Otology & neurotology : official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
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Advanced Bionics' cochlear implants have independent current sources that can share stimulation current between 2 contacts (Current Steering). By stimulating 2 adjacent electrodes with different weights, different pitches can be evoked, allowing to increase the number of processing channels. ⋯ Current steering seems to have the potential to improve both understanding in adverse listening situations and frequency resolution. However, the optimal implementation needs further investigation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Feasibility of auditory cortical stimulation for the treatment of tinnitus.
To investigate the feasibility and safety of an implantable epidural cortical stimulator for the treatment of severe tinnitus. ⋯ Chronic electrical stimulation of the secondary auditory cortex seems safe and warrants further investigation as a potential therapeutic intervention for the suppression of tinnitus.
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Case Reports
Unilateral congenital facial nerve paralysis secondary to a benign epithelioid peripheral nerve sheath tumor.
A benign epithelioid peripheral nerve sheath tumor is described in the setting of congenital facial nerve (FN) paralysis. This is the first reported case in the English literature. ⋯ Benign epithelioid peripheral nerve sheath tumor can cause congenital facial nerve palsy.
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Persistent vertigo and imbalance can occur after surgery for vertigo regardless of surgical approach. This study explored for factors affecting outcome of vertigo surgery. ⋯ Those rating themselves as more disabled before surgery are less likely to achieve the best outcomes, whereas frequency and severity of preoperative vertigo are not predictive. Several possible prognostic factors were identified that warrant future prospective study.
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To calculate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak rates for translabyrinthine (TL), middle cranial fossa (MCF), and retrosigmoid/suboccipital (SO) craniotomies performed for removal of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and analyze whether packing the eustachian tube (ET) in TL VS resections impacts CSF rhinorrhea rates. ⋯ Cerebrospinal fluid leak rates were similar in patients undergoing TL, SO, and MCF approaches, and CSF rhinorrhea was not decreased by ET packing. Patients whose ETs are packed with Proplast are at risk for extrusion and otorrhea years after their initial VS resection.