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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the auditory functions in chronic asthma patients with the use of pure tone high frequency audiometry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two healthy controls and 42 adult patients were included as a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. Pulmonary function tests and blood gas studies were completed on all subjects. Asthma patients have divided into two groups [Group A: Arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) > 75 mmHg, Group B: PaO2 ≤75 mmHg, Group C: Control group). Acoustic assessments of patients were performed in 25020000 Hz by using pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and tympanometry. RESULTS: The mean value of air and bone conduction hearing threshold levels were in normal range for all groups. All patients had normal peripheral hearing all threshold levels across 250 Hz to 3000 Hz in the both ears. Significant differences were observed between the chronic asthma patients and control group for the extended high frequencies (10000-20000 Hz). Group B had statistically more significant increased hearing threshold levels than Group A in frequencies higher than 10000 Hz. There were no statistical differences between the hearing threshold levels and FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and tympanogram results in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of evaluating the auditory functions in asthma patients. Sensorineural hearing loss in high frequencies (10000 Hz-20000 Hz) is common in chronic asthma and is probably present more often than were formerly thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent used in adults and children for the treatment of various malignant diseases. It can cause irreversible ototoxicity. Genistein is a phytoestrogen. Genistein functions as an antioxidant and cell cycle inhibitor by inhibiting the DNA topoisomerase and tyrosine protein kinase enzymes. The protective effect of genistein in preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity and levels of the oxidative stress was investigated., Methods: 32 Sprague Dawley rats were used in 4 groups (control, cisplatin, cisplatin + genistein, genistein). Otoacoustic emission measurements of the distortion product were performed on the 1st, 2nd and 5th days of the test protocol. Serum malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index measurements were made., Results: The hearing of the cisplatin + genistein group was found to be better than that of the cisplatin group. While the malondialdehyde, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index parameters decreased significantly in the cisplatin + genistein group compared to the cisplatin group, superoxide dismutase increased significantly (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Genistein showed positive effects against ototoxicity with its antioxidant effect., Level of Evidence: Level 3., (Copyright © 2021 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Septal perforation is a condition characterized by loss of cartilage and/or bony structures along with the mucoperichondrium and mucoperiosteum lining them. The etiology includes a history of nasal surgery or trauma, nose picking, bilateral septal cauterization, overuse of nasal sprays, cocaine abuse, vasculitis, and malignancies., Objective: Comparison of quality of life in patients with septal perforation after conservative or surgical treatment, and a new approach for the determination of the diameter of the perforation from a different point of view., Methods: The diameter of septal perforation, total vertical diameter of septum, and horizontal diameter of the perforation were measured in a total of 34 patients. Nineteen of the patients underwent surgical septal perforation repair, and 15 of them received septal button application. The patients were asked to complete the Glasgow Benefit Inventory quality of life questionnaire., Results: The septal perforation successfully healed in 18 of 19 patients who underwent surgical treatment. The quality of life scores were statistically significantly higher in the surgical treatment group when compared to the button group (p<0.05)., Conclusion: The septal perforation classification we propose would be beneficial for providing realistic dimensions, treatment methods, and surgical techniques., (Copyright © 2018 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Cartilage is a rigid material that is highly resistant to infection and retraction and is tolerated well by the middle ear. The purpose of this study was to review retrospectively the results of cases of mastoid cavity obliteration with cartilage performed after canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy and to discuss the literature., Method: Of 983 patients who underwent surgery for chronic otitis media between January 2000 and June 2012, 54 patients who underwent CWD mastoidectomy plus mastoid cavity obliteration with cartilage and who were followed up regularly were selected from the database and invited for re-evaluation. All patients who came for a follow up after the invitation were examined and their data were evaluated retrospectively., Results: Thirty-five of the patients who accepted the invitation were included in the study. All of the patients in the study underwent mastoid cavity obliteration with conchal and/or tragal cartilage grafts. The duration of follow up ranged from 21 to 41 months (average, 27.3 months). Epithelization occurred in all patients with dry cavity, except one who had residual cholesteatoma and underwent revision surgery., Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that cartilage can be preferred for obliteration of mastoid cavity after CWD mastoidectomy., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: One of the authors of this article is an Editorial Board Member of this journal and was excluded from all evaluation steps. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright Istanbul Medeniyet University Faculty of Medicine.)

