Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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Existing virtual simulators for middle ear surgery are based on 3-dimensional (3D) models from computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging data in which image quality is limited by the lack of detail (maximum, approximately 50 voxels/mm3), natural color, and texture of the source material.Virtual training often requires the purchase of a program, a customized computer, and expensive peripherals dedicated exclusively to this purpose. ⋯ This prototype is published for download (approximately 120 MB) as freeware at http://www.alexandra.dk/ves/index.htm.With increasing personal computer performance, future versions may include enhanced resolution (up to 8,000 voxels/mm3) and realistic interaction with deformable soft tissue components such as skin, tympanic membrane, dura, and cholesteatomas-features some of which are not possible with computed tomographic-/magnetic resonance imaging-based systems.
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To assess and compare subjective and objective results after bilateral cochlear implantation with a special emphasis on time interval between the first and second implant. ⋯ Speech understanding in noise is improved with bilateral cochlear implantation with unambiguous evidence that the second implant expands the sound field for effective speech recognition. Communication in daily life is facilitated, as determined by the subjective Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale test. The correlation of the subjective and objective results confirms the practical benefits in daily activities. Although there was improvement with a second Cochlear implant even after a long implantation interval, short intervals lead to better results.
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The floating mass transducer (FMT) of the Vibrant Soundbridge (VSB) can be interposed in the middle ear in case of an absent incus. ⋯ It could be concluded that when the incus is absent, placement of the FMT directly on to the stapes is an acceptable solution.
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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.