Objective: Otitis media (OM) is a common disease in childhood, but much less prevalent in adults, where it, however, tends to have a less benign course. The incidence of OM in children has decreased in recent years, which might be partly explained by the introduction of watchful waiting strategies, and by the introduction of conjugate pneumococcal vaccination (PCV) in children. Adult OM has been sparsely studied, and it is not known whether a herd immunity effect has been achieved after the introduction of PCV. Watchful waiting is usually not considered in adult OM patients. The purpose of this study was to use a national database to investigate the incidence of adult OM in Sweden during the last 20 years. Design: The yearly number of patients aged 20 and over, admitted to hospital with OM was obtained through a national database from 2000 to 2019. The corresponding numbers for outpatients were obtained between 2005 and 2019. Main outcome measures: incidence of acute otitis media in adults in in- and outpatient care. Results: Incidence rates decreased steadily during the study period. Comparing data on hospitalised patients from 2016-2019 to 2005-2008 (PCV was introduced in 2009), the incidence rate ratio was 0.49 (95% CI 0.45-0.53); p<0.0001. The corresponding figures for outpatients were 0.62 (95% CI 0.61-0.63); p<0.0001. The decrease in hospital admissions was most pronounced among younger patients, whereas the opposite was true for outpatient visits. Conclusions: There has been a continuous decrease in incidence of adult patients admitted to hospital with OM in Sweden during the last twenty years. Outpatient visits for OM have declined since 2009.

Key Points  Transoral resection for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer has become popular.  Transoral conventional interrupt knot tying suturing for oral/oropharyngeal defect often requires time.  Transoral barbed knotless continuous suture could reduce operation time with a comparable complication rate.  Knotless barbed suture provides appropriate tension and secure closure with multiple anchors.  Transoral barbed knotless suture is particularly advantageous in deep and narrow areas.

Objectives: Mental-health issues accounted for 418 million disability-adjusted life years in 2019, costing the world economy approximately US$5 trillion. Untreated hearing loss is a well-known modifiable risk factor for mental-health issues, with severe-to-profound hearing loss having the largest impact. Therefore, treatment of severe-to-profound hearing loss, namely with cochlear implantation, could help to alleviate psychological distress. However, previous studies have failed to include comprehensive measures of mental health or adequate controls. The current study thus aimed to conduct a controlled, longitudinal investigation of how cochlear implantation affects depression, anxiety, and stress levels. Participants: Participants were 87 adults assigned to conditions based on hearing status: normal hearing ( n = 44), received cochlear implant ( n = 26), or untreated hearing loss ( n = 17). Main Outcome Measures: The short-form Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was given at four timepoints (baseline, three months, six months, 12 months). Data were analysed with linear mixed-effects modelling. Results: Results showed that cochlear implants helped to stabilise anxiety and stress symptoms, while depression symptoms were observed to worsen over time despite treatment. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that treatment of severe-to-profound hearing loss with cochlear implantation can help to alleviate associated anxiety and stress symptoms; associated depressive symptoms did not benefit. Due to the current study’s non-randomised treatment allocation, future randomised controlled trials are required for confirmation. The present findings help inform clinical and societal interventions for mental-health issues associated with hearing loss.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify factors that could influence the repair of eardrum perforation using cartilage graft (or cartilage tympanoplasty) in children. Methods: A cohort of children operated on between January 1998 and December 2012 was reviewed. We have studied the repair rate of the eardrum (anatomical result) and the hearing level with audiometric tests (functional result) at 1 year and 3 years after surgery. These results were correlated with size or location of the perforation, status of the contralateral ear, gender, allergies, cleft palate, craniofacial anomalies, expertise of the surgeon (junior, senior) and perioperative observations (mucosa, glue, etc.). Results: 1240 tympanoplasties were selected from the database, of which 139 ears (127 patients) could be analysed (perforation without concurrent disease, authorisation from patients obtained and sufficient information reported). Mean age at surgery was 9.6 years ± 2.6 (range 4-16). At one year, 129/139 (93%) tympanic membranes were closed and 112/139 (81%) were satisfactory (no residual perforation, nor retraction, cholesteatoma, myringitis or OME). Air-bone gap was < 20 dB in 102/127 ears (80%). At 3 years, the eardrum was closed in 64/66 (97%) ears (reperforation in one case) and 82% were satisfactory. Myringitis occurred in 5% and 9% of cases at one- and three-year follow-up. Surgery before the age of 8 years was the only risk factor of a non-satisfactory result at one-year follow-up (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Long-term results were satisfactory; the only risk factor was surgery before eight years of age. In the child, long-term yearly follow-up is necessary after tympanic perforation.

