European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 2009
ReviewCortical reorganisation and tinnitus: principles of auditory discrimination training for tinnitus management.
Scientific evidence has proved reorganisation processes in the auditory cortex after sensorineural hearing loss and overstimulation of certain tonotopic cortical areas, as we see in auditory conditioning techniques. Acoustic rehabilitation reduces the impact of these reorganisation changes. ⋯ We discuss different studies and their efficacy on tinnitus perception and annoyance. Indications, method, dose and sound strategy need to be implemented.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 2009
A new indicator-guided percutaneous emergency cricothyrotomy device: in vivo study in man.
There is presently no ideal method of securing an airway during acute upper airway obstruction. A new cricothyrotomy device has been developed, which has theoretical advantages. The goal of this clinical study in a head and neck cancer centre was to assess the safety of the device in man. ⋯ Two were performed by doctors who had received a limited explanation of the technique and it did not achieve a secure airway. With adequate prior training, this new cricothyrotomy procedure achieves a secure airway quickly with little trauma. This study supports the use of the new cricothyrotomy device by trained staff, but prospective audit of its application in real trauma settings is required.
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Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol · Jan 2009
Are trainees being adequately taught myringoplasty? A prospective study of Eastern Deanery otolaryngology trainees' surgical experience.
Reviewing surgical training is an important function of a modern ENT unit, even more so following recent reform of postgraduate medical training in the UK. We have developed a tool to review otology training of Eastern Deanery trainees by constructing a middle ear surgery data base and use a commonly performed procedure, myringoplasty, to illustrate its function. ⋯ Trainees at all stages of training are being exposed to myringoplasty with an adequate de-escalation of supervision. Myringoplasty outcomes are independent of seniority, if appropriately supervised, implying that otology training in the Eastern Deanery is appropriate.