Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Ear”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Distribution of ear drops in normal ears.

Ear drops are prescribed widely with little thought for the distribution inside the ear canal. This study compares the distribution of water and oil based drops. The results indicate that, under the test conditions, the penetration of ear drops is extremely variable. Water provided the greatest overall coverage, while the most viscous drops fared worst. It is suggested that in diseased ears even poorer penetration may result, which may explain the lack of response in some circumstances.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

A randomized prospective trial to compare four different ear packs following permeatal middle ear surgery.

Surgeons choice of an ear pack is dictated by availability, previous training and personal preference. There has been no recent prospective study evaluating the use of different types of ear packs. This randomized prospective study compares the use of BIPP impregnated ribbon gauze (Aurum), Pope wicks (Xomed-Teace), silastic sheeting (Dow Corning) and tri-adcortyl ointment (Squibb) as an ear dressing following 'clear' middle ear procedures via a permeatal approach. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in post-operative pain and discomfort experienced, neither was there any significant difference regarding the otolaryngologist's assessment of the degree of canal granulation, stenosis or discharge with the above named packs. This study concludes that non-traditional dressings such as tri-adcortyl ointment or simply a thin silastic sheet placed on the drum are no worse than time honoured BIPP. They have, as well, the advantage of being well-tolerated by the patients.

Bandages↗
PubMed1991

[Tensile strength of the stapes footplate. Pressure-induced inner ear damage in operated ears caused by TORP prostheses?].

In a recent textbook concerning ear surgery, it is recommended to put some connective tissue on the stapes footplate before introducing a TORP. This should avoid penetration of the shaft of the TORP into the inner ear. Experimental studies were performed to estimate the pressure needed for pushing a TORP through the footplate. We found those pressures to be much higher than those which might occur by increasing pressure in the external ear canal or decreasing pressure in the middle ear. This means that perforations of the footplate are not due to one big event of changing pressure, but rather by chronic irritations or foreign body reactions. Anyhow, we consider the protection of the footplate by a layer of connective tissue to be very useful.

Ear, Middle↗
PubMed2001

Inner ear autoantibodies and their targets in patients with autoimmune inner ear diseases.

Immunological mechanisms are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of some cochleo-vestibular diseases. This study attempts to present further evidence of autoantibodies reactive against guinea pig inner ear proteins found in patients with autoimmune inner ear diseases (AIED) and specifically identifies the main target antigens of these antibodies. Sera from 110 patients with a clinical diagnosis of either rapidly progressive sensorineural hearing loss (n = 32). Ménière's disease (n = 41), sudden deafness (n = 6) or other aetiologies of hearing loss (n = 11) were screened by the Western blot technique. Forty-four percent of the patients' sera had antibodies to several inner ear proteins, of which the 30, 42 and 68 kDa proteins were found to be the most reactive. These highly reactive proteins were identified by gas-phase micro sequencing after digestion with trypsin and separation of peptide fragments by high-performance liquid chromatography. A partial sequence of each protein was determined. These data, together with those obtained from 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by Western blotting, demonstrated that the 30 and 42 kDa inner ear proteins are the major peripheral myelin protein P0 and the beta-actin protein, respectively, while sequence analysis indicated that the 68 kDa protein is novel. These findings further support the hypothesis that several populations of antibodies may contribute to the enhanced immunological activity of AIED patients. They also add a new dimension to our knowledge of AIED and may open new avenues in the development of simple serological assays, which are easier to perform and more rapid than Western blotting.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Continuous long-term measurements of the middle ear pressure in subjects without a history of ear disease.

A new method was used for continuous measurement of the middle ear (ME) pressure during a 24-h period. In 10 subjects without a history of ear disease a small perforation was made through the tympanic membrane. A tight rubber stopper containing a small polyethylene tube was fitted into the external ear canal. Conventional tubal function tests were performed. The equipment was then carried by the subjects for 24 h of normal activity to monitor any slow or rapid dynamic pressure change in the ME. Body position was found to be the most important factor affecting ME pressure variation, during the 24-h continuous pressure measurements. A significant pressure rise occurred in the recumbent position in all but one subject. Few rapid pressure equilibrations were seen during the recordings, indicating few tubal openings. This implies that the pressure changes in the ME seen in this study were mainly the result of gas exchange over the mucosa. The investigation might be a base for reference when investigating different kinds of pathologic conditions in the ear.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Ear lobe reconstruction with a posterior ear flap. Case reports.

