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Rare and mild adverse effects on cranial nerves have been reported after vaccination. Here, we report a singular case of smell and taste disorder associated with tinnitus that occurred after Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccination together with a review of the available literature.

Objective: The present study aims at investigating the immediate effects of the Semi-Occluded Bubble Mask Technique (SOBM) performed with the device VocalFeel® as a vocal warm-up in a group of professional singers. Study Design: A randomized controlled study was carried out. Methods: Forty-four vocally healthy professional singers were randomly divided into two groups on recruitment: an experimental group and a control group. The same vocal warm-up exercise was performed by the experimental group with the SOMB technique and by the control group without semi-occlusion. Self assessments, acoustic analysis and aerodynamic analysis of Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flows (PNIF) and Peak Oral Inspiratory Flows (POIF) were performed. Results: Significant improvements after the SOBM technique were detected in the experimental group concerning some acoustic parameters (Jitt%; Shimm%) and aerodynamic measures (PNIF and POIF). No significant improvements after the warm-up exercise were observed in the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and the control group were found for ΔJitt%, ΔShimm%, ΔNHR, ΔPOIF and self assessments. Conclusions: The results of the present study support the efficacy of a vocal warm-up performed with the SOBM technique using VocalFeel® device in terms of acoustic quality, aerodynamic measures and perceived phonatory comfort in professional singers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical disciplines is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, with audiology being no exception. By synthesizing the existing literature, this review seeks to inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers about the potential and challenges of integrating AI into audiological practice. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles published in English from 1990 to 2024 with the following query: "(audiology) AND ("artificial intelligence" OR "machine learning" OR "deep learning")". The PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was followed. The database research yielded 1359 results, and the selection process led to the inclusion of 104 manuscripts. The integration of AI in audiology has evolved significantly over the succeeding decades, with 87.5% of manuscripts published in the last 4 years. Most types of AI were consistently used for specific purposes, such as logistic regression and other statistical machine learning tools (e.g., support vector machine, multilayer perceptron, random forest, deep belief network, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, or LASSO) for automated audiometry and clinical predictions; convolutional neural networks for radiological image analysis; and large language models for automatic generation of diagnostic reports. Despite the advances in AI technologies, different ethical and professional challenges are still present, underscoring the need for larger, more diverse data collection and bioethics studies in the field of audiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Distant metastasis (DM), though uncommon at initial presentation, significantly worsens the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the occurrence rates, patterns, and implications of DM. Out of 7576 identified titles, 35 studies were included, encompassing 28,193 HNSCC patients. The pooled rate of DM was 10.01%, with significant heterogeneity existing among the studies. The most common metastatic sites were the lungs, bones, and brain. Treatment modalities varied: overall, 20.4% of patients received radiotherapy alone, 7% underwent chemotherapy, and 4.5% received surgical metastasectomies. Combined treatments for DM accounted for 18.3% of patients. However, 41.3% of patients received no treatment. The median overall survival after DM diagnosis was 10.1 months. The strength of the available evidence is currently too weak to drive robust clinical recommendations. Advanced imaging techniques and emerging systemic therapies offer hope for the improved detection and treatment of DM. Background/Objectives: Distant metastasis (DM), though uncommon at initial presentation, significantly worsens the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). This review aimed to investigate the occurrence rates, patterns, and implications of HNSCC DM. Methods: A systematic search was performed in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science. Results: Out of 7576 identified titles, 35 studies were included, encompassing 28,193 patients. The pooled rate of DM was 10.01%, with significant heterogeneity existing among the studies (I2: 94.13%). The most common metastatic sites were the lungs, bones, and brain (58%, 15%, 4%, respectively). Treatment modalities varied: overall, 20.4% of patients received radiotherapy alone, 7% underwent chemotherapy, and 4.5% received surgical metastasectomies. Combined treatments accounted for 18.3% of patients. However, 41.3% of patients received no treatment for DM. The median overall survival (OS) after DM diagnosis was 10.1 months. Studies highlighted a 36.3% two-year survival rate for patients with oligo-metastases, compared to the 7.4% rate for those with multiple metastases. At the time of DM diagnosis, half of the studied population presented with locoregional failure. Conclusions: Advanced imaging techniques and emerging systemic therapies offer hope for improved DM detection and treatment. However, continuous research is essential to develop therapeutic strategies that can enhance survival and improve the quality of life for patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the literature on the oral side effects caused by radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. Various treatments are examined to mitigate these sequelae, and a protocol is proposed for dentists and dental hygienists to manage oncological patients. A literature search was conducted to select relevant articles addressing the effects of radiotherapy treatments on the oral cavity, with a particular focus on the development of mucositis, candidiasis, changes in salivary pH, trismus, fibrosis, and alterations in the oral biofilm. PubMed and MedLine were used as search engines, with keyword combinations including: head and neck cancer, mucositis, candida, dental care, dental hygiene, epidemiology, oral microbiome, biofilm, trismus, fibrosis, and salivary pH. A total of 226 articles were identified, spanning the period from 1998 to 2023. Articles deemed inappropriate or in languages