Letter to the editorTry as we might to make the manuscript selection process as objective as possible, the crapshoot element is unquestionable. Prospective papers are being submitted more frequently than ever, which has broadened the number of reviewers. Medical students and senior faculty alike are being tasked with assessing manuscripts. Different levels of experience, knowledge and variable personal research interests introduce undeniable biases in how papers are ultimately critiqued. We’ve become keenly aware of the importance of evaluating research techniques and the studies themselves for risks of biases; PRISMA, MINORS, MOOSE and ROBINS tools lead a growing list of objective protocols and assessments.1,2,3,4 Have we ever thought of addressing potential biases in how we actually select articles for publication?Obviously, this would be no simple task, but that shouldn’t be a deterrent to making improvements in the process where possible; personal connections come to mind in this regard. Generally speaking, very little is being done to prevent reviewers from being aware of who the authors are and where they’re coming from. Additionally, many submission platforms allow for the selection of preferred reviewers as well as the ability to decline undesired reviewers. While these tendencies are understandable for multiple reasons, their potential to introduce personal biases is noteworthy. For the sake of argument, let’s assign a very simple “risk of personal bias reduction score” for a journal’s manuscript submission platform: One point is given for a) maintaining author confidentiality, b) maintaining institution/location confidentiality and c) avoiding the option to select or decline particular reviewers. As such, the scores range from 0 to 3, with 3 being the most favorable.So how are we doing? Table 1 shows a list of the top 20 otolaryngology journals to date as determined by the h -index, an increasingly popular measure of journal quality based on the number of publication citations.5 Ten of the 19 eligible journals did not take any measures to reduce the potential for personal biases, thus scoring 0. Eight journals earned one point for avoiding the opportunity to select or decline reviewers. Of note, several journals cite this feature as a means of reducing bias; encouraging the submitting author to target “unbiased” reviewers. The value of this is debatable as this feature can easily be used paradoxically. Lastly, one journal scored two points for blinding the reviewers to both the author names and locations.It may seem trivial at first glance, as we’ve grown so accustomed to these aspects of the submission process, but it really isn’t. The notion that editors reviewing manuscripts are immune to biases from prior personal connections and experiences would be extremely shortsighted. Do we really think a given reviewer can assess a submission from a beloved former trainee in a reliably unbiased fashion? How about a manuscript from an institution with which there was a falling out of some kind? These themes are getting increasingly acknowledged in academic publishing, with growing numbers of journals implementing safeguarding measures. At most, there appears to be a nascent interest in addressing these topics within otolaryngology field. With rejection rates at all-time highs, it behooves us to reflect upon what can be done to ensure that the best manuscript wins: Who the authors are, who they know, and where they’re from shouldn’t be significant factors. As it stands currently, our submission platforms leave open avenues for personal connections to have a considerable influence. Reforming these potential biases, or at the very least acknowledging them, is in order.

Five Key Points • Subglottic stenosis (SGS) is the commonest tracheobronchial manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), with early recognition and treatment key to preventing its vasculitic progression and fibrosis. • Previous studies have shown SGS to be the first feature of GPA in 4% of cases. It is not uncommon to see negative biochemical (10% ANCA negative) and negative histological biopsies (77% of head and neck specimens are negative). • Our management strategy emphasized rapid SGS-GPA treatment with limited surgical manipulation of the airway and systemic immunosuppression (IS) to prevent evolution of SGS & concurrent systemic vasculitic relapse. • In our study early multi-disciplinary team involvement to deliver induction IS in the presence of active SGS-GPA led to a procedure free interval (PFI) of 31.3 months. This is a significant increase compared to other published studies. • Nineteen percent (4/21) of the cohort did not require any surgical input following induction IS.

