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The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for awareness, annoyance, loudness, and effect on life are two of the most commonly used questionnaires for patients with tinnitus. This study aimed to determine whether these two questionnaires can comprehensively evaluate the patient's condition and which questionnaire is better as a primary endpoint for tinnitus.Data from 90 patients who visited a university hospital with subjective, non-pulsatile tinnitus and without a history of any psychiatric disorders were reviewed between March 2020 and May 2022. The patients' medical histories, audiological profiles, questionnaires including the THI and NRS, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Depression (BAI), Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HAD), and the Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument (BEPSI) were analyzed.The THI had a moderately positive correlation with the NRS for effect on life, annoyance, and loudness. It also had a low positive correlation with the BDI, HAD-A, BEPSI, and BAI. Considering annoyance and loudness, the NRS did not correlate with the other questionnaires, except for the THI (p 0.05). The NRS for tinnitus awareness correlated with most audiological profiles. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the THI significantly predicted depression, anxiety, and stress. Conversely, none of the four NRS items significantly predicted these psychiatric problems (p 0.05).Using the THI as a primary endpoint after interventions rather than the NRS is more reasonable because the THI covers the emotional, functional, and catastrophic aspects of tinnitus, although not the audiological status. To compensate for this, the auxiliary use of NRS for awareness should also be considered.

Background Patients with tinnitus may have different severity levels of tinnitus distress. Visual analog scale (VAS) is a simple method to measure the extent of subjective distress caused by tinnitus. It includes ratings of tinnitus loudness, awareness, annoyance, and impact of tinnitus on life. Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate what led to different distress levels in patients with bilateral tinnitus by analyzing the relationships among all subscales of VAS scores for tinnitus distress and the documented variables. Research Design This study was a retrospective cohort study. Study Sample The medical records of 268 patients who visited a tinnitus clinic between March and December 2020 were reviewed. Data Collection and Analysis Epidemiologic characteristics, subjective tinnitus distress factors including tinnitus loudness, awareness, annoyance, and impact of tinnitus on life, questionnaire results including those from the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and audiometric profiles were documented. Based on a bivariate analysis between variables and subtypes of subjective tinnitus distress, stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify potential influencing factors for aggravating each subtype. Results Data from a total of 122 patients with bilateral tinnitus were collected. The cohort included 77 males and 45 females with a mean age of 51.16 ± 13.50 years. Tinnitus loudness was associated with an accompanying headache (p Conclusion Psychologic complaints are mainly associated with tinnitus loudness and annoyance. On the other hand, hearing loss is linked with tinnitus awareness and its impact on life. Thus, an individualized, sequential approach that considers different subtypes of tinnitus severity to assess subjective tinnitus distress is needed.

Background and Objectives: We aimed to analyze treatment outcomes following different initial management approaches and confirm treatment regimens for acute low-tone sensorineural hearing loss (ALHL) that would yield the best results.Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 106 patients with ALHL who visited a university hospital’s otology clinic from March 2013 to June 2019. Pure-tone averages at the initial visit and at 2 and 4 weeks after the initial visit were evaluated.Results: Forty-nine patients were enrolled in this study; of them, 41 (83.7%) exhibited complete recovery (CR) at 2 weeks and 43 (87.8%) exhibited CR at 1 month after the initial visit. Regression analysis revealed that CR at 2 weeks after the initial visit was associated with diuretic use [Exp(B): 10.309, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.007-100]. An initial daily low-dose steroid use was marginally significant [Exp(B): 1.042, 95% CI: 0.997-1.092; p=0.066]. Isolated diuretic use [Exp(B): 25.641, 95% CI: 1.121-90.909; p=0.039] was an independent, good prognostic factor at 1 month after the initial visit. However, other treatment regimens did not affect the final results.Conclusions: A combination of initial daily administration of ≤30 mg prednisolone plus diuretics was sufficient as the first-line treatment for ALHL. High-dose steroids and salvage intratympanic steroid injections can be applied as a second choice; however, the predicted outcome would not be good in that case.

