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[The artificial middle ear].

Artificial middle ear (AME) is a prosthesis created by the author which substitutes anatomically and functionally middle ear. From the anatomic point of view ossicular chain, tympanum, annulus tympanicus and the inner portion of external auditory meatus are substituted. Both dimensions and vibrating mass of the AME's components are very similar to those of the tympanum and ossicular chain. Physiologically AME substitutes vibrating function of the tympanum and transmission job of the ossicular chain. The neo-tympanum has columellar prosthesis attached to its centre and performs at the same time the task of the chain's superior ligament. AME is intraoperatorily assembled to allow the ideal position of neo-chain. Neo-tympanum can be, if needed, disassembled and reassembled on the bioceramic crown that support it in order to allow the tympanic cavity inspection. AME does not have to suffer periodic changes; it has unlimited life and does not induce inflammatory reactions. It is the result of a project which has been developed through ten years in continuous progress and improvement. Last generation's AME has been implanted in ten patients whose post-operatory control has lasted up to a maximum of 18 months. It performs a level of transmission similar to a residual mean GAP of 8.6 dB, which referred to those cases in which there was a good footplate mobility, comes down to 6.6 dB.

Ear, Middle↗

Effect of increased inner ear pressure on middle ear mechanics.

Velocity of malleus, umbo, and stapes footplate in response to stepwise increases up to +400 mm H2O in hydrostatic pressure of the inner ear was investigated in 10 fresh human temporal bones by using a laser Doppler interferometer. The sound-pressure input was 114 dB SPL, and the frequency range was 0.4 to 5.0 kHz. Static displacement of these sites was also measured by a video measuring system. When the inner ear pressure was increased, the malleus and stapes moved outward. Amplitude of umbo velocity decreased below 1.0 kHz with a slight increase around 2.0 kHz, whereas stapes velocity decreased at all frequencies with the major effect below 1.0 kHz. The phase angle of malleus umbo velocity advanced markedly in response to the increased inner ear pressure between 1.0 and 1.4 kHz. Change in the vibration of the umbo was thought to be primarily caused by an increased stiffness of the middle ear conduction system, and that of the stapes was caused by distention of the annular ligament and increased cochlear impedance produced by the increased inner ear pressure. These changes in TM vibration and its phase angle may help detect indirectly an elevation of inner ear pressure.

Aged↗

Atmospheric air vs. normal middle ear gas: effects on in vitro growth and collagen synthesis in normal middle ear fibroblasts.

The present study was undertaken to quantitate the effects of atmospheric air and normal middle ear gas on cultured fibroblasts obtained from normal rabbit middle ear mucosa. The cells were exposed to three different gas compositions: 7% O2:5% CO2:88% N2, 21% O2:5% CO2:74% N2, and 75% O2:5% CO2:20% N2. The growth was monitored by measuring the total content of cell protein, the amount of DNA, and the cell division activity. The activity of the synthetic apparatus was determined by the collagen synthesis. For comparison, rabbit skin fibroblasts were grown under identical conditions. The results demonstrated significantly higher replication rate of middle ear fibroblasts at 7% oxygen than at atmospheric air whereas the collagen synthesis was significantly lower at 7%. Furthermore, the responses varied significantly between rabbit middle ear and rabbit skin fibroblasts. Thus the present study substantiates the hypothesis of an influence of atmospheric air on the middle ear mucosa which might be of importance, e.g., in relation to insertion of ventilation tubes or longstanding perforations of the tympanic membrane in otitis media.

Animals↗

Composite graft tympanoplasty in the treatment of ears with advanced middle ear pathology.

In ears with advanced pathology, the functional and anatomical results of surgery are compromised by such factors as total perforation, tympanosclerosis, atelectasis, suppuration, or previous surgery. Perichondrium cartilage composite grafts (PCCGs) were used for membrane grafting in 550 such cases over a period of 5 years. In all, 197 tympanoplastic procedures of type I (25% with previous surgery) and 353 of type III (47% with previous surgery) were carried out. The graft was obtained from the tragus and/or the concha. Two slightly different surgical techniques of grafting were used. Closure of the eardrum perforation was successful in 92% of the procedures. An air-bone gap of less than or equal to 30 dB was obtained in 92.4% of tympanoplasty type I procedures and in 79% of tympanoplasty type III procedures. The conclusion drawn from the results is that PCCG is a reliable graft in cases of advanced destruction of the middle ear.