Abstract： Background: Baha Attract System was designed as non-skin penetrating bone conduction implant to minimize skin complication. However, there were insufficient studies on its long-time acoustic outcome and safety in microtia patients with auricle reconstruction surgeries, who have thinner retroauricular subcutaneous layer and theoretically vulnerable skin at the implant side. Objectives: To analysis the long-term hearing performance and soft tissue complications of Baha@ Attract System in microtia population. Study Design & setting: A prospective cohort study at single tertiary referral center. Patients: Twenty Mandarin-speaking patients with congenital bilateral microtia who were underwent Baha@ Attract implantation with or without auricle reconstruction surgeries simultaneously. Main Outcome Measure(s): Comparative analysis of audiological test results including hearing thresholds and speech recognition in quiet and in noise were pre- and post-operatively performed. subjective benefit as measured with the SSQ Scale. Soft tissue outcomes were monitored and documented. Results: The mean follow-up time was 36.11±3.30 months. Significant and stable improvements in hearing threshold and speech understanding in noise and quiet were demonstrated with aided condition. Subject evaluation revealed high level of patients’ satisfaction with the amplification in all the subscales. Adverse events including skin necrosis increased after one year post-operatively. Soft tissue evolution including sin thinning, erythema, epidermis atrophy, soft tissue atrophy, skin necrosis was seen or once developed in most of the participants. However, prevalence of severe soft tissue complication was not higher to non-microtia population. Conclusions: Baha@ Attract System provides favorable and stable hearing improvements for microtia patients. Combining plastic surgeries with implantation will not increase the prevalence of soft tissue complication. However, long-term soft tissue problems should be highly aware of even after one year post implantation. Key words: Baha Attract, microtia, hearing, soft tissue, skin necrosis

Background: Ototoxicity is a common disabling side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy. This study aimed to systematically assess the evidence on the management of platinum-induced ototoxicity in adult cancer patients. Methods: Three databases were searched up to November 1, 2022. Original studies were included if they reported on a pharmacologic or non-pharmacologic intervention to prevent or treat platinum ototoxicity in adults. The articles’ quality was assessed with two grading scales. Results: Eighteen randomized controlled trials and five quasi-experimental studies with 1673 patients were analyzed. Eleven interventions were identified, nine pharmacological and two non-pharmacological. Six of the interventions (sodium thiosulfate, corticoids, sertraline, statins, multivitamins, and D-methionine) showed mild benefit preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The data must be carefully analyzed due to the low quality and underreporting of side effects. Conclusions: Current interventions have mild benefits preventing cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in adult cancer patients. High-quality research is required to clarify the significance of these findings.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin 0.3% antibiotic eardrops in preventing clinically significant postoperative otorrhea and tube obstruction following grommet insertion in children. Design: 3-arm double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Randomisation in 1:1:1 ratio into two interventional and one control arm. The interventional groups received either 5 drops of topical ciprofloxacin 0.3% eardrops in each ear intraoperatively or intraoperatively and for 5 days postoperatively. The control group received no drops. Patients were assessed by blinded assessors at 6 weeks postoperatively. Setting: The study was conducted in a large tertiary health network in Melbourne, Australia. Participants: All children, 17 years and under, undergoing bilateral MEVT surgery with or without concurrent upper airway surgery for recurrent acute otitis media and chronic otitis media with effusion were approached. Main Outcome Measures: Presence of postoperative otorrhea and ventilation tube obstruction at 6 weeks postoperatively. Results: 256 pediatric patients completed the study with a median age of 4.02 years. 153 participants were male. Intraoperative antibiotics were more effective than control in preventing otorrhea (RR=0.341, 95%CI 0.158–0.738, NNT= 11.25, p=.006). Postoperative antibiotics were more effective than control in preventing ventilation tube obstruction (RR=0.424, 95%CI 0.193 to 0.930, NNT=14.7 p=.032). Conclusion: Intraoperative topical ciprofloxacin was effective at preventing early postoperative otorrhea and a prolonged course was effective at preventing ventilation tube obstruction. Future studies on this topic should seek to clarify whether particular subgroups of patients benefit more from prophylactic topical antibiotics and model for cost-effectiveness. Trial Registration: This trial was registered prospectively on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12618001082291) on the 28th of June 2018. Available at URL: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375306