We describe a technique for reconstruction of the ear lobe. Although there are many procedures that aim to reconstruct the ear lobe naturally, the aesthetic results of using a posterior ear flap are better because the scar tissue that remains behind the ear is invisible.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Middle ear cavity and ear canal pressure-driven stapes velocity responses in human cadaveric temporal bones.

Drive pressure to stapes velocity (V(st)) transfer function measurements are collected and compared for human cadaveric temporal bones with the drive pressure alternately on the ear canal (EC) and middle ear cavity (MEC) sides of the tympanic membrane (TM), in order to predict the performance of proposed middle-ear implantable acoustic hearing aids, as well as provide additional data for examining human middle ear mechanics. The chief finding is that, in terms of the V(st) response, MEC stimulation performs at least as well as EC stimulation below 8 kHz, provided that the EC is unplugged. Plugging the EC causes a reduced response for MEC drive below 2 kHz, due to a corresponding reduction of the pressure difference between the two sides of the TM. Between 8 and 11 kHz, the MEC drive transfer functions feature an approximately 17 dB drop in magnitude below the EC drive case, the cause of which remains unknown. The EC drive transfer functions reported here feature significantly less magnitude roll-off above 1 kHz than previous studies [with a slope of -2.3 vs -6.7 dB/octave for Aibara et al., Hear. Res. 152, 100-109 (2001)], and significantly more phase group delay (134 vs 62 micros for Aibara et al.).

Artifacts↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of the 26-kilodalton outer membrane protein and two P5 fimbrin-derived immunogens to induce clearance of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae from the rat middle ear and lungs as well as from the chinchilla middle ear and nasopharynx.

The rat middle ear and lung clearance model has been used to show that the nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae 26-kDa outer membrane protein OMP26 is highly efficacious as a mucosal immunogen, inducing significantly enhanced clearance in immunized rats upon direct challenge of these two anatomic sites. Similarly, the chinchilla model of middle ear and nasopharyngeal clearance has been used to show that two P5 fimbrin adhesin-derived immunogens, LB1 and lipoprotein D (LPD)-LB1(f)(2,1,3), are highly efficacious as parenteral immunogens. Both induced significantly augmented clearance of nontypeable H. influenzae upon challenge of these sites. Here, these three nontypeable H. influenzae immunogens in addition to six bovine serum albumin and keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugates of the synthetic peptide LB1(f) were assayed for relative efficacy in the reciprocal rodent model system. OMP26 was assayed in the chinchilla host by a parenteral immunization route, with clearance of the middle ear and nasopharynx used as outcome measures. Both LB1 and LPD-LB1(f)(2,1,3) were assayed in the rat host with a mucosal immunization route and clearance of nontypeable H. influenzae from the lungs and middle ears as outcome measures. Both of the immunogens were found to induce a high-titered and specific immune responses in the heterologous host system. Moreover, each was found to be highly efficacious in the reciprocal host system, providing strong support for the continued development and inclusion of both OMP26 and P5 fimbrin-derived peptides as candidate vaccine antigens directed at otitis media caused by nontypeable H. influenzae.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2004

[Smoking cessation with ear acupuncture. Descriptive study on patients after a smoking cessation treatment with ear acupuncture].

BACKGROUND: In complementary medicine literature studies on long-term observation of one of its methods are rare. OBJECTIVE: The present study is an evaluation of the smoking behavior of patients treated with ear acupuncture for smoking cessation. Additionally we investigated factors that favor or impede smoking cessation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 249 patients who had undergone ear acupuncture for smoking cessation between 1985 and 1998 in a practice in Aarau (Switzerland) were asked before the first treatment to fill in a form regarding their smoking behavior and retrospectively in autumn 1998 a questionnaire regarding the success of therapy. Ear acupuncture treatment consisted of 2 consultations at an interval of 10 days. The responder rate was 53.8% (134 questionnaires were returned). Finally the data of 126 persons could be evaluated. RESULTS: The Kaplan Meier analysis of the abstinence time yielded a one-year success rate of 41.1%. Men gave up smoking more easily than women. Start of smoking as well as start of treatment between the age of 20 and 40 years were favorable conditions for smoking cessation. People who had smoked 20 cigarettes or more per day before treatment profited the best. For people who smoked as a way of passing the time or because of tediousness it was easier to stop smoking than for people smoking because of nervousness. People living in a non-smoker household were able to stop smoking significantly easier than persons living in a smoker household. CONCLUSIONS: With a one-year success rate of 41.1% ear acupuncture is a competitive alternative to orthodox medicine withdrawal methods. Acupuncture treatment can be applied and adapted individually, furthermore it is economical and without side effects.

