have not been conducted on sound localization and speech perception in noise in patients with unilateral congenital aural atresia (UCAA).

Aims/objectives: To evaluate the benefits of the use of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) for UCAA by performing audiometric and sound localization tests.

Materials And Methods: Four children with UCAA underwent VSB (VORP 503) implantation from 2018 to 2019. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020 Oct 10;137:110233. Epub 2020 Jul 10.

ENT Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine (Fudan University), Shanghai, China. Electronic address:

Objective: To describe a measurement method for external auditory canal (EAC), especially in congenital aural stenosis (CAS).

Methods: High-resolution CT (HRCT) datasets of CAS were imported into the MIMICS 15.0 software for image processing. Read More

Lin Chung Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2020 Apr;34(4):372-373

Teratoma is a germ cell tumor, which is rare behind the ear. We described a rare case of retroauricular teratoma accompanied with congenital malformation of external and middle ear and cholesteatoma of middle ear in a 13-years-old girl. Congenital microtia and ankylotia of right ear was found since childhood, suppuration occurred repeatedly behind the right ear 1 year ago. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2020 12;41(10):e1219-e1223

King Abdullah Ear Specialist Center (KAESC), College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh.

Objectives: Different options are available for hearing restoration in patients with aural atresia. Middle ear implantation with the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) has been used successfully in many patients with aural atresia with conductive or mixed hearing loss. The aim of the current study was to assess the safety and the efficiency of VSBs coupled to the short process of the incus in patients with aural atresia with conductive or mixed hearing loss. Read More

Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020 11 7;198:106140. Epub 2020 Aug 7.

Department of Neurology, FLENI, Montañeses 2325, CP1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Objectives: To analyze and compare differences between epidemiological and clinical aspects, as well as radiologic findings and treatment, in a series of adult patients with traumatic intracranial hypotension (TIH) and spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) treated at our institution in order to identify predictors of recurrence.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid hypotension headache (CSF-HH) is often caused by orthostasis and relieved by recumbency. Etiology can be either traumatic or spontaneous. Read More

Int J Audiol 2020 12 9;59(12):891-896. Epub 2020 Aug 9.

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.

Objective: Patients with bilateral aural atresia often exhibit poor sound localisation due to bone conduction (BC) features. However, most patients using cartilage conduction (CC) hearing aids reported improvement of sound localisation.

Design: CC hearing aids were fitted binaurally. Read More

Auris Nasus Larynx 2021 Feb 28;48(1):65-74. Epub 2020 Jul 28.

Section of Audiology, The University of Auckland, New Zealand; Eisdell Moore Centre for Research in Hearing and Balance, New Zealand.

Objective: To explore the behavioural and functional performance of a group of children with conductive unilateral hearing loss (UHL) due to congenital aural atresia.

Method: Twelve children aged 7 to 16 years (M 10.0, SD 3. Read More

J Comput Assist Tomogr 2020 Jul/Aug;44(4):559-561

From the Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Meselik-Eskisehir, Turkey.

In this study, the percent of wormian bones in congenital aural atresia group was higher than healthy group, when tested by the Fisher exact test, there appeared to be no significant statistical difference. However, in congenital aural atresia surgery, surgical manipulation can dislodge these bones causing injury to the surrounding structures. Therefore, the radiologists should report the presence of wormian bones in the peritemporal area. Read More