We aimed to analyze the patient characteristics in accordance with white matter lesions and confirm whether white matter lesions affect final treatment outcomes in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Medical records of 126 patients treated for unilateral idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss and who underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain at an otology clinic in a university hospital from 2013 to June 2019 were reviewed. The Fazekas scale was used to evaluate the severity of white matter lesions. Complete recovery was defined if final hearing at 3 months did not exceed 25 dB.Overall, 107 patients were enrolled in this study. A score of 0 on the Fazekas scale was most frequent (n=78, 72.9%), followed by 1 (n=17, 15.9%), and 2 (n=12, 11.2%). Prevalence of diabetes (P=.032) and/or hypertension (P=.006) and distribution of age (P.001) were different according to Fazekas scale scores. Hearing level in the affected side was significantly different between those with scores of 1 and 2 (P=.009). Contralateral hearing thresholds were not different according to Fazekas scale scores, but hearing on the contralateral side was significantly poorer in patients with hypertension than those without hypertension (P.001). Regression analysis revealed that Fazekas scale score and initial hearing thresholds of the affected side were significant prognostic factors for complete recovery.Although the prevalence of white matter lesions in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss was not high, severe white matter lesions and accompanying cardiovascular risk factors may increase the possibility of initially worse hearing and decrease response to treatment in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore, it might be important to control cardiovascular abnormalities in idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss to achieve a better prognosis.

Objectives The aim of this study was to emphasize the necessity of a standard in segmentation threshold and algorithm for measuring volume and surface area of mastoid air cell system (MACS). Methods First, we obtained axial computed tomography scans of 54 normal temporal bones from 27 subjects. Then, we manipulated Hounsfield units (HU) image data in DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) files directly using our program. The volume and surface area of MACS were computed and compared at segmentation thresholds (HU) from –700 to 0 at intervals of 50 using 2 algorithms; square pixel based (SP) algorithm and marching square (MS) algorithm. Results No significant difference was found between the volumes computed by SP and MS algorithms at each segmentation threshold. The surface area computed by SP algorithm, however, was significantly larger than that by MS algorithm. We could minimize this significant difference through a modification of the SP algorithm. As the lower HU threshold value was set, the smaller volume was measured. The surface area showed a plateau at a threshold of approximately –200 HU. The segmentation threshold had greater influence on the measured volume of MACS than the algorithm did. Conclusion A standard method for measuring volume and surface area of MACS is thought to be necessary. We suggest that the MS algorithm and –200 HU of the threshold could be a standard in the measurement of volume and surface area of MACS.

Verruca vulgaris is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. Verruca in the external auditory canal (EAC) has rarely been reported. A previous case report introduced surgical excision as a treatment for verruca in the EAC. We present a case of verruca vulgaris in both EACs that was successfully treated with an intralesional bleomycin injection. A 32-year-old male patient presented with ear fullness and palpable lumps in both EACs. Both of his canals were filled with multiple pinkish, papillomatous masses. Verruca vulgaris was confirmed by skin biopsy. An otolaryngologist referred this patient and recommended surgical excision. However, we performed intralesional bleomycin injections for treatment. Twice intralesional bleomycin injections at one-month intervals had excellent results without recurrence, ulceration or scar formation. This result indicates that bleomycin injections may prove to be an effective first-line treatment of verruca in the EAC.

Purpose There are marked differences in facial skeletal characteristics between Asian and Caucasian. However, ethnic differences in age-related facial skeletal changes have not yet been fully established. The aims of this study were to evaluate age-related changes in Asian midfacial skeletons and to explore ethnic differences in facial skeletal structures with aging between Caucasian and Asian. Materials and methods The study included 108 men (aged 20-79 years) and 115 women (aged 20-81 years). Axial CT images with a gantry tilt angle of 0 were analyzed. We measured three-dimensional (3D) coordinates at each point with a pixel lens cursor in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), and angles and widths between the points were calculated using 3D vector mathematics. We analyzed angular changes in 4 bony regions, including the glabellar, orbital, maxillary, and pyriform aperture regions, and changes in the orbital aperture width (distance from the posterior lacrimal crest to the frontozygomatic suture) and the pyriform width (between both upper margins of the pyriform aperture). Results All 4 midfacial angles in females and glabellar and maxillary angles in males showed statistically significant decreases with aging. On the other hand, the orbital and pyriform widths did not show statistically significant changes with aging. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that Asian midfacial skeletons may change continuously throughout life, and that there may be significant differences in the midfacial skeleton between both sexes and between ethnic groups.

