A questionnaire was sent to 101 Nucleus 22-channel cochlear implant recipients aged 65 years and older to investigate the perceived impact of cochlear implantation on their quality of life. The questionnaire was designed to gain insight into the patient's daily use of the Nucleus implant. Sixty-seven questionnaires were returned over a 3-month period. The results of the survey showed that elderly cochlear implant patients obtained similar benefits to younger adult patients who were implanted with the same device. We believe that the results of this study will aid other centers when counseling elderly patients on the expected daily functional benefits of this device.

Cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex is a newly recognized clinical entity distinct from cholesteatoma. Cholesterol granuloma usually produces symptoms of trigeminal, facial, and abducens nerve palsy and may not affect the auditory nerve. The characteristic computerized cranial tomographic (CCT) finding is a nonenhancing, smooth-walled, expansile lesion that is isodense with brain tissue in a patient with bilaterally well pneumatized mastoids and petrous apices. Treatment is limited to drainage of the cyst and insertion of a stent for permanent aeration of the petrous apex. Of ten cases of cholesterol granuloma of the petrous apex recently diagnosed at the Otologic Medical Group, the correct preoperative diagnosis was made in nine patients on the basis of CCT findings. Six of the nine patients had serviceable hearing preoperatively; serviceable hearing was maintained postoperatively in five patients.

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In malignant external otitis (MEO), determining the anatomic extent of disease and evaluating the physiologic response to therapy remain a problem. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has recently become available in limited clinical settings. Four patients with MEO were evaluated using MRI, computerized tomography (CT), technetium-99 (Tc-99) bone scanning, and gallium-67 citrate (Ga-67 citrate) scanning. MRI is superior to CT, Tc-99 bone scanning, and Ga-67 citrate scanning in evaluating the anatomic extent of soft tissue changes in MEO. MRI alone cannot be relied upon to determine the physiologic response to therapy. MRI can, however, serve as a valuable guide to the interpretation of Tc-99 bone and Ga-67 citrate scans, and in this respect, MRI is extremely useful in the treatment of MEO.

In summary, we believe that the endo-otoprobe system offers several advantages to the otologist. The system is safe and relatively inexpensive. The probes are designed to provide tactile feedback similar to that of standard otologic instruments and avoid the use of a cumbersome micromanipulator. There are currently shapes that are similar to a Rosen needle, Shea pick, and bayonet. We hope most otologists will find that one of the endo-otoprobes fits their particular style of surgery.