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Long-term efficacy of middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) with the EFET01 device in patients in Japan with definitive Ménière's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) was evaluated. To examine the effects of reducing vertigo attacks and improving hearing of MD and DEH patients by using MEPT with the EFET01 device for two years after treatment. A retrospective study was conducted of 32 MD patients and 2 DEH patients treated by MEPT with the EFET01 device from December 2018 to April 2021. According to Japan Society for Equilibrium Research (JSER) guidelines, patients were investigated for the frequency of vertigo attacks and change in hearing levels during a period of 6 months before to 18–24 months after start of treatment. The frequency of vertigo attacks significantly decreased in both MD and DEH patients, and hearing level has remained stable in the majority of our patients after treatment. Our study clarified that MEPT with the EFET01 device was effective in controlling vertigo symptoms of MD and DEH. It should be considered a safe option for patients failing medical treatment. The efficacy of MEPT with the EFET01 was shown over a 2-year follow-up period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a low-cost, portable, handheld air pressure generation tool not requiring a ventilation tube, the EFET01 device has shown clinical effectiveness for intractable Ménière's disease (MD) patients in Japan. However, no animal studies have investigated changes in inner ear pressure (PI) when applying this device. To determine the PI properties in response to middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) induced by the EFET01 in guinea pigs. In seven healthy guinea pigs, bi-phasic pressure pulses from −5 to 12 cm H2O were delivered to the external ear canal and transmitted to the middle and inner ear cavities with an intact tympanic membrane. Hydrostatic pressure change in the inner ear perilymphatic compartment was measured by a servo-controlled micropipette system. From eight successful ears, pressure changes in the middle ear slightly decreased and were instantly transferred to the inner ear. The EFET01 produces a bi-phasic positive/negative pressure pulse, which is approximately twice as large as the monophasic pressure pulse. Our study clarified the EFET01's ability to transmit pressure and verified its effectiveness in MD patients as observed in clinical studies. The PI properties in guinea pig response to MEPT with the EFET01 device were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A key clinical feature of necrotising otitis externa is granulation tissue arising from the ear canal, representing epidermal compromise. The aim of this work was to explore the role of epidermal compromise in the aetiology of necrotising otitis externa. Method: A structured risk factor history was taken from 54 patients diagnosed with necrotising otitis externa between 2017 and 2022. Primary care records were also reviewed. Results: A total of 94 per cent of patients reported incidents of potential epidermal compromise preceding severe pain onset, including a 35 per cent incidence of ear syringing. A total of 94 per cent of patients were immunosuppressed, including 78 per cent with diabetes. All patients had medical co-morbidities. Conclusion: This study proposed an aetiological triad for necrotising otitis externa: immunosuppression, infection and epidermal compromise. Epidermal compromise is a potentially modifiable risk factor for necrotising otitis externa. Meticulous primary ear care for older adult, diabetic and immunosuppressed patients is recommended. These populations should never undergo ear syringing and should avoid ear canal trauma and prolonged exposure to moisture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the endolymphatic space size can be evaluated by 3D-analysis of 3 T-MRI after intravenous injection of gadolinium enhancement. In the present study, to elucidate the relationships between vertigo and endolymphatic hydrops (EH) volume after middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT), we investigated changes in EH volume after MEPT for intractable Meniere's disease (MD) by means of the inner ear MRI (ieMRI) in relation to clinical results. We enrolled 202 successive definite MD cases with intractable vertiginous symptoms from 2015 to 2020, assigning Group-I of MEPT, and Group-II of endolymphatic sac drainage (ELSD). Ninety patients completed the planned 2-year-follow-up, which included assessment of vertigo frequency and changes in EH volume using ieMRI (Group-I/MEPT: n = 40; Group-II/ELSD: n = 50). Two years after surgery, vertigo was completely controlled in 77.5% of patients in Group-I and 90.0% in Group-II. Hearing improved by >10 dB in 7.5% of patients in Group-I and 24.0% in Group-II. ELS ratios were significantly reduced after treatments of Group-I and Group-II only in the vestibule. The obtained results indicate that MEPT as well as ELSD could be a good treatment option for patients with intractable MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precision medicine focuses on the P4 framework--predictive, preventive, personalized, and participatory. Advances in hearing-health strategies, including inner-ear therapeutics, are increasing the precision of hearing-health care and will have a broad impact on the profession of audiology. These advances inform research, clinical practice, and education. Research into advanced therapeutic approaches has identified the need for more precise diagnostic and outcomes measurements to identify appropriate candidates for precision treatments and to evaluate targeted therapeutic approaches. The need for greater precision in diagnostic and outcomes measurements for clinical trials will also lead to more precise tools being introduced into clinical practice. Further, more precise diagnosis of hearing loss, including geno-typing and deep phenotyping, will allow for more personalized treatment approaches. Audiologists are involved in clinical trials and are also integral in the adoption of new treatments into general clinical practice, ensuring access to advanced treatments for all populations. The role of the audiologist in clinical trials and adoption of new protocols and procedures to support and implement advanced diagnostic and treatment options was discussed in the context of current themes in medicine, including precision/ P4 medicine, implementation science, and development of core outcome sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

