The Journal of laryngology and otology
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The current circumstances of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic necessitate the use of personal protective equipment in hospitals. N95 masks and face shields are being used as personal protective equipment to protect from aerosol-related spread of infection. Personal protective equipment, however, hampers communication. This study aimed to assess the effect of using an N95 mask and face shield on speech perception among healthcare workers with normal hearing. ⋯ Use of personal protective equipment significantly impairs speech perception. Alternate communication strategies should be developed for effective communication.
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A study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between anosmia and hospital admission in coronavirus disease 2019 patients. ⋯ Anosmia could be a symptom in the clinical presentation of the coronavirus disease 2019 infection.
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To report feasibility, early outcomes and challenges of implementing a 14-day threshold for undertaking surgical tracheostomy in the critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patient. ⋯ Performing a tracheostomy in coronavirus disease 2019 positive patients at 8-14 days following intubation is compatible with favourable outcomes. Multidisciplinary team input is crucial to patient selection.
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Mastoidectomy is considered an aerosol-generating procedure. This study examined the effect of wearing personal protective equipment on the view achieved using the operating microscope. ⋯ The full-face visor is incompatible with the operating microscope. Solutions offering adequate eye protection for aerosol-generating procedures that require the microscope, including mastoidectomy, are urgently needed. Low-profile safety goggles should have a working distance of less than 20 mm and be compatible with prescription lenses.