Hearing loss is the most common neurosensory disorder, and with the constant increase in etiological factors, combined with early detection protocols, numbers will continue to rise. Cochlear implantation has become the gold standard for patients with severe hearing loss, and interest has shifted from implantation principles to the preservation of residual hearing following the procedure itself. As the audiological criteria for cochlear implant eligibility have expanded to include patients with good residual hearing, more attention is focused on complementary development of otoprotective agents, electrode design, and surgical approaches. The focus of this review is current aspects of preserving residual hearing through a summary of recent trends regarding surgical and pharmacological fundamentals. Subsequently, the assessment of new pharmacological options, novel bioactive molecules (neurotrophins, growth factors, etc.), nanoparticles, stem cells, and gene therapy are discussed.

The concern for implementing bioactive nutraceuticals in antioxidant-related therapies is of great importance for skin homeostasis in benign or malignant diseases. In order to elucidate some novel insights of Lycium barbarum (Goji berry) activity on skin cells, the present study focused on its active compound zeaxanthin. By targeting the stemness markers CD44 and CD105, with deep implications in skin oxidative stress mechanisms, we revealed, for the first time, selectivity in zeaxanthin activity. When applied in vitro on BJ human fibroblast cell line versus the A375 malignant melanoma cells, despite the moderate cytotoxicity, the zeaxanthin-rich extracts 1 and 2 were able to downregulate significantly the CD44 and CD105 membrane expression and extracellular secretion in A375, and to upregulate them in BJ cells. At mechanistic level, the present study is the first to demonstrate that the zeaxanthin-rich Goji extracts are able to influence selectively the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK): ERK, JNK and p38 in normal BJ versus tumor-derived A375 skin cells. These results point out towards the applications of zeaxanthin from L. barbarum as a cytoprotective agent in normal skin and raises questions about its use as an antitumor prodrug alone or in combination with standard therapy.

Sensorineural hearing loss is a prevailing health issue worldwide which usually occurs due to sensory inner ear cell destruction. These cells, once damaged, do not regenerate in mammals resulting in permanent hearing loss. Effective treatment of inner ear diseases is strongly correlated with efficient drug delivery to the inner ear. Researchers have made important efforts to deliver drugs locally to the inner ear in a safe and controllable manner. Different strategies and drug delivery systems were used to mitigate the resistance exerted by the multiple anatomical barriers found in the inner ear. Nanoparticles represent an option for sustained drug delivery to the inner ear. Nanocarrier‐based systems can diffuse through the round and oval window membrane allowing for direct delivery into the inner ear components. Certain types of enhanced nanoparticles can focus on specific parts of the inner ear, providing targeted delivery which might represent the future therapy for sensorineural hearing loss. In this article, we will present the latest advances in the treatment of hearing loss based on nanoparticles.

Aim: The aim of our study was to describe an effective technique for mastoid cavity obliteration in canal wall down tympanomastoidectomy for chronic otitis media and to review its efficacy in producing a dry, low-maintenance, small mastoid cavity. Material and Method: A retrospective clinical study of 56 consecutive patients undergoing procedures for active chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma has been carried out. All surgical interventions involved partial mastoid obliteration and restoration of the middle ear space by use of cartilage reconstruction of the tympanic membrane. Ossicular reconstruction was achieved with either a partial or total ossicular replacement prosthesis. Results: A completely dry cavity was achieved in 49 of 56 patients (approx. 88%, 95% confidence interval 77–95%). An overall statistically significant improvement in hearing (p < 0.05) was obtained, with the mean pure-tone average air-bone gap decreasing from 33.4 ± 8.2 dB (average ± SD) to 18.3 ± 9.7 dB. There were no residual or recurrent cholesteatomas. Conclusion: Cartilage reconstruction of the tympanic membrane proved to be a useful adjunct in the surgical management of the chronically draining cavity.

Dexamethasone is one of the most often used corticosteroid drugs for sensorineural hearing loss treatment, and is used either by intratympanic injection or through systemic delivery. In this study, a biopolymer lipid hybrid microcarrier was investigated for enhanced local drug delivery and sustained release at the round window membrane level of the middle ear for the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Dexamethasone-loaded and dexamethasone-free microparticles were prepared using biopolymers (polysaccharide and protein, pectin and bovine serum albumin, respectively) combined with lipid components (phosphatidylcholine and Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide) in order to obtain a biopolymer–liposome hybrid system, with a complex structure combining to enhance performance in terms of physical and chemical stability. The structure of the microparticles was evaluated by FTIR, XRD, thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The encapsulation efficiency determination and the in vitro Dexamethasone release study were performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The high value of encapsulation efficiency and the results of the release study indicated six days of sustained release, encouraging us to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of Dexamethasone-loaded microparticles and their influence on the cytotoxicity induced by Cisplatin on auditory HEI-OC1 cells. The results show that the new particles are able to protect the inner ear sensory cells.

Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses that significantly impact patients’ quality of life and imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems and society, including considerable costs associated with surgical management when required. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the burden of CRS, encompassing its impact on patients, society, and the economy, while also highlighting the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Methods: A systematic review using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar databases identified recent literature published in English, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Search terms included “chronic rhinosinusitis”, “burden”, “quality of life”, “economic impact”, “diagnosis”, “treatment”, and “endotypes”. Original research, reviews, and meta-analyses were included, while case reports, surgical-only studies, and non-English articles were excluded. Results: Characterized by persistent symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pressure, and discharge, CRS often leads to decreased productivity, missed workdays, and impaired sleep. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of CRS have led to the identification of distinct endotypes, including type 2 inflammation characterized by eosinophilic infiltration, and type 1 inflammation with a neutrophilic predominance. Conclusions: This understanding has paved the way for targeted therapies, including biologic agents that have shown promising results in managing CRS, particularly in patients with type 2 inflammation.