Osteoma is a benign, mesenchymal, slow-growing, osteogenic tumor commonly occurring in the craniofacial bones and is characterized by the proliferation of compact or cancellous bone. Solitary osteomas can be classified as peripheral (parosteal, periosteal, or exophytic) when arising from the periosteum or central (endosteal) when arising from soft tissue. Peripheral osteoma occurs most frequently in the paranasal sinuses. Other locations include the orbital wall, temporal bone, pterygoid processes, external ear canal, and, rarely, the mandible. Osteomas in the oromandibular region often appear in the jaw in the canine fossa, hard palate, and maxillary sinus and in the lower jaw in the inner mandible and outer circumference and lingual side of the molar region. At radiologic imaging, a peripheral osteoma of the mandible appears as a well-circumscribed, round to oval, mushroom-like radiopaque mass with distinct borders. Computed tomography is the best imaging modality for determining the location and actual extension of the lesion. Parapharyngeal space tumors are rare tumors of the head and neck region. Benign tumors of the parapharyngeal space are more common than malignant tumors. A foreign body sensation in the pharynx, difficulty with deglutition, and hoarseness are symptoms generally related to the position of the tumor. Upper airway obstruction, painful throat, unilateral tinnitus, trismus, dysarthria, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and cranial nerve palsies are other reported symptoms. This report presents the case of a huge osteoma of the left mandibular condyle extending to the parapharyngeal space., (Copyright © 2016 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexpanthenol (Dxp) on against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity., Methods: To examine this effect, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) measurements and serum levels of oxidative and antioxidant status (including malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, and oxidative stress index) were evaluated. Thirty-two adult female Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 equal groups; control (K), cisplatin (C), cisplatin plus Dxp (CD), and Dxp (D). In all groups DPOAEs measurements, between 996 and 10,078 Hz as DPOAEs and input/output functions, were performed on days 0, 1th, 5th, and 12th. Prior to death, the last DPOAEs measurements and blood samples were taken., Results: In the C group, statistically significant differences were detected at all frequencies between 0 and 5 days and 0 and 12 days measurements (P<0.05). Serum level of oxidant and antioxidant status were detected statistically significantly changed in this group versus K group (P<0.05). Contrary to the C group, in the CD group hearing ability was seen largely preserved at many frequencies and serum levels of all biochemical parameters were shifted toward normal values, similar to the K group. No significant differences were detected in the either D or K group's measurements., Conclusion: According to these results, Dxp may prevent cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

Introduction: There is an ongoing debate about the existence and effects of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) in adenotonsillar tissue., Objective: A clinical study was conducted to assess the existence of Hp in the adenoid and/or adenotonsillar tissues, which were surgically excised due to chronic adenotonsillitis., Methods: Phosphoglucosamine mutase gene for the detection of Hp and cytotoxin-associated gene as virulence gene were examined in 84 adenotonsillar tissues obtained from 64 patients and patients' serum by using polymerase chain reaction., Results: Hp IgG was detected in 57 (89%) patients' serum. A total of seven tissue samples from 64 patients (10.9%) were found positive for Hp DNA, of which five were adenoids and two were tonsil tissues. All polymerase chain reaction positive samples were also positive for the cytotoxin-associated gene, which is a virulence determinant for the organism., Conclusion: This study suggests that children are exposed to Hp at an early age of their life in this province. Hp may have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic adenotonsillitis, especially in endemic areas., (Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate how quality of life was impacted in patients who underwent surgery for chronic otitis media in their only remaining hearing ear (OHE). Such surgical treatment is controversial, and avoided by many surgeons due to the high risk of hearing loss due to surgery. However, if the patient is left untreated, hearing may further deteriorate over time, decreasing the patient's quality of life to an undesirable level., Method: We performed a retrospective single-institution study of a prospectively collected database in a tertiary university hospital. Twenty-three patients with OHE who underwent surgical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The patients' age, sex, treated ear, indications, and preoperative and postoperative hearing levels were recorded. The data were statistically analyzed., Results: Of the 23 patients with OHE, 15 regularly attended follow-up for at least two years. In all cases, the tympanic membrane perforations were closed and the ear drum became dry. An air-bone gap gain of ≥ 20 dB was measured in five patients, ≥ 10 dB in seven, and two patients showed no significant change (4-10 dB). One patient showed minimal hearing deterioration of -2 dB., Conclusion: Patients with OHE can be treated surgically to improve hearing levels and quality of life. Modern surgical techniques and instruments--especially in experienced hands--may reduce the possible surgical risks. If hearing deteriorates due to surgery, it may be improved, for example, with cochlear implantation surgery.