Acupuncture, Ear↗
PubMed1988

Relation between the onset of chronic middle ear inflammation and the development of the middle ear air cell system.

The relation between the onset of chronic middle ear inflammation and the degree of pneumatization was investigated in porcine tympanic bullae, which closely resemble the human mastoid air cell system. Pneumatization was inhibited in all inflamed ears, and the later the induction of otitis media, the lesser the degree of inhibition of pneumatization. It was concluded that chronic middle ear inflammation inhibits the development of the middle ear air cell system, and the time of onset plays an important role in the degree of pneumatization.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Extraction of inner ear antigens for studies in inner ear autoimmunity.

The search for a diagnostic assay in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease has led to the preparation of antigens from the inner ear, a presumed target in this disorder. In order to standardize the antigen preparations currently being used in the Western blot immunoassay, we have examined several distinct extraction procedures that employ well-known solutions and detergents. Results of this investigation clearly show that antigens of interest (68 kd, 33 to 35 kd, and 32 kd) are optimally extracted with a detergent (0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate) and that bovine serum albumin, a potential contaminant, can be removed in the water-soluble fractions. Purification of inner ear antigens by these methods will lead to more reproducible results in immunoblotting, as well as a greater opportunity to identify the mechanisms involved in autoimmune inner ear disease.

Antigens↗
PubMed2002

Effects of age and size in the ears of gekkonomorph lizards: middle-ear sensitivity.

Previous studies of electrophysiological audiograms in gekkonomorph lizards revealed greater sensitivity in adults than in juveniles. We investigated whether this difference, as far as it is affected by the middle ear, is due to animal age or size. The velocity transfer function of the tympanic membrane (TM) was examined using laser interferometry in nine samples: adults of three large gekkonomorph species, adults of three small species (each related to one of the former), and juveniles of the large species, their sizes matching those of the small-species adults. Each transfer function exhibited an inverted 'V' or 'U' shape, with the velocity of TM motion peaking in the mid-frequency range and becoming poorer at lower and higher frequencies. Among samples, maximum TM velocity correlated with animal length, perhaps because of a damping change in the larger TM. The frequency at maximum velocity negatively correlated with measurements of TM area. Presumably, with a larger TM area, the best frequency shifted downward because of increased middle-ear mass or decreased stiffness. The bandwidth of the transfer function negatively correlated with animal length, being broader in smaller animals and sharper in larger animals. This effect can be attributed to increased mass, decreased damping, or both. Among the middle-ear morphological measurements, the one most closely correlated with body length was the length of the extracolumellar anchorage at the TM. Among the physiological variables investigated, maximum velocity was negatively correlated with the frequency at which it occurred. The dependence of these transfer function variables on animal and ear size was similar, regardless of whether the comparison was among adults of species of different sizes, or among age classes within a species, so that age differences appear to be largely the result of size differences.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1992

Influence of middle ear immune response on the immunological state and function of the inner ear.

According to clinical experience, a causative correlation between otitis media and sensorineural hearing loss is likely. During an otitis media, inflammatory mediators should be released and diffuse through the round window membrane to cause an immune response of the inner ear. Using 20 guinea pigs, an immunologically caused otitis media was induced. Auditory evoked potentials were registered by means of electrocochleography and electric response audiometry from day 0 to day 7. Each time, before and after starting the immune response serum, middle ear effusion and perilymph were sampled and the concentration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) analyzed. Decalcified temporal bones were examined immunohistochemically. In this study, IL-2 was found in the middle ear effusion and perilymph, and there was evidence of an immune response of the inner ear during an otitis media. Histological results were in close correlation with this event. Electrophysiological data showed conduction deafness and signs of sensorineural hearing loss with a maximum at day 3.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

A study of neurotransmitters in human inner ear. Preservation of human temporal bone and value of organ donation for inner ear research.

