Ear Trumpet version 1.0.2 is a compact and simple mobile application on the Apple iPhone 5 that can measure hearing loss with reliable results.

ObjectivesGentamicin is a potent aminoglycoside antibiotic. Ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity are the main side effects which restrict the use of gentamicin. Garlic with its intrinsic antioxidant activity may prove beneficial in prevention from ototoxicity. S-allylmercaptocysteine (SAMC), diallyl disulfide (DD), and S-allylcysteine (SAC) are three active compounds found in garlic. In this study, we investigated the effect of SAMC, DD, and SAC on the ototoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats, by using brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA).MethodsThirty male Wistar rats with intact Preyer’s reflex initially weighing 220–260 g were randomly assigned to either the gentamicin injection with SAMC treatment group (Genta-w SAMC), DD treatment group (Genta-w DD), SAC treatment group (Genta-w SAC), gentamicin injection without any active compounds (AC) treatment groups (Genta-w/o AC), or control group (n=6 rats each group). Gentamicin was given 120-mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneally once daily for 25 days to subjects in all groups except the control group. SAMC 100-mg/kg, and DD 50-mg/kg body weight were given intragastrically, and SAC 250-mg/kg body weight was given intraperitoneally once daily to subjects in Genta-w SAMC, and Genta-w DD, and Genta-w SAC groups, respectively during the study. After 25 days hearing thresholds were evaluated by using BERA test.ResultsThe mean amplitude of auditory thresholds (sensation level [SL]) measured by using BERA for the Genta-w SAMC, Genta-w DD, Genta-w SAC, Genta-w/o AC, and control groups were 22±8, 25±5, 30±9, 54±11, and 10±7 dB SL, respectively (mean±SD). The differences between every active compound group (Genta-w SAMC, Genta-w DD, and Genta-w SAC) and Genta-w/o AC were statistically significant (P<0.016).ConclusionSAMC, DD, and SAC are derivative of garlic seems to attenuate aminoglycoside-induced hearing loss. The effect of SAMC and DD seems to be more prominent than that of SAC.

Objective: To evaluate resonance frequency (RF) values via dehydration effects in the inner ear caused by the glycerol test, which is used as a diagnostic method for Ménière’s disease (MD). Methods: Twenty adult patients with unilateral MD were included in the study. Before, and then at 1, 2, and 3 h after administration of glycerol (1 g/kg), pure-tone hearing levels (125–8,000 kHz) and multifrequency tympanometry tests were performed. As a control, the RF values of the ears of 25 healthy subjects (i.e., 50 ears) were compared to the affected and unaffected ears in the 20 MD patients. Results: There was a significant difference between the RF values of affected and healthy ears before glycerol administration (p = 0.047). The RF values before and after glycerol administration into affected ears were compared. The average RF values decreased significantly from 748.0 ± 402.1 to 808.0 ± 410.1 Hz at 1 h after glycerol intake, and this value increased during the subsequent hours. There were no statistically significant differences between the pure-tone levels before and 1 h after glycerol administration, but a significant decrease was observed at 3 h. Conclusion: We suggest that MD has different inner-ear dynamics and normal RF values when compared to healthy ears. Furthermore, decreased inner ear pressure causes reduction of the mass effect and a stiffening of the annular ligament. We conclude that pre- and post-RF tests should be added to the test battery for diagnosis of MD.

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Objectives Topical nasal steroids are a common treatment intervention for olfactory dysfunction. Penetration of topical treatment to the olfactory cleft (OC), such as nasal drops, is greatly dependent on the position of the head when the treatment is administered. We aimed to examine the penetrance of nasal drops to the OC in two different head positions: the Mygind (lying head back) position and the Kaiteki position. Design and Setting The specimens were firstly positioned in Mygind, and thereafter in Kaiteki positions. Nasal drops mixed with blue food dye were administered into the nostrils in each of the head position. Endoscopic videos were recorded, and two blinded observers scored the extent of olfactory cleft penetration (OCP) using a 4‐point scale (0 = none, 3 = heavy). Participants Twelve fresh‐frozen cadaver specimens. Main outcome measures Penetration of the dye into the OC. Results The mean score of nasal drops penetrance to the OC in the Mygind position was 1.34 (standard deviation, SD = 0.92), as compared to 1.76 (SD = 0.65) in the Kaiteki position. The difference in the OCP score between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). Conclusion Both Mygind and Kaiteki head positions are reasonable options for patients considering topical nasal drops for olfaction impairment. The preference of one position over the other should be determined by patient's preference and comfort.