In this study, we evaluated clinical results and health-related quality of life in our otoplasty patients in whom we used cartilage resection method (CRM) and suturing method (SM). A total of 132 ears of 77 patients (36 males, 41 females; mean age 14.6 ± 6.4) between January 2006 and February 2013 were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of surgery performed: Group 1 was the cartilage resection group (CRG) and Group 2 was the suturing group (SG). CRM was performed on 64 ears of 37 patients (unilateral in 10 cases and bilateral in 27 cases), and SM was performed on 68 ears of 40 patients (unilateral in 12 cases and bilateral in 28 cases). The parameters of the groups, including operation time, measurements of the auriculocephalic distances, complication rates, postoperative satisfaction rates, and health-related quality of life were compared. Mean operation time was 53.7 ± 7.8 min in the CRG and 44.9 ± 4.2 min in the SG (P ≤ 0.05). Mean postoperative auriculocephalic measurements were similar in both groups. The complications were more frequent in the CRG (10/37 patients, 27.02 %) than in the SG (3/40 patients, 7.54 %) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Three months after the surgery, visual analog scale increased from 25 (preoperatively) to 70 in the CRG and from 30 to 90 in the SG, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Patients' health-related quality of life showed a statistically significant increase after the operation in both groups (P < 0.05). CRM and SM are effective treatment methods with high success rates for patients with prominent ears. In the selected cases, SM seems to represent a better option for otoplasty than CRM because clinical results, cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, and health-related quality of life scores were better than CRM.

Ototoxicity is a common side effect of cisplatin chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of chrysin against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Thirty-four adult female Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups: a cisplatin group (Group A), with cisplatin administered to ten rats once daily for three consecutive days at doses of 8 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally (i.p.); a cisplatin plus chrysin group (Group B), with 8 mg/kg of cisplatin administered i.p. daily to ten rats for three consecutive days and 25 mg/kg of chrysin administered via oral gavage in a corn oil for 5 days: a chrysin group (Group C), with 25 mg/kg of chrysin administered via oral gavage in corn oil for 5 days to seven rats; and a control group (Group D), with 5 ml/kg of corn oil administered to seven rats via oral gavage for 5 days. Distortion product otoacoustic emission measurements were performed in the same ear of the rats under general anesthesia at baseline and on the first and fifth days after drug administration. No significant differences were noted between the measurements either in the chrysin group or in the control group. In the cisplatin group, there was a significant worsening of hearing compared to baseline and the measurements on the fifth day at all frequencies. In the statistical analysis, a statistically significant difference was observed at 5039, 6351, 8003, and 10078 Hz frequencies between the measurements on the first and fifth days. In the cisplatin plus chrysin group, there were statistically significant differences at frequencies of 2,003 and 5,039 Hz between the measurements at baseline and on the fifth day, at 3,175 and 5,039 Hz between the measurements on the first and fifth days, and at 8,003 and 100,078 Hz between the measurements at baseline and on the first day. According to these results, this study demonstrates that cisplatin-related ototoxicity can be prevented in rats by the administration of chrysin.

Antrochoanal polyp is a benign polypoid lesion orginating from the maxillary sinus antrum and extending to the choana. Our aim was to assess the clinical presentation and associated rhinological findings of antrochoanal polyp patients and to evaluate results of 2 surgical treatments termed endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) and ESS plus mini-Caldwell operation. The study included 46 patients. Factors such as patient age, sex, history of chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, septal deviations, chonca bullosa, turbinate hypertrophy, and the origin of the polyp were assessed. We also evaluated ESS and ESS plus mini-Caldwell surgical procedures for recurrences, synechia, bleeding, and ostium stenosis. Overall, there were 27 men and 19 women. The ESS approach was used in 26 cases, and 20 cases had combined ESS and mini-Caldwell procedures. The statistical significant difference between the 2 groups was only recurrence (P < 0.05). In the ESS group, bleeding, synechia, and ostium stenosis were seen more than in the ESS + mini-Caldwell group, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in bleeding, synechia, and ostium stenosis (P > 0.05). We thought that lower rate of recurrence found in ESS + Caldwell group in this study was associated with better visualization of the maxillary sinus walls and, therefore, easier resection of the remnant polyp. We concluded that higher incidences of bleeding and synechia were related to the mucosal damage occurring in the septum and the inferior concha due to excessive manipulation of endoscope and surgical instruments.

