Fast-Tracking of Publication Times of Otolaryngology Papers During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction The outbreak of COVID-19 has produced an unprecedented number of trials and articles

Two Brief Group Interventions for Individuals with Tinnitus in Israel

Background/Aims: Subjective tinnitus is a common impairment throughout the world and typically cannot be cured. Coping strategies are cognitive, affective, and behavioural approaches for managing stressors like tinnitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two brief interventions on coping and tinnitus-related distress. Methods: A total of 45 individuals with tinnitus in Israel were allocated into one of three groups: acceptance and commitment therapy, coping effectiveness training, or a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at three time points by the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, a measure of tinnitus-related distress. Results: There was a significant difference among the groups on post-intervention Tinnitus Handicap Inventory assessment, but not on coping, when controlling for baseline scores. Pairwise comparisons indicated that the coping effectiveness training group scored significantly lower on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory than the waitlist control group. Conclusions: While the results are promising, a larger study is needed to further explore the efficacy of the brief coping effectiveness training intervention

Datasheet3_Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube using endovascular balloon under local anesthesia—a case series and systematic literature review.docx

ObjectiveTo report a novel technique in Balloon Dilation of Eustachian Tube (BDET) using an endovascular balloon (EVB), in a prospective cohort. The results are compared with reported outcomes using standard balloons.MethodsDemographic information and clinical parameters were collected prospectively fora series of patients with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). Balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty was performed under local anesthesia in a tertiary referral center, using the EVB. Systematic literature review was used for comparison, using Medline via “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “Web of Science”.ResultsEight OETD candidates (12 ears) were enrolled; 5 males and 3 females. Average age was 48 (range −23 to 63) years. The most common presenting symptom was aural fullness (9/12), followed by ear pressure (7/12), hearing loss (5/12) and tinnitus (4/12). Otoscopically, tympanic membrane retraction was evident in 10/12 ears, the majority of which was class II—Sade classification. Pre-operative tympanogram was type B and C in 7 and 5 ears, respectively. All BDETs were performed without complications. Post-operative tympanometry was A in 8/12 ears. Post-operatively, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 results reduced to within normal limits (average score ≤3) in 11/12 ears (p = 0.0014). The systematic literature review included 6 papers (193 patients, 262 ETs) with comparable results, most also with little adverse effects.ConclusionBDET using an EVB is a safe and effective option for OETD. It is well tolerated under local anesthesia in properly selected individuals. The reduced procedural cost may be an important factor in certain healthcare jurisdictions.</p

Datasheet2_Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube using endovascular balloon under local anesthesia—a case series and systematic literature review.docx

ObjectiveTo report a novel technique in Balloon Dilation of Eustachian Tube (BDET) using an endovascular balloon (EVB), in a prospective cohort. The results are compared with reported outcomes using standard balloons.MethodsDemographic information and clinical parameters were collected prospectively fora series of patients with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). Balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty was performed under local anesthesia in a tertiary referral center, using the EVB. Systematic literature review was used for comparison, using Medline via “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “Web of Science”.ResultsEight OETD candidates (12 ears) were enrolled; 5 males and 3 females. Average age was 48 (range −23 to 63) years. The most common presenting symptom was aural fullness (9/12), followed by ear pressure (7/12), hearing loss (5/12) and tinnitus (4/12). Otoscopically, tympanic membrane retraction was evident in 10/12 ears, the majority of which was class II—Sade classification. Pre-operative tympanogram was type B and C in 7 and 5 ears, respectively. All BDETs were performed without complications. Post-operative tympanometry was A in 8/12 ears. Post-operatively, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 results reduced to within normal limits (average score ≤3) in 11/12 ears (p = 0.0014). The systematic literature review included 6 papers (193 patients, 262 ETs) with comparable results, most also with little adverse effects.ConclusionBDET using an EVB is a safe and effective option for OETD. It is well tolerated under local anesthesia in properly selected individuals. The reduced procedural cost may be an important factor in certain healthcare jurisdictions.</p

Datasheet1_Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube using endovascular balloon under local anesthesia—a case series and systematic literature review.docx

ObjectiveTo report a novel technique in Balloon Dilation of Eustachian Tube (BDET) using an endovascular balloon (EVB), in a prospective cohort. The results are compared with reported outcomes using standard balloons.MethodsDemographic information and clinical parameters were collected prospectively fora series of patients with obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction (OETD). Balloon dilation Eustachian tuboplasty was performed under local anesthesia in a tertiary referral center, using the EVB. Systematic literature review was used for comparison, using Medline via “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “Web of Science”.ResultsEight OETD candidates (12 ears) were enrolled; 5 males and 3 females. Average age was 48 (range −23 to 63) years. The most common presenting symptom was aural fullness (9/12), followed by ear pressure (7/12), hearing loss (5/12) and tinnitus (4/12). Otoscopically, tympanic membrane retraction was evident in 10/12 ears, the majority of which was class II—Sade classification. Pre-operative tympanogram was type B and C in 7 and 5 ears, respectively. All BDETs were performed without complications. Post-operative tympanometry was A in 8/12 ears. Post-operatively, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 results reduced to within normal limits (average score ≤3) in 11/12 ears (p = 0.0014). The systematic literature review included 6 papers (193 patients, 262 ETs) with comparable results, most also with little adverse effects.ConclusionBDET using an EVB is a safe and effective option for OETD. It is well tolerated under local anesthesia in properly selected individuals. The reduced procedural cost may be an important factor in certain healthcare jurisdictions.</p