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Objective: To analyze medical device reports (MDR) submitted to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Manufacturer and User Device Facility Experience (MAUDE) database to identify adverse events (AEs) in patients implanted with novel active bone conduction hearing implants (BCIs). Methods: We conducted a search of the FDA MAUDE database on the newest generation of BCIs. Data were collected concerning device malfunctions, patient injuries, factors triggering these incidents, and the subsequent actions taken. Results: In total, 93 (16.7%) device malfunctions and 465 (83.3%) patient injuries with 358 subsequent interventions were identified, resulting in 558 AEs. Although the absolute AE number per device cannot be identified, the following trends were detected: Among the 494 AEs associated with OSI200, 55 (11.1%) reported device malfunctions and 454 (88.9%) cited patient injuries. Out of the 64 AEs linked to BCI602, 28 (59.4%) were associated with malfunctions, whereas 26 (40.6%) involved patient injuries. The most frequently reported particular AEs for the OSI200 were infection (n = 171, 34.6%), extrusion of the device (n = 107, 21.7%), and pain (n = 51, 10.3%). Conversely, no device output (n = 20, 31.3%) and loss of osseointegration (n = 7, 10.9%) were the most reported AEs for the BCI602. Various AEs led to 214 explanations and 77 revision surgeries. Sixty‐seven AEs reported conservative treatment. Conclusion: The current study provides an overview of the most commonly reported complications with new active BCIs. Although providing an overview, given the limitations of the FDA MAUDE database, our results have to be interpreted with caution. Level of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Methodology Results Conclusions Fortunately, the majority of COVID‐19 patients recover from olfactory dysfunction (OD) within the first couple of weeks. However, from approximately 5% up to 20% continue to suffer from OD even more than 1 year after the onset. Nonetheless, factors associated with long‐lasting OD are hardly known. The aim of this study was to identify favourable and disadvantageous markers of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients.Sixty‐six patients (46 female; mean age: 39.9 years) that suffer from OD longer than 6 months due to laboratory‐confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection have participated in this longitudinal study. Participants completed comprehensive psychophysical chemosensory tests (i.e., Sniffin' Sticks = TDI) and questionnaires twice at our department—on average 219 ± 80 (T‐1) and 489 ± 89 (T‐2) days after the onset of symptoms, respectively. Olfactory recovery rates were associated with demographic factors and questionnaires using linear regression analysis.Patients below 40 years of age improved better (TDI: 4.1 ± 4.3 vs. 0.7 ± 5.8; p = 0.008) and achieved statistically significant higher scores (TDI: 31.5 ± 4.0 vs. 27.3 ± 6.7; p = 0.033) regarding psychophysical chemosensory tests. Furthermore, linear regression analysis revealed that parosmia was associated with worse orthonasal smell function (T‐1: β = −0.346, p = 0.004; T‐2: β = −0.384, p = 0.001), especially concerning identification subtest (T‐1: β = −0.395, p = 0.001; T‐2: β = −0.398, p < 0.001). Moreover, increasing parosmia between T‐1and T‐2 led to worse orthonasal olfactory function (β = −0.294, p = 0.016).Older age and parosmia seem to be unfavourable factors of persisting OD in COVID‐19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Extreme weather events are becoming more prevalent with the increasing pace of climate change. These events negatively impact human health and put considerable strain on health care resources, including emergency departments. Within otolaryngology, acute pharyngitis is a common reason for emergency room visits (ERV). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of extreme meteorological conditions on ERV rates related to acute pharyngitis. Study Design: Retrospective time‐series study. Setting: ERVs related to acute pharyngitis (n = 1511) were identified at a tertiary care hospital in Vienna, Austria, between 2015 and 2018. Methods: The effects of single‐day and prolonged (3‐day) extreme weather events on ERVs were analyzed using a distributed lag nonlinear model. Relative risk (RR) and cumulative relative risk (cRR) were calculated over a lag period of 14 days. RR refers to the risk for pharyngitis‐related ERV at extreme conditions (1st, 5th, 95th, or 99th percentile) compared to the risk at median conditions. Results: Same‐day RR (lag0) was elevated more than 3‐fold after prolonged extremely low mean temperatures (P =.028). Furthermore, same‐day RR after single‐day and prolonged extremely high relative humidity was elevated by 51% (P =.024) and 46% (P =.036), respectively. Significant delayed effects on cRR were observed for extreme mean temperatures, relative humidity, and mean wind speeds within 8 days and for extreme atmospheric pressure within 14 days. Conclusion: Extreme weather events impact ERV rates for acute pharyngitis. Extremely low temperatures, high relative humidity, high atmospheric pressure, and low and high wind speeds were risk‐promoting factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recently, the Bonebridge 602 implant was introduced. Its smaller dimensions facilitate implantation even in surgically demanding cases. However, in extreme anatomical conditions, implant lifts are still required. We intended to report on the medical and audiological outcomes of all patients implanted with the implant with a secondary focus on the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of the use of 1‐mm lifts. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Tertiary academic center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients implanted with the Bonebridge 602. Patient demographics and surgically‐specific data were collected from the medical charts. Furthermore, audiological results were assessed. Outcomes were compared between implantations with versus without lifts. Results: Twenty‐one devices were implanted during the study period. Satisfactory audiological results were observed, while no intra‐ or postoperative adverse events occurred. The majority of patients were daily users at the end of the observation period (n = 20/21, 95.2%), and one patient (n = 1/21, 4.8%) was a nonuser after 6 months of use because of subjective dissatisfaction. Due to anatomical considerations, 1‐mm lifts were used in 4 implantations (19.0%). The application of lifts did not result in prolonged surgical times, complications, or shorter time of use, nor did it negatively affect audiometric results. Conclusion: Implantations with the new and smaller Bonebridge were associated with gratifying medical and audiological outcomes. Still, in extreme anatomical conditions, 1‐mm lifts are necessary. Nonetheless, surgical placement with the help of lifts seems safe, effective, and feasible, and is a viable option in cases with challenging anatomies due to previous surgeries or anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]