Desmoid tumor is a benign tumor which originates from musculoaponeurotic system, can reach greater sizes with local invasion among facial plans, and cause severe deformities, morbidity and even mortality by compression of adjacent structures. These tumors are rarely seen in the head and neck region. The treatment of advanced desmoid tumors of head and neck region is surgery and radiotherapy. In this paper, we present -to the best of our knowledge- the greatest desmoid tumor case of the head and neck region in the literature.

This experimental study was designed to investigate the protective effects of molsidomine (MOL) on against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity (CIO). To examine this effect, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) measurements and serum levels of oxidative and antioxidant status [including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI)] were evaluated. Thirty-two female wistar albino rats were divided into four groups including; control (Group K), cisplatin (Group C), cisplatin plus MOL group (Group CM), and MOL group (Group M). DPOAEs measurements between 0.9961 and 8.0003 Hz as DP-gram and input/output (I/O) functions were performed in the same (left) ear of all rats on days 0, 1st, 5th and 12th. Prior to death, the last DPOAEs measurements and blood samples were taken. In the C group, statistically significant DPOAE amplitude reductions were detected at 2.5195, 3.1758, 3.9961, 5.0391, 6.3516 and 8.0039 Hz frequencies (p < 0.05) between 0th and 1st, 0th and 5th and 0th and 12th days' measurements (p < 0.05). Serum level of MDA, TAC and OSI levels were significantly higher in the C group versus K group (p < 0.05). In the CM group, there were no significant differences at all frequencies between 0th and other days' measurements (p > 0.05) and the serum levels of all biochemical parameters were shifted toward normal values, similar to the K group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were detected in the either M or K group's measurements. According to these results, cisplatin-related ototoxicity has been significantly prevented by MOL.

In this study, we evaluated our otoplasty surgery results in patients with prominent ears. A total of 76 ears in 42 patients (20 male, 22 female; mean age 14; range 6-34 years) who underwent otoplasty surgery under general anesthesia between April 2005 and February 2012 were evaluated retrospectively. Of the 76 surgical cases, while 65 were operated on for the first time (primary), 6 had had previous unsuccessful surgical interventions at other institutes (secondary) and 5 were our own revision surgery cases. Of the primary cases; 11 had unilateral and 27 had bilateral surgery. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at week one, months one, three and six and at 1 year. While 60 of the 65 primary surgeries and all 6 of the secondary surgeries had successful results, 5 cases required revision surgery. The revision otoplasty surgeries were found to be successful in all patients on follow-up visits. Otoplasty surgery is an effective treatment method with high success rates for patients with prominent ears.

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of betaglucan in ameliorating cisplatin ototoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups: cisplatin (C), cisplatin plus beta glucan (CB), beta glucan (B), and control (K). Distortion product otoacoustic emissions were elicited in 0th, 1st, and 5th days. For the group C differences were observed at 8,003 and 9,515 Hz between 0th and 5th days' measurements. In the group CB there were differences at frequencies of 3,996, 4,757, 5,660, and 6,726 Hz between 0th and 5th days' measurements. For the group B there were significant recovery in some frequencies. The observation of significant deterioration in terms of hearing in the group treated with cisplatin plus betaglucan may be suggested that depended on the increase of permeability and tissue conductance into the inner ear which may be caused by betaglucan. Further long-term follow-up studies by using different doses may clarify this matter.