Objective: Epistaxis is the most common otolaryngological emergency and up to one third of patients in treated on an inpatient basis take oral anticoagulants (OAC). Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), an OAC subgroup, have been on the market since 2010 and are being increasingly prescribed due to the cardiologic and hematologic guidelines that favour them over vitamin K antagonists (VKA), the older of the OAC subgroups. The present study aims to investigate which subgroup of epistaxis patients taking OACs has a more favourable outcome. Design/Setting: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA 2020 statement using the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Continuous data was analysed and standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated according to Hedges’ g. Dichotomous data was analysed and the Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to establish the odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was assessed according to the I2 statistics. Main Outcome/Results: A total of 8 reports covering 1390 patients were included in the final synthesis. The pooled analysis demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays in the DOAC group (SMD= -0.22, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.02, P= .03) and a significantly higher rate of posterior bleeding in the VKA group (OR= .39, 95% CI .23 to .68, P= .001). No statistically significant differences with regard to recurrence rates, admission rates, the need for transfusion, or surgical intervention (P= .57, .12, .57 and .38 respectively) were found. Conclusion: According to this meta-analysis, epistaxis patients taking DOACs have a more favourable outcome than patients taking VKAs.

ChatGPT Generated Literature Review: Quod Erat Demonstrandum or Ends Justifying the Means?Dear Editor,We would like to draw your attention to the increasing popularity of the generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2023), and its relationship with scientific literature. We have attempted to replicate two literature reviews recently published in Clinical Otolaryngology using ChatGPT, comparing results, conclusions and references.Lee et al. (2022): Posterior nasal neurectomy for intractable rhinitis: A systematic review, was assessed. ChatGPT’s conclusions generated with the same research questions were comparable. However, ChatGPT’s references were confabulated raising questions of provenance and quality.Cereceda-Monteoliva et al. (2021), reviewed sarcoidosis of the ear, nose, and throat. Again, identical research questions generated near-identical results, including numerical values for incidence, features, and management. One generated reference appeared to be ‘similar’ in terms of the author’s name, but the title and journal were entirely incorrect. Of the remaining four references provided by ChatGPT, only one was a recognisable article. Further investigation shows ChatGPT lacks access to research databases, raising doubts about the reliability of the conclusions it presents.It is interesting that ChatGPT should generate correct conclusions but with incorrect working. We are reminded of school mathematics,quad erat demonstrandum (Q.E.D.), and where incorrect working affords you no marks regardless of a correct answer.ChatGPT is a Large Language Model (LLM) AI. Fundamentally, it mimics human intelligence but does not replicate it. ChatGPT does this by analysing vast quantities of data to predict the next most likely word in an answer – erroneously exemplified by the generated references. A scientific literature review follows a superficially similar process, analysing data and outputting a most likely conclusion. Crucially, the latter involves higher-order evaluation and critical thought based on myriad factors that seem currently out of reach for ChatGPT in this specific use case. Readers familiar with Bloom’s Taxonomy of Cognition will identify its relevance here[1].Often literature review produces an already anticipated conclusion but provides some of the highest quality evidence to base medical practice. Therefore, with ChatGPT, the ends do not justify the means for practiced medicine, even if the most likely worded conclusion is accurate.However, the exponential growth of LLM AIs is extraordinary. Near-future iterations of ChatGPT climbing to the top of Bloom’s Taxonomy are easily imagined. Improved critical reasoning with access to accurate databases of peer-reviewed material would substantiate an output, even if the conclusions are unchanged. An accurate ‘show of working’ could provide a meaningful AI-generated literature review to responsibly guide medical practice.Q.E.D. - Quod Erat DemonstrandumReferencesBloom, B.S.,Engelhart, M. D., Furst, E. J., Hill, W. H., & Krathwohl, D. R. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay Company.Cereceda-Monteoliva, N., Rouhani, M. J., Maughan, E. F., Rotman, A., Orban, N. T., Yaghchi, C. A., & Sandhu, G. S. (2021b). Sarcoidosis of the ear, nose and throat: A review of the literature. Clinical Otolaryngology , 46 (5), 935–940.https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.13814Lee, M. L., Chakravarty, P., & Ellul, D. (2022). Posterior nasal neurectomy for intractable rhinitis: A systematic review of the literature. Clinical Otolaryngology , 48 (2), 95–107.https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.13991OpenAI. (2023). OpenAI. Retrieved from https://openai.com/

