Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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To evaluate the hearing outcomes for a group of unilateral vestibular schwannoma patients treated with gamma knife radiosurgery and to determine if the cochlear radiation dose affects hearing outcome measures. ⋯ The PTA was significantly worse after gamma knife radiosurgery, with a mean follow-up of 24.6 months. Higher radiation doses to the cochlear volume negatively impacted hearing outcomes after radiosurgery for this group of vestibular schwannoma patients.
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The penetrating electrode auditory brainstem implant (PABI) is an extension of auditory brainstem implant (ABI) technology originally developed for individuals deafened by neurofibromatosis type 2. Whereas the conventional ABI uses surface electrodes on the cochlear nuclei, the PABI uses 8 or 10 penetrating microelectrodes in conjunction with a separate array of 10 or 12 surface electrodes. The goals of the PABI were to use microstimulation to reduce threshold current levels, increase the range of pitch percepts, and improve electrode selectivity and speech recognition. PATIENTS AND PROTOCOL: In a prospective clinical trial, 10 individuals, all with neurofibromatosis type 2, received a PABI after vestibular schwannoma removal via a translabyrinthine approach. All study participants met strict requirements for informed consent as part of a Food and Drug Administration clinical trial. Approximately 8 weeks after implantation, PABI devices were activated and tested at our tertiary clinical and research facility. Mean follow-up time was 33.8 months. ⋯ The PABI met the goals of lower threshold, increased pitch range, and high selectivity, but these properties did not result in improved speech recognition.
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Biography Historical Article
Avicenna's treatise on otology in Medieval Persia.
Avicenna (AD 980-1037) was one of the best-known physicians of his time. Born in Persia, he gained notoriety both in the local and international scenes. Avicenna's best-known book, Canon of Medicine, was the standard textbook of medicine for more than five centuries in Europe and the Persian Empire. ⋯ Correlation was made with the Arabic text as well to ensure accuracy. This study provides a review of Avicenna's significant contributions to the concepts in anatomy and the pathophysiology of ear diseases. Herbal and nonherbal medications used in the treatment of otologic disorders are also discussed.