People living in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) meet significant challenges in accessing ear and hearing care (EHC) services. We conducted a scoping review to identify and summarise such barriers, to recognise gaps in the literature, and to identify potential solutions. Reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles and charted data. We undertook thematic analysis of supply and demand side dimensions of access, and summarised findings mapped against the Levesque framework. Of 3048 articles screened, 62 met inclusion criteria for review. Across the five access dimensions, supply-side constraints were more frequently described, the most common being a shortage of EHC workforce or appropriate facilities, despite high demand. We identified a thin geographical spread of literature on barriers to accessing EHC services in LMICs, reflecting low availability of such services. LMICs face a diverse range of demand and supply side challenges including workforce, equipment and resource shortages, and challenges for the majority of the population to pay for such services. There is a need for many LMICs to develop health policy and programmes in EHC, including integration into primary care, scaling up the EHC workforce through increased training and education, and improving EHC literacy through public health measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to discuss the scientific evidence available on the pathophysiology and management of otologic complaints in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). The authors conducted an electronic search in MEDLINE, Web of Science and ScienceDirect and retrieved all the relevant peer-reviewed journal articles available in English on the topic. No time restriction was applied. No consensus exists on the management of otologic symptoms in patients with concomitant TMD. The scientific evidence suggests that conservative or reversible TMD therapy might provide relief. However, this evidence is scarce and low, thus further studies with larger sample sizes and better designed methodological frameworks are needed. Until such evidence is available, dentists and orofacial pain specialists should treat TMD patients using current guidelines and refer those with otologic symptoms to an otolaryngologist. Given the wide range of potential pathophysiologies and treatments for each otologic symptom described in the TMD patient, close collaboration with otolaryngologists is essential to achieve the best patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Otosclerosis can occur during childhood, resulting in the early onset of conductive hearing loss. The approach to a child with otosclerosis can present some difficulties in terms of diagnosis and treatment, and the literature on juvenile otosclerosis (JO) is still relatively limited. Aim. To explore the current approaches to JO, in order to clear the management of this condition and evaluate the outcomes and the possible complications of surgical treatment. Methods. A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching Medline and Embase from January 2002 through to 30 September 2022. A total of 759 papers were identified but based on specified criteria, nine were included in this study. Results. There were 94 children affected by JO and treated by stapes surgery. According to the available data, Male: Female ratio was 1:3–4, whilst the mean ages ranged from 10 to 16.3 years at the time of stapes surgery. After stapes surgery, the target of ABG < 10 dB was achieved in most of the patients. Overall, the 4 complications were reported (4/94= 4%): stenosis of the external ear canal, deterioration of hearing, anacusis with vertigo, tinnitus. Conclusions. The heterogeneity of the available studies does not allow us to draw straight conclusions on this topic, currently. More data about the natural history of the disease in children could help in approaching the treatment correctly, and possibly in drawing guidelines. Studies with a prolonged follow-up could be helpful for assisting clinicians and families in taking the most favorable decision about treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the unmet health care needs of children with intellectual disability (ID) compared with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and whether access to health insurance coverage is a contributing factor. Children with ID may be masked in the health care system due to increased diagnosis and awareness of ASD. The needs, unmet needs and insurance coverage of children with ID alone, ASD alone, and co‐occurring ID and ASD were assessed in this study. Methods: The 2016 to 2019 United States' Census Bureau National Survey of Children's Health was used to determine differences in unmet needs, care not received and health insurance coverage during the past year for children with ID and/or ASD. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for care not received were determined controlling for sex, insurance, race, age and parents' highest education level. Results: Children with ID were nearly four times more likely not to receive needed medical care as children with ASD. Results were similar for unmet hearing and mental health care. Children with both ID and ASD were more likely to have unmet health care but less likely to have unmet medical care compared with children with ASD alone. There were no significant differences for unmet dental or vision care. Children with ID were 3.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.6–8.0) times more likely to have inconsistent health insurance compared with children with ASD. Conclusions: Children with ID alone are more likely to have unmet medical, hearing and mental health care needs than children with ASD alone. Children with co‐occurring ID and ASD have a large amount of general unmet health care needs but less unmet medical needs. Children with ID are less likely to have consistent health insurance than children with ASD. This hinders the ability of children with ID to receive quality care. Further research is needed to determine if the diagnosis of ASD in children in the United States is negatively affecting children with ID alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) is effective for intractable vertigo in patients with definite Meniere's disease (MD) and treatment-refractory delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH). Four-month MEPT with the EFET01®, an MEPT device developed in Japan and covered by national health insurance since September 2018, has shown efficacy. However, efficacy and safety after 12 months of treatment, which is appropriate for determining the therapeutic effect of MEPT devices, is unclear. Examine the therapeutic effect of 12-month MEPT using the ETET01®. Patients underwent MEPT using the EFET01® from September 2018 to July 2021. Thirty-three patients followed for >12 months were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data were evaluated in the first and second 6-month treatment periods. Data from the second 6-month period were compared with data from an MEPT study using a different device. MEPT with the EFET01® significantly improved vertigo in the first period, with further improvement in the second period. The efficacy and safety were comparable to MEPT with other devices. MEPT with the EFET01® is effective for intractable vertigo in patients with definite MD and DEH, and 12-month follow-up is recommended. The efficacy of 12-month MEPT with the EFET01® was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cochlear implant is the standard treatment of choice for children and adults with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The main objective of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cochlear implant among doctors other than otolaryngologists in a tertiary care academic institution. Method: A 24-item knowledge, attitude and practices questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature review and expert opinion and was administered to 100 non-otolaryngologists in a tertiary care academic institution to be completed in about 15 minutes. The data obtained was analysed to assess knowledge, attitude and practices regarding cochlear implant in this group. Results: The results showed that awareness regarding the option of cochlear implants for elderly and unilateral deafness was deficient. Surgeons and doctors in higher specialties did better when it came to practice related to cochlear implant. The age and experience of doctors also improved knowledge and practice with regards to cochlear implant. Conclusion: Improving awareness about cochlear implants and their benefits among non-otolaryngology colleagues can ensure that more people who could potentially benefit from cochlear implants will receive appropriate counselling and referral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Middle ear pressure therapy (MEPT) is effective in treating intractable vertigo in patients with definite Meniere's disease (MD) and delayed endolymphatic hydrops (DEH) refractory to conservative treatment. A novel middle ear pressure device, the EFET01®, which requires no transtympanic ventilation tubes, was developed in Japan, approved by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and has been used under Japanese national health insurance since September 2018. To examine short-term therapeutic effect of MEPT using the ETET01® compared with previous clinical trial results. Patients selected according to Japan Society for Equilibrium Research (JSER) guidelines underwent MEPT using the EFET01 from September 2018 to July 2021, and 44 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Clinical data analysed at 4 months after the start of MEPT were compared with those of the previous clinical trial for the EFET01. MEPT using the EFET01 showed the same therapeutic efficacy as that of the previous clinical trial, i.e. improvement in the intensity and frequency of vertigo with no effect on hearing, even under JSER guidelines for proper use of MEPT. MEPT using the EFET01 provided an effective treatment option for intractable vertigo in patients with definite MD and DEH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the attitudes of audiologists towards telehealth and use of telehealth for the delivery of ear and hearing services pre-, during- and post- the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify the perceived effects of telehealth on services and barriers to telehealth. An online survey distributed through the International Society of Audiology and member societies. A total of 337 audiologists completing the survey between 23 June and 13 August 2020. There was a significant increase in the perceived importance of telehealth from before (44.3%) to during COVID-19 (87.1%), and the use of telehealth previous (41.3%), current (61.9%) and expected use of telehealth (80.4%). Telehealth was considered adequate for many audiology services, although hearing assessment and device fitting by telehealth received least support. Matters related to timeliness of services and reduction of travel were reported as the main advantages, but relationships between practitioners and clients may suffer with telehealth. Important barriers were technologies related to the client or remote site; clinic-related items were moderate barriers, although more clinician training was a common theme provided through open-ended responses. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in audiologists having a more positive attitude towards and greater use of telehealth, but with some reservations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arthropods may become lodged inside the ear and cause considerable emotional and physical trauma. Cases of centipedes being lodged in the external auditory canal have rarely been reported. In this article, we present the case of woman who had a centipede lodged inside her right external auditory canal. Removal using a topical local anesthetic can lead to vigorous activity of the centipede, which can cause harm to the patient and clinicians. Therefore, we developed and successfully applied a practicable method that involved using a modified plastic bottle for safe centipede removal. In conclusion, centipedes can express distinct and threatening behavior, and clinicians should pay attention to the activity of the lodged centipede and possibly use the proposed method to safely remove it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the profile of patients attending the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) audiology clinic in Malawi, over a two-year period (2016–2017). A retrospective patient record review. There were 2299 patients assessed at the QECH audiology department between January 2016 and December 2017. Adult patients' ages ranged from 18 to 94 years (M = 45.8, SD = 19.22). The mean age of children included in this study was 7.7 years (SD= 5.21). Overall, 45.4% of patients were female. Of the 61.6% of adults and 41.7% of children found to have some degree of hearing loss, 28.3% and 15.4% were fitted with hearing aids, respectively. The number of patients seen in 2017 (n = 1385) was 34% higher than that of 2016 (n = 914). This study found that demand for hearing services is increasing in this public sector Malawian audiology department but uptake of hearing aids for those in need is low. Future evaluation of service provision and treatment outcomes is needed. Results from this study can be used to inform the development of future audiology clinics in low resource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Otomycosis is a fungal infection of the external canal of the ear, is widespread in the tropics and subtropical regions, but is it confined to these areas or it is possible to be present in areas that have different climate which is very hot and dry in summer, very cold and rainy in winter, This is what we try to know by performing this research in the city of Essaouira, Wasit province of Iraq. The study includes 322 patients attending the ENT consulting clinic. The patients subjected to clinical diagnosis, fill questionary forma and the samples analysis in the laboratory. The prevalence of otomycosis was (29.5%), Candida albicans. Aspergillus nigar were the predominant isolates involve in infected patients (29.4%,24.2%), female to male ratio was 1:2, the infection was more common in individuals with 3ed and 4th decade(33.6%, 26.3%), July and August wetness the higher percent of infection(30.5%,27.3%). Self-hygiene of the ear, abuse of ear antibiotic droplets were statistically significant (x²=8.264, p=0.003; x²=23.578, p=0.00). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ear has a self-cleansing mechanism. However, most individuals are not aware of the natural self-cleansing ear mechanism therefore, they acquire the habit of using cotton bud to clean the ear. We conducted this study to determine the complications and harmful effect with the frequent use of cotton bud, ear phone and swimming on external ear canal. Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Dow University Hospital, OJHA campus, Karachi from December 2016 to December 2017. Information regarding head phone, cotton bud use and swimming along with ear infection side of infection, recent history of respiratory tract infection/trauma to ear canal, ear surgery and symptoms like pain, bleeding, itching, fever, hearing loss, pus discharge and whistling in ear were collected through a pre-structured questionnaire. Results: Median age of the individuals was 36 (27-49) years. There were 243 (76.4%) males and 75 (23.6%) females. Ear infection was found in 176 (55.3%) patients. A total of 199 (62.57%) individuals used cotton buds for ear cleaning. Age (p-value 0.010), ear infection (p-value 0.011) and itching (p-value 0.003) were significantly associated with cotton bud use. Swimming status was found positive in 11 ((3.45%) individuals. Age (p-value <0.001), gender (p-value 0.011), and marital status (p-value <0.001) were significantly associated with swimming. Headphone was used by 178 (55.97%). Ear infection (p-value 0.002), itching (p-value 0.009), and hearing loss (p-value 0.007) were significantly associated with headphone use. Conclusion: Our study confirms the association of cotton bud in the development of Otitis Externa. Nonetheless, the association between headphones and Otitis Externa need to be further assessed through larger studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is poor availability of ear and hearing services globally, because of a lack of infrastructure, funding, equipment and appropriately trained personnel. When deciding upon delivery