Objectives As we pass the anniversary of the declaration of a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, it invites us to reflect upon the inescapable changes that coronavirus has wrought upon ENT and, in particular, rhinological practice. As it remains unclear when we will globally emerge from the shadow of COVID-19, a critical analysis of the evidence base on both the assessment and mitigation of risk is vital for ENT departments worldwide. This article presents a systematic review of the literature examining articles which consider either the quantification of risk or strategies to mitigate risk specifically in the setting of rhinological surgery. Design Systematic literature review. Results The literature search yielded a total of 3406 returns with 24 articles meeting eligibility criteria. A narrative synthesis stratified results into two broad themes: those which made an assessment as to the aerosolisation of droplets during sinus surgery, further subdivided into work which considered macroscopically visible droplets and that which considered smaller particles, and those studies which examined the mitigation of this risk. Conclusion Studies considering the aerosolisation of both droplets and smaller particles suggest endonasal surgery carries significant risk. Whilst results both highlight a range of innovative adjunctive strategies and support suction as an important variable to reduce aerosolisation, appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be considered mandatory for all healthcare professionals involved in rhinological surgery given studies have demonstrated that close adherence to PPE use is effective at preventing COVID-19 infection.

5 succinct/key points 1. There is a considerable burden to outpatient head and neck cancer (HaNC) surveillance, and it is unclear to what extent the current recommendations facilitate the detection of HaNC. 2. Our 100 patient retrospective analysis demonstrated three asymptomatic recurrences (all within the first year of follow up) and 20 symptomatic recurrences (mean time to recurrence of 21.4 months). 3. Seventy-four percent of those patients who recurred did so within the first two years following primary treatment, increasing up to 83% by three years. 4. We believe the value of routine follow up is more apparent within the first two to three years following primary treatment as this is when the rate of recurrence is highest. 5. We anticipate larger trials investigating the efficacy of an initial two years of frequent follow up followed by longer-term patient-led follow up.

Introduction Otoscopy is a key clinical skill which following the introduction of the Medical Licensing Assessment all newly qualified doctors in the United Kingdom will be required to be able to perform independently. At present there is no consensus on a standardised method for objectively assessing otoscopy skills. Methods Prospective mixed methods study comparing face, content and construct validity of three different platforms for otoscopy skills assessment, using a traditional otoscope with manikin, digital otoscope (Tympahealth) with manikin, and traditional otoscope with a low-cost model ear (SimEar). Skills were assessed using a standardised mark scheme, and five expert assessors and twelve participants who rotated through three Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) stations representing each model. Assessors numerically ranked validity of each model, and participated in a semi-structured interview of opinion. Results Each platform differed in face, construct and content validity scores, with no one platform consistently outperforming others. Three main themes were identified during thematic analysis of expert assessor interviews: ability to assess what is seen, anatomical reality, and ease of use. The low-cost model showed greatest potential, where modification to include a silicone ear could lead to high validity with marginal increase in cost. Conclusion Several modalities for assessing otoscopy skills exist, each with advantages and disadvantages. Modifications to a low-cost model, for use with either a traditional or digital otoscope, could prove to be the best model.