Cartilage↗

[Markers of epidermal proliferation in middle ear cholesteatoma].

Middle ear cholesteatoma is characterized by the presence in the middle ear cavity of a stratified squamous epithelium with keratin deposits which by constant proliferation leads to extensive bone destruction. The goal of this study was to evaluate, by immunohistochemical study, the expression of epithelial markers of proliferation--Ki-67 and PCNA in the matrix of cholesteatoma. The materials used in this study were 16 acquired cholesteatoma tissues collected from patients in the age 6-17 years during surgery. The specimens from the skin of the external ear canal were employed as the control. In the immunohistochemical specimens staining intensity and distribution of Ki67 and PCNA positive cells in various layers of the epithelium were assessed in three stages scale. The results were compared to the clinical parameters such as--type of cholesteatoma (pars flaccida or tensa), presence of ear discharge, degree of ossicular destruction and involvement of attic and mastoid. In the cholesteatoma matrix Ki-67 and PCNA positive cells were present in basal and suprabasal cell layers and also more superior layers, unlike the control skin were only basal cells show positive staining. The number of positive cells and intensity of staining was also greater in the cholesteatoma matrix than in skin of external auditory meatus. No correlation was found between results of immunohistochemical examination and clinical parameters.

Adolescent↗

Accuracy of tympanometric middle ear pressure determination in secretory otitis media: dose-dependent overestimation related to the viscosity and amount of middle ear fluid.

HYPOTHESIS: Tympanometric measurements of middle ear pressure in children with secretory otitis media are overestimated in a dose-response manner because of increased hysteresis explained by the viscosity and amount of middle ear fluid. BACKGROUND: Tympanometric middle ear pressure is important in evaluating children with secretory otitis media. These measurements are influenced by hysteresis appearing as a peak pressure difference in bidirectional tympanometry. This represents an inaccuracy of 0.5 x peak pressure difference, which is only 5 to 25 daPa in normal ears. However, previous experiments found increased hysteresis, suggesting an inaccuracy of 225 daPa in secretory otitis media ears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 56 patients with secretory otitis media, bidirectional tympanometry was performed; Type B curves were excluded. The middle ear fluid was semiquantified subsequently at surgery according to viscosity (serous, seromucoid, or mucoid) and amount (small, medium, or large). A control group included 28 normal children. Peak pressure difference was calculated by the difference between middle ear pressure determined by a positive and negative pressure sweep. RESULTS: Mean peak pressure difference was 10 and 69 daPa in the normal and secretory otitis media groups, respectively (p <0.001). However, peak pressure difference ranged to 205 daPa in the secretory otitis media group and showed a significant positive correlation to viscosity and amount of the fluid (both p <0.0001). CONCLUSION: Peak pressure difference is significantly increased in secretory otitis media because of additional damping explained by the viscosity and amount of the fluid. The mean error was 5 daPa in normal ears and 35 daPa in secretory otitis media ears, but ranged to greater than 100 daPa. These results were only a low estimate of the inaccuracy, because patients with Type B tympanograms could not be included, and errors of more than 100 daPa can be anticipated.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Microbiology of middle ear effusions from 292 patients undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for middle ear disease.

OBJECTIVE: Otitis media is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood illnesses. Ideally, culture directed therapy for otitis media would be available, however, the common approach is to treat infections with antibiotics that cover the most common pathogens. The objective of this study is to describe the pathogens cultured from the middle ear effusions (MEE) of patients that underwent tympanostomy tube placement for middle ear disease, compare these results with previous studies, and assess for trends suggestive of changes in the microbiology of these patients. METHODS: Patients were invited to participate after the decision to place ventilation tubes had been made. A standard anterior-inferior myringotomy was made for placement of the ventilation tube. After myringotomy, patients had their ears suctioned and all effusions were collected for microbiologic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients were enrolled in the study, a total of 270 MEE samples were taken. Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis were seen in 24 of 148 (16.2%) and 15 of 148 (10.1%), respectively. Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium species were each identified in 11 of the 148 pathogens isolated (7.4%). Streptococcus pneumoniae was identified in 6 of the 148 isolated pathogens (4.1%). CONCLUSION: Despite a high number of non-pathogenic bacteria, and a high number of culture negative effusions, we demonstrated pathogen rates consistent with other reports in the literature. Future directions include using more specific techniques such as PCR to better understand the microbiology of middle ear effusions.