Twenty-nine human temporal bones (TBs) from 3 different groups of patients were used to investigate an effective preservation method of the inner ear and to study the suitability of TBs from organ donors for human inner ear research. Inner ears were fixed by perilymphatic perfusion and immersion fixation. Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activities were detected either by an indirect immunostaining method or by the peroxidase-anti-peroxidase (PAP) technique. The results show that the cytoarchitecture of the sensory epithelia is excellently preserved in specimens fixed within 2 h after death. ChAT- and GABA-immunoreactivities were revealed in the efferent nerve endings and fibers of the cochlea. Morphological preservation of the sensory epithelia was also good in specimens fixed within 5 h after death. However, inner ear sensory epithelia of organ donors that had died from head trauma and were in the definite brain death state for at least 7 1/2 h were severely damaged and showed cellular debris due to autolysis, although they were fixed within 2 1/2 h after death. The mechanisms underlying this damage of the sensory epithelia are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Diagonal ear-lobe crease: possible significance as cardio-vascular risk factor and its relationship to ear-acupuncture.

The diagonal ear-lobe crease, detectable especially after the age of 40, is still accepted as a sign of coronary heart disease risk. In the literature some authors report an association between anxiety and coronary heart disease. In our work a group of 143 patients with ear-lobe crease showed - in both sexes and in all examined decades (5th, 6th, 7th) - higher levels of anxiety than in the control group. The possible significance of the crease has been considered on the grounds of present knowledge of ear-acupuncture and the somatotopic mapping of CNS on the ear-lobe.

Acupuncture Points↗
PubMed2004

Gain and maximum output of two electromagnetic middle ear implants: are real ear measurements helpful?

We compared the output of two electronic middle ear implants: the Otologics MET device and the Vibrant Soundbridge device. Both devices were programmed in the linear amplification mode. Aided minus unaided sound pressure levels recorded in the ear canal (objective gain) were compared to unaided minus aided soundfield thresholds (functional gain) in 13 patients with severe sensorineural hearing loss. In addition, input/output characteristics were studied with the help of ear canal measurements. Objective gain was consistently lower than functional gain, with wide variation between patients and frequencies. Using input/output data measured in the ear canal in combination with functional gain data, the mean maximum output of the two devices was estimated, expressed in dB SPL. In comparison to NAL-R target values, (functional) gain was adequate; however, the maximum output was low, especially for the Vibrant Soundbridge device.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Bilingual men but not women display less left ear but not right ear accuracy during dichotic listening compared to monolinguals.

Thirty monolingual university men and women and 33 bilingual university men and women who had learned English after 5 years of age were administered Roberts' Dichotic Word Listening Test. The bilingual men committed twice the numbers of errors for words presented to the left ear but not to the right ear or to both ears when compared to the bilingual women, the monolingual men, or the monolingual women. The latter three groups did not differ significantly from each other. This interaction between sex and language history explained about 16% of the variance in the numbers of errors for the left ear. The results are related to other studies that showed men who acquired English after the age of 5 years exhibited a relative weakness for verbal memory but not for figural memory compared to bilingual women or monolingual men and women. Implications for the relative accuracies of verbal memory are considered.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Middle ear ototoxic treatment for inner ear disease.

Twenty-nine patients seriously disabled by Ménière's disease due to frequent attacks were treated with Gentamicin administered in the middle ear once daily until first sign of an inner ear disturbance, usually a spontaneous nystagmus and a sensation of unsteadiness. All patients except one were relieved from their vertiginous attacks and returned to normal activities. Tinnitus was usually diminished or absent, as was the feeling of pressure in the ear. The hearing was slightly improved in 5 patients, worse in 9 patients and two treated ears became deaf. The indication for an intratympanal treatment with Gentamicin should be a disabling form of Ménière's disease not responding to medical treatment. The risk for the cochlea increases after 6 days of treatment. The advantage versus intracranial surgery is the absence of the surgical risks for complications. The mode of action exerted by the ototoxic drug is a destruction of the vestibular sensory epithelium and the endolymph producing cells.

Adult↗