of ear and hearing services, an approach based upon community assessment is advocated, with subsequent asset mapping and acquisition. Objectives: Some of the challenges to delivery of care in resource-constrained or remote environments are acknowledged, with discussion of several existing models of service delivery, and their advantages and disadvantages. Public health and telehealth are also mentioned. This article may assist those trying to set up new programmes in ear and hearing health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of external ear complications among Iranian aural foreign body users attending to otolaryngology clinic of our hospital. Methods: In this cross-sectional study patients attending to Otolaryngology clinics of Baqiyatallah hospital were enrolled regardless of their age, gender and reason of attending. Patients between 15 and 60 years of age were included in the present study. Those with positive history of chronic ear diseases, ear surgery, congenital ear disorders, trauma to ear or head and neck region or shock wave trauma were excluded from the study. Demographic information as well as data on chief complaint, educational level, frequency and type of used foreign body and findings of physical examination and Otoscopy by a single otolaryngologist were recorded in a predesigned checklist. Results: Eventually 362 patients (232 male and 130 female) with a mean age of 40.32 ± 16.90 years underwent analysis. Of all patients 244 (67.2%) were using a kind of aural foreign body frequently and Cotton bud was the most popular (63.5%) used foreign body among patients. Drying ear canal was the most common (54.9%) reason of using AFBs among study individuals followed by itching (29.5%) and pyorrhea (11.06%). Also 11 (4.5%) patients were using AFBs as a habit with no specific reason. Itching was the most prevalent symptom reported by both aural foreign body users (78%) and non-users (45.5%); however it was significantly higher among AFB users (p = 0.026). Also hearing loss was significantly more reported by AFB users (p = 0.033). A majority of patients had normal physical examination in both AFB users and non-users group. Inflammation of ear canal was significantly more detected in AFB users (p = 0.004). In addition, rate of right ear wax impaction was higher among AFB users (p = 0.016). Conclusion: In conclusion we realized that 67.2% of patients attending to Otolaryngology clinic of our hospital were using a kind of aural foreign bodies and itching was the most common chief complaint of these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a lack of NHS services in many areas, how can primary and community nurses help patients with earwax build up? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-ear cleaning is the insertion of objects into the ear canal to clean it, a widespread practice that has the potential to compromise its integrity as a natural, selfcleansing mechanism, and a risk factor for possible injuries. The practice is common among young adults and highest in university than any other graduates. This study aimed to determine the self-ear cleaning practices and associated risk of injury and related symptoms in undergraduate students at KwaZulu-Natal University. The descriptive survey utilized a self-administered questionnaire. Of the 206 participants that responded, 98% engaged in self-ear cleaning, with 75% indicating that it was beneficial. The commonest method (79.6%) being the use of cotton buds, with an associated injury rate of 2.4%. There was no statistically significant associations between those who used or did not use cotton buds and the symptoms experienced. The complications indicate that self-ear cleaning does pose a risk for injury, necessitating more community information and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ear disease in children is a major public health problem in developing countries. There has been scarcity of evidence of any gender differentials if exist with ear care in the Indian context. Objective: To study the gender perspectives in ear care with regard to attitude and care seeking behaviour of care givers of children 1-10 years of age in Delhi. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an urban health centre situated in north east district of Delhi from January to March 2015. 160 caregivers of ill children aged 1-10 years who came to seek medical care in out-patient department (OPD) constituted the study population. Chi square test or Fisher's Exact test (wherever required) was used to observe the differences between qualitative variables.Results:The study was conducted among 160 caregivers of 87 (54.4%) male children and 73 (45.6%) female children. Mean (±SD) monthly family income was INR 7637.5 ± 1155.30. When inquired about the attitude of caregivers about playing of their child with another child who is suffering from hearing loss, 18 (20.7%) caregivers of male children perceived that their child will also suffer from hearing loss while 30 (41.1%) caregivers of female children, agreed for the same (Χ2 = 7.87, df = 1, p value = 0.01). Conclusion: The present study showed gender differences in some aspects of ear care which points towards stigma and discrimination. There were important implications of differences in health seeking with gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on several factors needs to be considered by treatment room nurse in Great Britain. It mentions several areas that need to be focused by nurses are Ear care, Cervical screening, Sexual and reproductive health, Wound care, Minor injury, Travel health and health promotion. It also mentions need for obtaining informed consent and confirming patient identity while undertaking cervical screening and need for understanding healing process and undertaking wound assessment.