Key PointsPrevious studies have linked recurrent or persistent BPPV to age, anxiety or/and depression and medical comorbidityFactors such as the socioeconomical status have not been assessed.In our retrospective powered cohort we showed that there is a positive correlation between recurrent or persistent BPPV and ageWe found no correlation with the presence of underlying anxiety/depression and recurrent or persistent BPPV and age.While one would have expected that the socioeconomical and educational status would have had an impact on recurrent/persistent BPPV, using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, we did not identify such link.

1. We focused on 175 patients operated on for otosclerosis. There were 89 in group 1 (preoperative 4000 Hz BC threshold better than 2000 Hz) and 86 in group 2 (preoperative 2000 Hz BC threshold better than 4000 Hz). 2. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference in terms of average bone conduction (BC) thresholds, average air conduction (AC) thresholds and air-bone gap (ABG) between the two groups. 3. Three months and 1 year after surgery, group 1 had better audiometric outcomes than group 2 in terms of average AC and BC thresholds and ABG. 4. Postoperative BC gain was better in group 1 than group 2, particularly at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz. 5. When the 4000 Hz BC threshold was preoperatively impaired (group 2), it was not worsened after stapes surgery. This was not the case in group 1.

Objectives: Given that 30-50% of children with Down syndrome have persistent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after adenotonsillectomy, we evaluated whether demographic, clinical and polysomnographic factors predicted persistent OSA and OSA severity after adenotonsillectomy. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Secondary care hospital. Participants: Retrospective review of 32 children with the diagnosis of DS and OSA by polysomnography type 1 who underwent adenotonsillectomy, from January 2010 to December 2018. Main outcome and measure: Non-parametric analysis was used to compare pre and postoperative factors, regression was used to model persistent OSA and OSA severity. Results: Thirty-two children were included (17 male, median age 10.00 ± 8.00 years, median body mass index z-score 0.89 ± 1.25). Overall, adenotonsillectomy resulted in a significant improvement in median obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI) from 7.5 ± 8.95 to 4.40 ± 4.38 events per hour (p<0.001) and in median OSA-18 score from 85.00 ± 12.00 to 61 ± 37.75 (p<0.001). Persistent OSA was found in 56.25% of the children. Univariate regression suggests that postoperative OSA-18 score predicted persistent OSA after adenotonsillectomy. Preoperative oAHI, preoperative oxygen desaturation rate, pre and postoperative OSA-18 scores correlated with OSA severity after adenotonsillectomy. However, in a multivariate model only the postoperative OSA-18 score was able to predict OSA severity after adenotonsillectomy. Conclusions: Although adenotonsillectomy results in a significant improvement of OSA in children with Down syndrome, more than half of the children had persistent OSA. The postoperative OSA-18 score predicted both persistent OSA and OSA severity after adenotonsillectomy.

Objective: This study evaluates the benefits and limitations of selected modalities of digital image enhancement in detection of cholesteatoma remnants during endoscopic ear surgery (EES) and compares their usefulness in recognizing residual disease. Study Design: Cross-sectional study Setting: Tertiary referral hospital Methods: A total of 10 questionnaires of 18 intraoperative pictures with equal numbers of cholesteatoma and non-cholesteatoma images, each presented in three different image enhancing modalities (clara, spectra A, spectra B), were generated. Fifty-one experienced ear surgeons participated in the survey and were randomly assigned to a questionnaire and completed it at two time points. The experts were asked to rate for each picture whether cholesteatoma was present or not. Results Clara showed the highest accuracy in cholesteatoma detection, followed by spectra A and lastly spectra B. In contrast, spectra B showed the highest sensitivity and clara the highest specificity, while spectra A was placed in the middle for both values. Using the spectra B modality, most responses agreed across the two time points,. Ear surgeons assessed the usefulness, as well as preference among image modalities in the following order: clara, spectra B, spectra A. Conclusion The suitability of image enhancement techniques for application in EES could be shown. Clara can be considered the state-of-art technique throughout the procedure and has subjectively been evaluated best by surgeons. Due to its high sensitivity, spectra B is recommended regarding the final check after resection to prevent cholesteatoma residuals.