Role of Electrode Placement as a Contributor to Variability in Cochlear Implant Outcomes

Suboptimal cochlear implant (CI) electrode array placement may reduce presentation of coded information to the central nervous system and consequently limit speech recognition

The Role of Inflammatory Mediators in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media and Sequelae

This review deals with the characteristics of various inflammatory mediators identified in the middle ear during otitis media and in cholesteatoma. The role of each inflammatory mediator in the pathogenesis of otitis media and cholesteatoma has been discussed. Further, the relation of each inflammatory mediator to the pathophysiology of the middle and inner ear along with its mechanisms of pathological change has been described. The mechanisms of hearing loss including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) as a sequela of otitis media are also discussed. The passage of inflammatory mediators through the round window membrane into the scala tympani is indicated. In an experimental animal model, an application of cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a bacterial toxin, on the round window membrane induced sensorineural hearing loss as identified through auditory brainstem response threshold shifts. An increase in permeability of the blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) was observed following application of these inflammatory mediators and LPS. The leakage of the blood components into the lateral wall of the cochlea through an increase in BLB permeability appears to be related to the sensorineural hearing loss by hindering K+ recycling through the lateral wall disrupting the ion homeostasis of the endolymph. Further studies on the roles of various inflammatory mediators and bacterial toxins in inducing the sensorineumral hearing loss in otitis media should be pursued

Christ Siemen Touraine Syndrome - A Case Report

Christ Siemen Touraine Syndrome [CST syndrome] more commonly referred to as anhidrotic/hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. It is a hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal development of certain tissues and structures of ectodermal origin. It is diffuse, nonprogressive disease characterized at birth and by involvement of epidermis plus atleast one of appendages (hair, sebaceous glands, nails, teeth or mucous glands). Hypotrichosis, hypodontia, hypohydrosis and occasional onychodysplasia are prominent features. It is an X-linked recessive disorder occurring in its full expression only in males, females as heterozygotes may be mildly affected. A case of 20 year old male with CST syndrome is discussed in this article