The objective of the study was the evaluation of outcomes of cochlear implantation (CI) in children with cochlear malformations. A retrospective case-control study was conducted in a tertiary referral centre. The patients were children with inner ear malformation judged by high-resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging treated with uni- or bilateral CI and a follow-up period of at least 3 years. They were matched with a control group of children operated for other reasons. The patients were operated by one of two surgeons using similar techniques including a standard perimodiolar electrode in all cases. The intervention was therapeutic and rehabilitative. The main outcome measures were category of auditory performance (CAP) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR). Eighteen children were diagnosed with cochlear malformations (12 % of children receiving CI). No statistical differences regarding CAP and SIR scores were found between the two groups. Only one child was diagnosed with a common cavity and performed below average. Children with auditory neuropathy performed beyond average. Children with cochlear malformations performed equally to children without malformation in the long term. Standard perimodiolar electrodes can be used despite cochlear malformations. The most important factors determining the outcome is the age of the child at the time of implantation and duration of hearing loss before CI. Awareness towards an increased risk of complications in case of inner ear malformations is recommended.

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CI was a safe procedure without surgical complications in the present study. It is possible to restore auditory capacity and speech performance to a degree comparable to children undergoing implantation for other reasons. A statistically important variable is secondary CNS involvement. The rehabilitation program after CI should be adjusted according to these additional handicaps. It is recommended to screen meningitis patients as fast as possible to identify those with hearing loss and initiate treatment with hearing aids or CI.

Study Objectives In this nationwide study, we used the unique Danish registries to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods We identified all Danish citizens receiving a diagnosis of OSA between 1995 and 2015. As a reference cohort, we randomly selected 10 citizens for each patient, matched by sex and birth year. Using the Fine and Gray competing risk regression, we estimated the cumulative incidences of suicide, and Cox proportional regression analysis was used to compare the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with OSA with the reference cohort. Results We identified 48,168 patients with OSA. A total of 135 patients had died by suicide, compared with 999 suicides in the reference cohort. Patients with OSA had an increased risk of dying by suicide when compared with the reference cohort (hazard ratio, 1.29; 95%CI, 1.07–1.55; and subhazard ratio, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.10-1.45). We identified 1,004 events of self-harm among patients with OSA, and 5,270 events in the reference group. The overall risk of self-harm was increased in patients with OSA when compared with the reference group (hazard ratio, 1.28; 95%CI, 1.19–1.37). Conclusion This is the first study to estimate the risk of suicide and deliberate self-harm in patients with OSA. We found that patients with OSA have an increased risk of both suicide and deliberate self-harm when compared with a large reference cohort, thereby highlighting the importance of a mental health screening in these patients.

A 59-year-old man presented with unilateral nasal congestion and discharge. Clinical examination revealed a mass in the floor of the nasal cavity. Sinus CT indicated a retained tooth or a dermoid cyst. It was removed by endoscopic surgery. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of a retained tooth. At follow-up, the patient reported no nasal symptoms. A retained nasal tooth is rare, and the symptoms are variable. It can resemble other diseases such as chronic rhinosinusitis. Surgical removal is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and eliminate symptoms.