Candida↗

Congenital perilymphatic fistula: computed tomography appearance of middle ear and inner ear anomalies.

Congenital perilymphatic fistula is an abnormal communication between the inner ear and middle ear. Inner ear anomalies have been described on computed tomography scans. Middle ear anomalies have been found at surgery; the most frequent are anomalies of the stapes and round window. This retrospective study describes the appearance of the inner and middle ear on computed tomography scans, and of the middle ear at surgery, in 10 patients (15 ears) in whom perilymphatic fistula was found at surgery. Twelve of 15 stapes were abnormal at surgery; 4 of these 12 (33%) could be seen on computed tomography scans. Two stapes normal at surgery were normal on computed tomography. Three round windows were abnormal at surgery; none of these was seen on computed tomography scans. There were also four dysplastic cochleas, four dysplastic vestibules, and three dilated vestibular aqueducts. Computed tomography scans identified an abnormal inner ear, middle ear, or both in 8 (53%) of the 15 ears with perilymphatic fistula. An inner ear or middle ear anomaly on computed tomography may heighten clinical suspicion of congenital perilymphatic fistula.

Adolescent↗

Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in human middle ear cholesteatoma.

Middle ear cholesteatoma is destructive to auditory ossicles and temporal bone, and treatment usually includes surgical removal of all epithelial content in the tympanomastoid cavity. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a 170 kd to 180 kd transmembrane glycoprotein and its distribution density is related to the ability of the keratinocytes to differentiate and their state of differentiation. We used the avidin-biotin complex technique and EGFR monoclonal antibody to evaluate the expression of EGFR in 29 cases of cholesteatoma and 34 samples of normal postauricular skin. Of patients with cholesteatoma, 79% (23 cases) had EGFR-positive cells in the basal layer, 66% (19 cases) in the parabasal layer, and 62% (18 cases) in the upper layer of the epithelial tissue. Among patients with normal postauricular skin, 85% (29 cases) had EGFR-positive cells in the basal layer, 79% (27 cases) in the parabasal layer, and 79% (27 cases) in the upper layer of the epithelial tissue. No statistical difference in EGFR expression between each layer of cholesteatoma and postauricular skin was noted. However, there was an intensity gradient of positive EGFR immunoreactivity from the basal to the higher layers in cholesteatoma. Our results showed that the distribution of EGFR in middle ear cholesteatoma is not deranged, but is similar to that in normal skin tissue.

Adult↗

[Reversible inner ear hearing loss in middle ear tuberculosis].

Middle ear tuberculosis in a female teacher aged 29 is reported. White necrotic areas were found on the skin of the remaining tympanic membrane and the auditory meatus, that stood out clearly against the healthy skin of the auditory meatus. The patient also had inner ear deafness. The function of the inner ear returned to normal after antituberculous therapy: a comparable course of this disease could not be found in the literature.

Antitubercular Agents↗

Evacuation of the middle ear by sniffing: a cause of high negative pressure and development of middle ear disease.

Previous research on eustachian tube function has been devoted mainly to the study of the tubal opening ability and pressure equalization. This article summarizes a series of experimental studies focusing on the closing ability of the tube. Results support the belief that the purpose of the tube should be seen primarily as protecting the middle ear from the extensive pressure variations that physiologically take place in the nasopharynx. A number of studies of diseased ears have shown that tubal malfunction was characterized mainly by a reduced ability to withstand negative pressure in the nasopharynx. Sniffing can evacuate the middle ear, causing high negative intratympanic pressure. It seems likely that this mechanism is involved in the development of middle ear effusion and manifest retraction-type middle ear disease.

Child↗

[Effects of Burow's solution as an ear drop on Intractable chronic suppurative diseases of the external ear canal and middle ear].

