Objectives To estimate the prevalence and risk factors for Noise-Induced Hearing Threshold Shift (NITS) in the U.S. adult population based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Methods This study population consisted of 5,418 individuals aged 20 to 69 years who had complete audiologic data from the NHANES database. Stringent criteria were used to define NITS. Prevalence of unilateral, bilateral and total NITS and their association with several sociodemographic and hearing related factors were evaluated. Results The prevalence of unilateral, bilateral and total NITS was 9.4%, 3.4% and 12.8% respectively. Prevalence of bilateral NITS was higher in subjects with older age, male gender, white (non-Hispanic) and Hispanic ethnicities, education level less than or equal to high school diploma, married/living with partner status, Mexico as country of birth, service in armed forces, smoking history, diabetes and different kinds of noise exposure. Odds of NITS were only higher in older people, males and smokers. Conclusion This study provides comprehensive information on the prevalence of NITS in the U.S. adult population and within the various risk factors. More targeted interventions may be done for educational, preventative, and screening purposes.

Objective:This case series was conducted to determine the clinical feasibility of a repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol for the prevention of migraine (with and without aura).Methods:Five patients with migraines underwent five repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions separated in 1- to 2-week intervals for a period of 2 months at a single tertiary medical center. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation was applied to the left motor cortex with 2000 pulses (20 trains with 1s inter-train interval) delivered per session, at a frequency of 10 Hz and 80% resting motor threshold. Pre- and post-treatment numerical rating pain scales were collected, and percent reductions in intensity, frequency, and duration were generated.Results:An average decrease in 37.8%, 32.1%, and 31.2% were noted in the intensity, frequency, and duration of migraines post-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, respectively. A mean decrease in 1.9±1.0 (numerical rating pain scale ± standard deviation; range: 0.4–2.8) in headache intensity scores was noted after the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions.Conclusion:The tested repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol is a well-tolerated, safe, and effective method for migraine prevention.

Objectives To image cholesteatoma using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and correlate the results with clinical findings and conventional observations obtained using binocular microscopy and histology. OCT is a high-resolution optical imaging modality that generates cross-sectional images of turbid media, such as tissue with resolution approaching that of light microscopy. OCT relies on intrinsic differences in tissue optical properties for image contrast. Study Design In vivo prospective clinical study. Setting University Medical Center. Patients Patients with cholesteatoma undergoing otologic surgery. Intervention Using a commercial OCT imaging system, we obtained cross-sectional images (resolution, ~10 μm; depth penetration, ~1 mm) of cholesteatomas. Main Outcome Measures Images are obtained by raster scanning a single mode fiber across the interior of the probe. The imaging probe is sterilized and inserted into the middle ear or mastoid under microscopic guidance, and still images of the middle ear or mastoid mucosa and cholesteatoma when present were obtained. Results OCT images of cholesteatomas demonstrate differences in signal intensity, which are distinct from those of normal or inflamed middle ear/mastoid mucosa. Identification of keratin in cholesteatoma, even if very thin, distinguished it from inflamed mucosa. Conclusion This is the first study that systematically used OCT to image cholesteatoma during otologic surgery. Cholesteatomas can be distinguished from normal or inflamed adjacent mucosa.

Standardized anatomic dimensions of the OEAC provide important measurements for design of novel in-the-canal hearing aids and specialized earplugs and assist in defining average sizes for canalplasty procedures.

This study examines the personality types of medical students applying to an otolaryngology residency. The results support a highly structured, data-driven teaching preference among applicants. These results may allow for a better understanding of the personalities of medical students who are interested in otolaryngology.