Objectives To introduce a new surgical technique for endoscopic removal of the antral portion of antrochoanal polyp (ACP) by powered instrumentation and to determine its efficacy by measures of relevant patient outcome. Study Design Prospective study in 28 patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for ACP by our surgical technique. Methods Improvements of clinical symptoms and endoscopic and computed tomographic findings were evaluated postoperatively with a follow-up period ranging from 12 to 52 months. All symptom scores on a 100-mm visual analogue scale before operation were compared with those at the last visit after operation. Postoperative endoscopic and computed tomographic findings were graded using a three-point scale ranging from 0 to 2. In surgical technique, the antral portion of ACP was identified through the enlarged ostium under intranasal endoscopy and removed by a blade of powered instrumentation that was inserted through the canine fossa. Results Symptom scores were all significantly reduced postoperatively. All but one patient showed improvement in clinical symptoms and endoscopic and computed tomographic findings during the follow-up period. There were no major complications specific to this technique. Conclusion Our technique provides an attractive alternative to other methods for removing the antral portion of an ACP and is associated with excellent outcomes and minimal morbidities.

Schwannomas of the sinonasal tract are very rare neoplasms. We present the case of a schwannoma developing in the nasal septum. The patient was a 51-year-old woman with the complaint of unilateral nasal obstruction. We completely removed this tumor by an endoscopic approach. We discuss the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this rarely encountered neoplasm.

Various types of diseases can involve the nasal vestibule. Diagnosis and treatment of a nasal vestibular mass is often challenging due to the anatomical features of the nasal vestibule. Here, we present four cases with nasal vestibular masses. Two cases were diagnosed as squamous papillomas. The others were a trichofolliculoma and pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis. Our aim was to discuss the characteristics of each disease and the considerations thought to be necessary for diagnosis and treatment of nasal vestibular tumors from these cases and the related literature.

Background In evaluating hearing disability in medicolegal work, the apportionment of age- and gender-related sensorineural hearing loss should be considered as a prior factor, especially for the elderly. However, in the literature written in the English language no studies have reported on the age- and gender-related mean hearing threshold for the South Korean population. Objective This study aimed to identify the mean hearing thresholds in the South Korean population to establish reference data and to identify the age- and gender-related characteristics. Methods This study is based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010–2012, which was conducted by the Korean government, the data of which was disclosed to the public. A total of 15,606 participants (unweighted) representing 33,011,778 Koreans (weighted) with normal tympanic membrane and no history of regular or occupational noise exposure were selected and analyzed in this study. The relationship between the hearing threshold level and frequency, age, and gender was investigated and analyzed in a highly-screened population by considering the sample weights of a complex survey design. Results A gender ratio difference was found between the unweighted and the weighted designs: male:female, 41.0%: 59.0% (unweighted, participants) vs. 47.2%:52.8% (weighted, representing population). As age increased, the hearing threshold increased for all frequencies. Hearing thresholds of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, and 6 kHz showed a statistical difference between both genders for people older than 30, with the 4 kHz frequency showing the largest difference. This paper presents details about the mean hearing threshold based on age and gender. Conclusions The data from KNHANES 2010–2012 showed gender differences at hearing thresholds of 3 kHz, 4 kHz, and 6 kHz in a highly-screened population. The most significant gender difference in relation to hearing threshold was observed at 4 kHz. The hearing thresholds at all of the tested frequencies worsened with increasing age. The mean hearing thresholds suggested in this study will be useful for the formulation of healthcare-related hearing policies and used as reference data for disability ratings for hearing loss due to various causes.

목적: 장기간의 항생제 치료는 중이염 어린이 환자의 중이액으로부터 원인균이 배양되는 것을 방한다. 본 연구는 배양 음성 중이액으로부터 분자적 진단에 의한 신속한 균 검출 가능성 여부를 확인고자 하였다. 방법: 폐구균 lytA 유전자를 표적으로 하는 PCR과 LAMP로 민감도와 특이도를 비교 결정하고, 임상중이액에서의 폐구균 검출에 적용하였다. 결과: PCR 기법에 의한 폐구균 검출 최소한계는 약 104집락형성단위(CFU)이고, LAMP의 검출 최소 한계는 10 CFU에서 결정되었다. 한편 두 가지 검사법 모두 Haemophilus influenzae 와 Moraxella catarrhalis 에 대해 106 CFU 이상에서도 DNA를 증폭하지 않았다. 22개의 배양음성 중이액 중에서 12 개 검체가 LAMP-양성(54.5%, 12/22)으로 확인되었고, 이들 12개 LAMP-양성 검체 중, 3개의 검체 만이 PCR-양성으로 확인되었다(25%, 3/12). 본 연구의 결과는 LAMP 기법의 폐구균 검출 해상력이 PCR 기법에 비교하여 4배 이상 높음을 보여준다(P