Objectives: To assess whether mean platelet volume (MPV) can be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome., Methods: The leucocyte counts, thrombocyte counts, and MPV values of 57 children with PFAPA syndrome were recorded during an attack and an attack free period. These values were compared with a healthy control group of 55 individuals. Demographic features of the PFAPA patients group including age, gender and age of first attack, age at diagnosis, frequency of attacks, serum reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were also recorded., Results: The MPV values of the children with PFAPA both during an attack and attack free period were found significantly lower than the MPV values of healthy control group (p<0.001). Also, the MPV values of the children with PFAPA during an attack were significantly lower than in attack free periods (p<0.001). The MPV values showed no correlation with leucocytes counts, CRP, and ESR during attacks. A 8.30fl [area under the curve (AUC: 0.965)] optimal cutoff value of MPV with a sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 92.8% was determined during an attack in children with PFAPA., Conclusions: The MPV values during an attack and attack free period of patients with PFAPA is lower than in controls. The MPV values may be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome but more studies are needed and they should be prospective in order to validate this data., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Background/aim: To determine the efficacy of lycopene, which is considered an antioxidant agent, in decreasing the cochlear damage induced by cisplatin., Materials and Methods: A total of 38 rats were randomized into 4 groups: control, cisplatin, cisplatin + lycopene, and lycopene-treated groups. In all groups, the distortion-product otoacoustic emission measurements were performed on days 0, 1, 2, and 5., Results: There were no significant differences between the control and lycopene groups at any frequencies. In the cisplatin group, the statistically significant differences were found in the measurements taken between day 0 and day 5 at all frequencies and between days 1 and 5 and days 2 and 5 at some frequencies (P < 0.05). In the cisplatin + lycopene group, a statistically significant difference was found at some frequencies between the measurements taken on days 0 and 5, days 1 and 5, and days 2 and 5 (P < 0.05). Contrary to the results found in the cisplatin group, hearing ability in the lycopene-treated group was observed as being preserved at low frequencies in the measurements taken on days 0 and 5 and days 2 and 5., Conclusion: The data of this study suggest that lycopene can prevent the development of ototoxicity induced by cisplatin, especially at low frequencies. Studies on this issue with longer durations and different dose ranges may contribute to the identification of potentially prophylactic effects of lycopene against cisplatin ototoxicity at higher frequencies, as well.

There are many causes of conductive hearing loss. Otoplasty is a commonly performed cosmetic surgery to correction for prominent ear. We discussed an unusual cause of conductive hearing loss, bilateral complete meatal obstruction following otoplasty, in this article. This complication was probably due to unsuitable placement of the Furnas sutures. In the literature, as a cause of conductive hearing loss, unilateral complete meatal obstruction has been described rarely, but bilateral complete obstruction has not been defined. Hearing loss recovered completely after revision surgery. Correct diagnosis, accurate preoperative or perioperative examination, choice of the proper technique and surgeon experience are essential for avoiding inadequate results or complications of otoplasty. The surgeon should be aware of the cartilage elasticity and suture techniques to avoid this complication.

Fungus ball in the concha bullosa is an extremely rare disease. We described a case of the fungus ball in the concha bullosa in a 22-year-old woman. Preoperative diagnosis was based on nasal endoscopy and computed tomography scanning. The patient was endoscopically operated on. The examination of the removed material was reported as fungal infection. This case was found worth writing because of the location of the concha bullosa and its rare occurrence in this location.

Facial nerve (FN) macrodehiscence, in contrast to microdehiscence, generally occurs as a result of chronic otitis media and is rarely seen congenitally. A patient with normal hearing who had no history of ear disease or ear operation came to the clinic with recurrent facial paralysis (FP) and frequent blockage of the external ear canal with epithelial debris complaints. In the explorative ear surgery, we observed that the posterior wall of the external ear canal or tympanic ring was absent, a large external ear cavity was covered with a thin skin, the FN was under the skin, and the tympanic-mastoid segment of the FN and chorda tympani extending to the stylomastoid foramen was completely open. FP episodes were associated with the unprotected FN.To prevent an attack of FP, and to self-clean the external ears, mastoid obliteration surgery was performed, and the mastoid segment of the FN was covered with a conchal cartilage graft. This case was diagnosed as congenital aplasia of the external ear canal due to the tympanic bone aplasia-mastoid bone hypoplasia, and the dehiscence of the mastoid-tympanic segment of the FN, and as a cause of recurrent FP, has never to date been identified.

Tufted angiomas may occur in the head and neck region, but the external auditory canal is a previously undefined localization. There are only 19 cases of hemangiomas reported in this unique localization. However, this case is the first capillary hemangioma of the tufted variant being reported with a recurrence after 7 years after surgical excision in a 47-year-old male patient.