OBJECTIVE: Burow's solution was developed by Karl August von Burow in the 19th century as an ear drop. Thorp et al. reported its excellent effect on chronic suppurative otitis media in 1998. We applied Burow's solution to intractable chronic purulent diseases of the external and middle ear in the 12 months from February 2001. SUBJECTS: Subjects were 25 ears of 21 patients--35-79 years old, 10 men's ears and 15 women's ears--whose disease has continued for an average of 3.78 years. Diseases and patients are as follows: 1) 11 ears with postoperative mastoid cavity problems, 2) 7 ears with chronic external otitis and chronic eczema of the external ear canal, 3) 7 ears with fungal otitis externa, 4) 6 ears with chronic otitis media with perforation, and 5) 2 ears of chronic granulated myringitis. METHOD: The solution was dropped into the ear canal once a day for 10 min or cotton balls soaked with the solution were applied to the canal wall. Criteria of efficacy were divided into cured, effective and unchanged. RESULTS: 8/11 ears with a cavity problem were cured (72.7%) and 3 ears showed treatment to be effective. All 7 ears with chronic external otitis and chronic eczema were cured. All 7 ears with fungal otitis externa were cured. 4/6 ears (66.6%) with chronic perforated otitis media were cured and 1 ear each showed treatment to be effective and 1 unchanged. Two chronic granurated myringitis were cured. Twenty of 25 ears (80%) were cured. Pre- and posttreatment audiometries showed almost the same. The cure appeared within 3 days to 3 weeks. The solution was not effective against mucoid secretion, cholesteatoma, or residual mastoid cells. The day after treatment, serous secretion appears temporarily. CONCLUSION: Burows's solution is seemed to be very effective and nonototoxic as an otic drop for treating suppurative ear diseases.

Acetates↗

Autoregulation of human inner ear blood flow during middle ear surgery with propofol or isoflurane anesthesia during controlled hypotension.

UNLABELLED: We used controlled hypotension to obtain a bloodless cavity during middle ear surgery under an optical microscope. No previous study has assessed the effect of controlled hypotension on inner ear blood flow (IEF) autoregulation in humans receiving propofol or isoflurane anesthesia. In the present study, the IEF autoregulation was determined using laser Doppler flowmetry in combination with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) during controlled hypotension with sodium nitroprusside in 20 patients randomly anesthetized with propofol or isoflurane. A coefficient of IEF autoregulation (Ga) was determined during controlled hypotension, with a Ga value ranging between 0 (no autoregulation) and 1 (perfect autoregulation). During controlled hypotension with propofol, IEF remained stable (1%+/-6%; P > 0.05) but decreased by 25%+/-8% with isoflurane (P < 0.05). The Ga was higher during propofol anesthesia (0.62+/-0.03) than during isoflurane anesthesia (0.22+/-0.03; P < 0.0001). Under propofol anesthesia, there were individual relationships between TEOAE amplitude and change in IEF in four patients. Such a correlation was not observed under isoflurane anesthesia. These results suggest that human IEF is autoregulated in response to decreased systemic pressure. Furthermore, isoflurane has a greater propensity to decrease cochlear autoregulation and function than propofol. IMPLICATIONS: The present study shows that inner ear blood flow is autoregulated under propofol, but not isoflurane, anesthesia during controlled hypotension in humans during middle ear surgery. Further studies are needed to explore the postoperative auditory functional consequences of the choice of the anesthetic drug used in middle ear surgery.

Adult↗

[Effect size on resonance of the outer ear canal by simulation of middle ear lesions using a temporal bone preparation].

By means of a model of the external and the middle ear it is possible to simulate various, exactly defined pathological conditions of the middle ear and to describe their influence on ear canal resonance. Starting point of the investigations are fresh postmortem preparations of 8 human temporal bones with an intact ear drum and a retained skin of the ear canal. The compliance of the middle ear does not significantly differ from the clinical data of probands with healthy ears. After antrotomy it is possible to simulate pathological conditions of the middle ear one after the other at the same temporal bone. The influence of the changed middle ear conditions on ear drum compliance, ear canal volume and on the resonance curve of the external ear canal was investigated. For example, the middle ear was filled with water to create approximately the same conditions as in acute serous otitis media. In this middle ear condition a significant increase of the sound pressure amplification was found, on an average by 4 decibels compared to the unchanged temporal bone model. A small increase in resonance frequency was also measured. The advantages of this model are the approximately physiological conditions and the constant dimensions of the external and middle ear.

Acoustic Impedance Tests↗

Seasonal allergic rhinitis and its effects on eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure.

Middle ear pressure was recorded from 396 ears and aural symptoms inquired of 198 adult subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Evidence of eustachian tube dysfunction was found in 24% of subjects. Increased duration of exposure to pollen over a further 2 weeks increased the incidence of eustachian tube dysfunction to 48%. The development of eustachian tube dysfunction did not correlate with the severity of nasal symptoms.

Adolescent↗