Received March 7, 2014 Revised April 14, 2014 Accepted April 22, 2014 Address for correspondence Sung Wan Byun, MD Department of OtorhinolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 158-710, Korea Tel +82-2-2650-5650 Fax +82-2-2653-5135 E-mail byunsw@ewha.ac.kr Background and ObjectivesZZIn disability rating of hearing injury, there are some medicolegal considerations, such as discrepancy in estimating values between McBride system and the American Medical Association system, and difficulties in judging the hearing level in boundary cases. We have therefore felt the need of complementary hearing disability evaluation methods that reflect reality. As a first step, we have pointed out current situation and problems in legal advisory cases of hearing injury. Subjects and MethodZZFor the past 14 years, we have provided legal advisory on hearing injury for 121 cases for courts (group A) or insurance companies (group B). Eleven cases of ‘aggravation of disabilityʼ were excluded. Data were summarized and tested statistically. We have used unpaired t-test for continuous variables such as age, hearing, hearing disability, disability rating, Fisher’s exact test for dichotomous variable such as gender, group (A/B), and Pearson s correlation test for correlation coefficients between continuous variables. ResultsZZSubjects were more frequently males (3:1) and in the fifth decade of life. The averages of audiometry were around 40 dB. There were significant differences in hearing and disability rating between younger and older group. Group B is significantly older than group A. The type of disability or accident did not influence hearing and disability rating. ConclusionZZThis paper could help figure out the current situation with respect to medicolegal considerations of hearing injury discrepancies in disability rating and could also serve well to recognize the necessity for a complementary hearing disability evaluation method, especially for borderline hearing level. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2014;57(7):448-53

Background and ObjectivesZZAccording to the correlation between hearing injury and McBride disability rating presented by previous studies, there are over/underestimated cases particularly in the 40 dB hearing range compared to other ranges. In this study, we reviewed the overestimated and underestimated data and propose a complementation scheme for a disability rating system by using the linear regression analysis. Subjects and MethodZZFor the past 14 years, we have provided legal advisory for 121 cases of hearing injury, for which disability had to be rated. We reviewed all but excluded 11 cases for the aggravation of disability. A regression equation was produced from a linear regression analysis that used the percent of hearing handicap (AAO-HNS/AMA-1979 formula) as an independent variable (x) and McBride disability rating (%) as a dependent variable (y), following the Pearson correlation test. Iterative calculation was performed for overestimated (18) and underestimated (8) cases. ResultsZZAppropriate disability ratings were 14% for the cases overestimated to 20% and 11% for those underestimated to 5%. Appropriate disability ratings for the 20% of overestimated cases were changed to 14%, and for the 5% of the underestimated cases, the disability ratinb 11%. Iterative calculation showed that the Pearson correlation index was improved from 0.8866 to 0.9065 and the determination coefficient of regression analysis (adjusted R-square) was improved from 0.784 to 0.8202. ConclusionZZThe common range of hearing injury, which falls between 30-40 dB corresponds to the percentage of hearing handicap of 7.5-22.5%. A fairer assessment of ability rating would be possible by complementing some parts of this hearing range. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2014;57(11):748-51

Received August 24, 2011 Revised October 11, 2011 Accepted October 12, 2011 Address for correspondence Sung Wan Byun, MD, PhD Department of OtorhinolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 1071 Anyangcheon-ro, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul 158-710, Korea Tel +82-2-2650-5650 Fax +82-2-2650-5604 E-mail byunsw@ewha.ac.kr Background and ObjectivesZZIt takes considerable time and effort to make an operation record for the chronic otitis media. Also there are risks of incorrectness or omission of data. We developed an automatic operation recording system in order to reduce the burden of the resident keeping the record and to give completeness to the operation data. Materials and MethodZZThe model-view-controller (MVC) pattern isolates the domain logic (controller) from the user interface (data model-view), permitting independent development. We used the MVC pattern to design the program it since it matched with the feature of the operation recording system. ResultsZZWe implemented this system using the Python programming language, which is composed of 98 fields and 4 different types of widgets linked to those fields. The outputs of the 4 views can be easily copied and pasted to the word processor and the electronic medical recorder. In the pilot test, this system reduced significant amount of time and effort needed for operation recording. ConclusionZZThe automatic operation recording system reduces the resident’s works and the operation data loss. Furthermore, it could be applied to other types of operation records. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:14-9