other than English or Italian were excluded. A management protocol for oncological patients was proposed, divided into two phases: home-based and professional. Despite the advancements in intensity-modulated radiation therapy, it is impossible to completely avoid damage to healthy tissues. Preventive education and counseling in the dental chair, ongoing motivation, and education about oral hygiene are crucial to combine a good therapeutic outcome with an improved quality of life for the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of auditory training (AT) in patients with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) using hearing aids (HAs), comparing traditional methods with a new approach involving a wireless remote microphone. Methods: The study included 96 participants, divided into two groups, with ages ranging from 42 to 64 years, comprising both male and female subjects. A clinical trial including consecutive moderate UHL patients was performed at our institution. For the study group, a Roger Pen was used during AT with patients inside a sound-attenuating cabin. Controls followed conventional sessions. Professional speech and language pathologists performed the rehabilitation. Audiological outcomes were measured, including word recognition at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of 0 dB, +5 dB, and +10 dB, to determine the effectiveness of the training. Measurements also included the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale to assess perceived auditory abilities. Results: A total of 46 and 50 UHL patients were randomly included in the study and control groups, respectively. No differences were found in terms of sex, age, presence of tinnitus, duration of hearing loss, pure tone average, and speech-in-noise perception without an HA. Following HA fitting and AT, a notable enhancement in the ability to identify speech in noisy environments was observed in the study group. This improvement was significant at SNRs of +5 and +10. When comparing the ability to identify speech in noise using HAs across both groups, it was observed that hearing capabilities post-wireless AT showed a significant improvement at an SNR of +5. Only the study group had a significant improvement in the total Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale score after the training. Conclusions: In our group of UHL patients, we found significantly better speech-in-noise perception when HA fitting was followed by wireless AT. Wireless AT may facilitate usage of HAs, leading to binaural hearing in UHL patients. Our findings suggest that future interventions might benefit from incorporating wireless technology in AT programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumo‐membranous labyrinth is an almost unique condition, in which air extends into the membranous labyrinth, filling the endolymphatic sac through the vestibular aqueduct. In this manuscript, we describe and discuss a case of pneumo‐membranous labyrinth, with air bubbles extending also to the endolymphatic sac, resulting in anacusis, following hyperbaric oxygen therapy for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The patient was successfully rehabilitated with a cochlear implant, obtaining a pure‐tone average of 30 dB, with a speech discrimination score of 100% at 70 dB. Laryngoscope, 134:3773–3777, 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Although different hypotheses have been proposed over time, there is a dearth of information on factors able to predict the response to treatment for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) and hearing recovery. The aim of this study was to apply univariate and multivariate statistical models in a retrospective clinical setting of patients given therapy for ISSNHL at our tertiary academic audiological centers to investigate the prognostic value of clinical signs, symptoms, and comorbidities in relation to hearing recovery. Materials and Methods: The inclusion criteria were: history of ISSNHL diagnosed and treated at the Padova or Modena tertiary academic audiological centers; age ≥ 18 years; availability of clinical and audiological outcome data. The exclusion criteria were: hearing loss in acoustic schwannoma, endolymphatic hydrops, meningitis, trauma (head trauma, temporal bone fracture, acoustic trauma), barotrauma, perilymphatic fistula; exposure to noise levels ≥ 80 dB in the work environment; any unilateral or bilateral hearing loss (except for presbycusis) prior to ISSNHL diagnosis; any disorders affecting the external or middle ear; any previous ear surgery; refusal to make medical data available for research purposes. Eighty-six consecutive patients (38 females, 48 males; median age: 58 years; interquartile range: 47.00–69.00 years) were included. A systemic steroid therapy was administered to all patients, either orally with prednisone or intravenously with methylprednisolone. Second-line therapy included intratympanic steroid injections and/or hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Results: A multivariate logistic regression model was used, including the non-multicollinear clinical and audiological variables, which showed a p-value < 0.10 at the univariate analyses (namely age at diagnosis, time to diagnosis, oral steroid dose, and PTA on the affected side). Only PTA on the affected side retained its statistical significance (OR: 1.0615, 95% CI: 1.0185–1.1063, p = 0.005). Conclusions: The analysis of our data showed an association between the hearing threshold before treatment and the recovery from ISSNHL. Further studies on larger cohorts (especially in a prospective setting) are needed to shed more light on the prognostic role of clinical parameters in patients with ISSNHL. In a correct counseling setting, with regard to the patient's concern about not being able to recover hearing, it is important to offer perspectives of appropriate hearing rehabilitation approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Audiovestibular disorders; Vertigo; Dizziness; Audiovestibular evaluation EN SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 Audiovestibular disorders Vertigo Dizziness Audiovestibular evaluation 1311 1314 4 06/05/23 20230601 NES 230601 Dear Editor, We read with interest the article by Motawea et al. reporting the case of a sudden vertigo in a 60-year-old woman with a confirmed Coronavirus-Disease-19 (COVID-19) [[1]]. SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Audiovestibular disorders, Vertigo, Dizziness, Audiovestibular evaluation The authors concluded that Severe-Acute-Respiratory-Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) may lead to vestibular neuritis (VN), but more well-designed observational studies with a larger sample size are needed to establish a definite association between COVID-19 and vertigo. [Extracted from the article]