Objectives: In this study, we evaluated the results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy and bicanalicular silicone tube intubation (EDCR + BSTI) surgery in the patients with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction., Patients and Methods: A total of 120 eyes in 112 patients (40 males, 72 females; mean age 42; range 6 to 74 years) who underwent EDCR + BSTI surgery under general anesthesia between August 2006 and December 2010 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: Of the patients, 104 underwent unilateral surgery, while eight underwent bilateral surgery. One hundred nine of 120 surgeries were primary, whereas 11 were revision surgery. Follow-up was performed on a regular basis in the first week, at one, three, six, and 12 months following surgery. Successful results were obtained in 113 of 120 operation, however seven patients required revision surgery. Repeated EDCR + BSTI surgery gave successful results in all cases, as assessed during the follow-up visits., Conclusion: EDCR + BSTI surgery is a primary treatment of choice for the patients with epiphora due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction with a high success rate.

Objective: Auricular abnormalities are important for early diagnosis of the birth defects in the prematures and newborns. Auricular antropometric studies in healthy premature and mature population depend on their gestational age are limited and insufficient. The aims of this study were to reveal antropometric growth and dynamics of the auricle in the healthy newborns from the 28th to the 42nd gestation weeks., Materials and Methods: A total of 600 newborns were evaluated in 40 groups. Each group comprising 20 preterm or term newborns according to their sexes and gestational weeks. Six surface dimensions were performed directly from the right ears of the subjects: the length from the superaurale to subaurale, the width from the tragus to helix, the width from the tragus to antihelix, the conchal depth, the distance from the helix to mastoid at superaural level and the distance from the helix to mastoid at tragal level. The frequency of the prominent ear deformity and lobule attachment were also noted., Results: The results of auricular antropometric measurements of healthy preterm and term newborns in different gestational weeks were to determined. No statistical differences of auricular length were found between male and female infants. The incidence of the prominent ear deformity and attached lobule was 8.16 and 27.4%, respectively., Conclusions: Normal anthropometric features for healthy newborns on the basis of gestational age are very important for the diagnosis of a variety of congenital malformations or syndromes. In this study, antropometric measurements of the auricle in the healthy preterm and term newborns on the basis of gestational age in our region were noted. Similar anthropometric studies in the preterm and term newborns at different geographic and various socioeconomic areas should be performed to constitute normative data in the literature.

Objectives: Comprehensive examination of the internal nasal valve (INV) using objective methods., Study Design and Setting: In this prospective study, 248 nasal cavities were examined by nasal endoscopy, acoustic rhinometry (ARM), and rhinomanometry (RMM)., Results: Endoscopic examination allowed to suggest a novel classification of INV: convex, concave, sharp angle, blunt angle, twisted caudal border, and angle occupied by the septal body. The INV angle occupied with septal body type was found to have increased nasal resistances compared with the sharp-angled internal nasal valve type (P < 0.05). Convex, concave, and sharp-angle types of INV angles were found different (P < 0.01)., Conclusions: INV should be examined objectively before any INV surgery. A novel description of the INV configurations and their effects on nasal respiration found in this study may increase our understanding and lead surgical approaches more adequately. A surgical attempt to augment INV angle value may impact positively on nasal resistance., Ebm Rating: C-4.

Objective: The aim of this study was to reveal the anthropometric growth of auricula from birth to the age of 18 years and to bring out the dynamics of ear growth., Material and Methods: A total of 1552 children in 50 groups were evaluated. Six surface measurements were performed directly on the right auricle of the subjects: the length from the superaurale to subaurale, the width from the tragus to helix, the width from the tragus to antihelix, the conchal depth, the height from the helix to mastoid at superauraler level, and the height from the helix to mastoid at tragal level. The frequency of prominent ear deformity and the degree of attachment of the lobule were also noted., Results: Vertical auricular growth was complete in girls at the age of 11 and in boys at the age of 12, whereas the auricular width from the tragus to helix, the height from the helix to mastoid at superauraler level and the height from the helix to mastoid at tragal level were found almost complete at the age of 6. The auricular width from the tragus to antihelix attained its full size at 6 months for girls and 12 months for boys. The conchal depth was found almost complete at the age of 5 in both sexes. The incidence of prominent ear deformity and attached lobule was 9.8 and 26.5%, respectively., Conclusions: Different ear growth pattern and maturation size from previously published reports are obtained in different populations. There is still need for future studies comparing populations with different social and ethnic background to interpret common knowledge about the size of the ear. This study gives dimensional information and the growth pattern of the auricle, and therefore may reveal important implications for the adequate timing of the surgical treatment of auricular deformity.