Background: This open-label study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a novel product for the removal of impacted cerumen in adult patients. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, single-arm, self-controlled clinical trial conducted in a community general practice setting. The novel product contains glycolic acid in an otologically-acceptable buffer containing sodium bicarbonate and glycerin and other buffering agents. The product was instilled into the ear canal prior to irrigation with warm water. Severity of cerumen impaction was graded using a 5-point scale. Improvement in tympanic membrane visualization was assessed after instillation and irrigation. Results: A majority (83%, 25/30) of ears showed improvement with one application: with 53% (16/30) totally dissolved and gained 100% TM visualization. Total dissolution was observed in 80% (24/30) of the study ears per the intent-to-treat analysis and 86% (24/28) if irrigation instructions were followed. Most of the ears/participants that had cerumen blockage symptoms experienced significant improvement with the application. Feelings of fullness disappeared in 92% (11/12) of the affected ears; ears itching, 91% (10/11); water trapping or cracking, 78%, and decreased hearing disappeared in 71% (10/14). All (100%, 18) of the participants who completed the application satisfaction assessment were satisfied with the application process in terms of time needed and the overall rinse procedure. Only one mild adverse event (ear pruritis) occurred that was related to application. Conclusions: The tested cerumen removal product was effective and safe for removing moderate to severe blockage in patients with impacted cerumen. Procedure satisfaction for the product was high. Trial Registration: This trial is registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. The registration number is NCT02829294. The trial was retrospectively registered on July 8, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noreen Kilkenny, Senior Lecturer, Adult Nursing, Northumbria University, noreen.kilkenny@northumbria.ac.uk, describes the physiology and anatomy of the ear, common abnormalities and the procedures that nurses should follow in assessing and diagnosing ear conditions and hearing problems in adults [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rising life expectancy means an increase in the number of elderly people with hearing loss in the population. Many elderly people live in nursing homes, with varying care needs. A substantial proportion of these people will need help with their hearing aids and other hearing devices. Objective: The objective of the study has been to assess the knowledge, experience, skills, competence, and need for information of staff at nursing homes in relation to residents' hearing loss and hearing aids. Materials and methods: One hundred and ninety-five employees at seven nursing homes participated in the study. The main approach was a descriptive study, using questionnaires. Results: The main findings are that 73% of informants found that many residents need help with their hearing aids. Only one-tenth report that they know enough about the residents' hearing aids. Almost four out of five informants find that the residents become socially isolated as a result of hearing loss. Seventy-eight percent agree to some extent that more residents would benefit from hearing aids. Conclusion: Staff at nursing homes have insufficient knowledge about hearing loss and hearing aids. Increased focus on the elderly with hearing impairment in nursing homes is needed. Contact between nursing homes and audiological specialists should be improved to best followup hearing loss and hearing aids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ear as an organ is necessary for the perception of sound and body balance. Ear infection, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and excessive use of mobile phone for listening to music at high volume all can reduce hearing. No earlier study was available in the costal Karnataka population, regarding the practice of ear care. The study objective was to ascertain the level of knowledge of the community regarding ear care, to find out whether some of the common conditions affecting hearing are known and to find out the common practices involved in maintaining ear hygiene. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 subjects in two tertiary care hospitals by convenient sampling, using self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice across the age groups, religion & education background were studied. Results: Across different education groups, 66.7%-90% did not know that 'cold' can cause ear infection and 46.7%-75.0% did not know that diabetes and hypertension can reduce hearing. When there is ear pain or discharge, people put ear drops available at home in 48.3%-75.0% across 3 age groups; 58.5%-61.5% across 3 religions and 44.8%-67.9% across 5 education groups. No statistically significant difference was found in the practice of pouring oil into ears across religions. A total of 58.6%-100% daily clean inside the ear and 70-100% use cotton buds. Conclusion: General perception of the people is that ear is necessary only for hearing. Majority did not know that nasal infection can affect the ear and that DM and hypertension can cause hearing loss. When there is ear pain and discharge, most of the adults put drops that are available at home. Pouring oil into the ears and cleaning inside the ear canals is routinely practiced in costal Karnataka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses that Ear Science Institute Australia and Curtin University have appointed Professor Marcus Atlas AM as the inaugural Chair of Translational Ear Science at Curtin University, who has dedicated his career to helping people with ear and hearing disorders.

The article discusses that Rob Gordon has been appointed as the new chairman of the Board of Directors at the Ear Science Institute Australia and is proud to be a part of the remarkable medical research institute.

Background: Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is one of the leading causes of preventable disabling hearing impairment (DHI) in developing countries. Early detection and management complements advances made in other survival programs, improves work capacity, and enhances learning opportunities for school children. We aimed to determine the prevalence of CSOM and associated DHI among school children aged six to 16 years in Socotra Island, Yemen. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional community-based survey, from 20 April 2011 to 20 June 2011. The study procedures involved completing a questionnaire, an otoscopic ear examination, an audiometric test of hearing, and tuning fork tests for the type of DHI. Results: A total of 686 children were interviewed and examined for CSOM and associated DHI of CSOM cases. The prevalence of CSOM was 7.4%, (95% CI 5.5-9.4). CSOM status was significantly associated with DHI (p=0.001), but no significant associations were found between demographic characteristics and CSOM status. Logistic regression identified four significant independent contributing factors: history of ear discharge in the last 12 months (odds ratio (OR) 7.8, 95% CI 3.9-15.6); swimming in local pools (OR 6.0, 95% CI 1.4-25.4); recurrent respiratory tract infection more than three times per year (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.5-11.0); and overcrowding with more than three families per house (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.7-11.5). Conclusion: The burden of CSOM in the children studied indicates a high level of DHI in these communities within Yemen. A history of ear discharge, swimming in local pools, recurrent respiratory infections, and overcrowded housing were the strongest predictors for CSOM. There is a need for better ear care and screening programs for early detection and management of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article announces the Social Research/Public Policy Award given to Australian social researchers Anne Redman, Helen Price, and Nick Connelly, for their research and evaluation for the National Indigenous Ear Health Campaign in Australia.

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Purpose: CBM is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities in disadvantaged societies. CBM aims at achieving this in partnership with local organisations and in cooperation with stakeholders at regional and international levels. This article aims at sharing CBM's holistic approach for successful engagement in the work area of ear care, deafness, hard of hearing and deafblindness. Methods: Review of CBM supporting documents, including strategies, position papers, technical guidelines, criteria of success and information related to partners, centres of excellence and model projects. Results: Description of how partner programmes use participatory methods of planning and implementation, involving persons with disabilities and the community. Recommendations on how to develop national or sub-national strategies to impact the lives, and advocate with governments for the rights and inclusion, of persons with disabilities. Conclusions: CBM's holistic approach to work in the area of ear care; deafness; hard of hearing and deafblindness includes intervention at all levels of health care provision, Education, CBR and Audiological, Speech Therapy and other interdisciplinary services. This article presents CBM's core principles and shares specific strategic planning and results, together with lessons learnt while searching a sustainable engagement for field work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]