The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the subjective Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and objective polysomnographic parameters that was compared in dichotomized groups of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with and without excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). A retrospective review of the 96 consecutive snoring patients suspected of OSA due to upper airway problems was performed. ESS score was assessed and EDS was considered present when the ESS score was >10. Polysomnography was performed for each patient. Comparisons of polysomnographic parameters between both groups of patients were performed using Mann-Whitney U-tests. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. EDS patients showed significantly greater body mass index (BMI), AHI and ODI, higher percentage of snoring time, a longer time length of SpO(2) < 90% and lower minimum SpO(2) compared to no EDS patients. There was no statistical difference in other sleep parameters. A positive correlation between the ESS score and BMI, percentage of snoring time, minimum SpO(2) and time length of SpO(2) < 90% was identified. Despite many controversies, our conclusion is that apnea/hypoxemia has considerable coherence to account for the EDS measured by ESS in OSA patients.

We consider that tinnitus interferes with sound localization ability and that interference is worse for sound originating from the same side as the tinnitus. Age is a worsening factor in sound localization ability.

The total number of neuronal cell bodies of the CAS did not differ significantly at each level between young and aged rats (p > 0.05). Serotonin expression was increased with age in the IC and MGB, but decreased in the CN, SON, and AC (p < 0.05). NMDAR was significantly higher in the CN, MGB, and AC of aged compared with young rats, but was significantly decreased over time in the SOC and IC (p < 0.05). GAD67 was increased with age in the MGB and AC and decreased in the CN and SON (p < 0.05), but was not changed in the IC.

No abstract