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Hearing impairment common, perhaps preventable, chronic disease among middle-aged adults

Hearing impairment is a common condition among middle-aged adults, affecting up to 29 million Americans. The study found that cardiovascular disease risk factors and noisy occupations are associated with an increased likelihood of hearing impairment. Early detection and prevention may be possible if the condition is detected early.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateFeb 21, 2011

Novel surgery removes rare tumor, rebuilds trachea

A team of surgeons at Henry Ford Hospital has successfully removed a rare malignant immature teratoma from an adult's trachea and rebuilt the airway using tissue and bone from the patient's arm. The patient is now able to speak and swallow normally, with only a temporary tracheostomy tube used for breathing assistance.

Sleep evaluation may help identify kids at risk for respiratory complications after tonsil surgery

A study found that preoperative polysomnography can predict adverse respiratory events after pediatric adenotonsillectomy, with patients experiencing higher apnea-hypopnea index and lower nadir oxygen saturation. The study also identified a higher body mass index in patients who experienced complications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJan 17, 2011

Outcomes after recurrence of oral cancer vary by timing, site

Patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who experience early or lymph node recurrence after initial treatment tend to have poorer outcomes. The study suggests that local recurrences within six months are associated with worse survival rates, while regional recurrences at longer intervals also negatively impact survival.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 20, 2010

Most patients can speak and swallow after combination treatment for head and neck cancer

A recent study found that most patients with advanced head and neck cancer experience minimal residual speech and swallowing deficits following combined chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Factors associated with worse outcomes included being female, having a history of smoking, or a tumor in the hypopharynx or larynx.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 20, 2010

Preservative-free nasal spray appears safe, remains sterile

A preservative-free, acidified nasal spray was found to be safe and effective at maintaining sterility in a small-scale study. The researchers evaluated the spray's impact on symptoms and microbial growth, finding no significant differences between the preservative-free and preservative-containing options.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 15, 2010

Narcotics and diagnostics overused in treatment of chronic neck pain

A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that narcotics and diagnostic tests are overused in treating chronic neck pain, with only 53% of subjects prescribed therapeutic exercise. The researchers suggest that evidence supports the effectiveness of rehabilitation conditioning and acupuncture as treatments for chronic neck pain.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 27, 2010

Report examines relationship between nasal zinc gels and loss of sense of smell

A report examines the relationship between nasal zinc gels and loss of sense of smell in patients. The study found that intranasal zinc gluconate therapy may be associated with a permanent reduction in sense of smell due to chemical injury. Experts recommend increased FDA oversight for homeopathic medications to monitor their safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 19, 2010

Socioeconomic status not associated with access to cochlear implants

Poor children with hearing loss have equal access to cochlear implants, but experience more complications and poor follow-up compliance compared to their higher-income peers. The study found a five-fold greater risk of complications in Medicaid-insured children, highlighting the need for improved access to these life-changing devices.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJul 19, 2010

Dinosaur research: Chew and stay small

Long-necked dinosaurs were able to grow extremely long necks due to their unique digestive system, which allowed them to chew and digest food more efficiently. This enabled them to browse their surroundings without having to move their large body weight.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalBiological Reviews·DateMay 11, 2010

Secondhand smoke exposure associated with chronic sinus disease

A study of 306 non-smoking patients found that those exposed to secondhand smoke at home, work, and social functions had a higher risk of developing chronic rhinosinusitis. Approximately 40% of cases were attributed to secondhand smoke exposure, highlighting the need for eliminating this public health problem.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateApr 19, 2010

Surgeons use neck muscle, surrounding tissue as lip implant

A new procedure using grafts of muscle and connective tissue from the neck has resulted in improved appearance for at least two years. The amount of vermilion showing increased by an average of 20 percent to 24 percent, while the average projection of the upper and lower lip increased by an average of 0.9 to 0.99 millimeters.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Facial Plastic Surgery·DateMar 15, 2010

Survey finds many surgeons suffer injuries from minimally invasive techniques

A comprehensive survey of 317 laparoscopic surgeons found that 87% experience physical symptoms or discomfort due to minimally invasive techniques. The study highlights the need for ergonomic solutions to address the risks associated with these procedures, which have already benefited millions of patients worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateFeb 1, 2010

Imaging techniques may help predict response to head and neck cancer treatment

A study found that combining positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) scans six to eight weeks after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer can identify patients who will respond to treatment. The test also showed high sensitivity and specificity in detecting residual disease and distant metastases.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 16, 2009

Study examines treatment for olfactory loss after viral infection

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that glucocorticoid medication and Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the sense of smell in individuals with previous olfactory loss due to upper respiratory infections. The treatment was effective regardless of whether it was used alone or in combination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 19, 2009

Neck surgery for cervical spine disorders found to alleviate associated headaches

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 3, 2009

How to text message and avoid pain

A study by Ewa Gustafsson found that young adults with neck, arm, or hand symptoms tend to use their mobile phones differently than healthy controls. They often text message while hunched over and use the single thumb technique, which can lead to increased stress on hands and reduced breaks.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateJun 23, 2009

Many children with hearing loss also have eye disorders

A study found that nearly 1 in 5 children with sensorineural hearing loss also have ocular disorders. Genetic testing showed that GJB2 mutations are associated with hearing loss but not additional anomalies. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems can benefit these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateFeb 16, 2009

Exercise underutilized for chronic back and neck pain

Individuals with chronic back and neck pain are less likely to receive exercise prescriptions, with physical therapists prescribing it most frequently. Exercise is a moderately effective therapy for this highly disabling illness, but its underutilization may hinder treatment outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJan 29, 2009