The aim of the present study was to compare the posterior tympanotomy (PT) technique to the endomeatal approach. The endomeatal approach (EMA) for Cochlear Implant (CI) surgery was performed on 98 patients with procident lateral sinus or a small mastoid cavity, on 103 ears (Group A). Conventional mastoidectomy and PT was performed on the other 104 patients, on 107 ears (Group B). Data on all patients were then collected for the following: intra- and post-operative complications, Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS), duration of surgery, and postoperative discomfort. The difference in the total number of major and minor complications between the case group and the control group was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference in discomfort between the two groups using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), both immediately postsurgery (p = 0.02) and after one month (p = 0.04). The mean duration of surgery was 102 ± 29 min for EMA and 118 ± 15 min for the PT technique (p = 0.008). EMA is a faster technique resulting in reduced postoperative patient discomfort in comparison to the PT method. The experience of the surgeon as well as the correct choice of surgical technique are fundamental to successful outcomes for cochlear implant surgery.

Hearing loss is a significant global health concern, affecting billions of people and leading to various physical, mental, and social consequences. This paper focuses on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among specific healthcare professionals, especially ear surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, dentists, and dental hygienists, who frequently use noisy instruments in their professions. While studies on these professionals’ noise exposure levels are limited, certain conditions and factors could pose a risk to their hearing. Measures such as engineering and administrative controls, regular audiometric testing, and the use of hearing protection devices are crucial in preventing NIHL. Early detection and intervention are also vital to mitigate further damage. This paper proposes the results of a modified screening protocol, including questionnaires, audiometry, and additional diagnostic tests to identify and address potential hearing disorders. Specific healthcare professionals should remain aware of the risks, prioritize hearing protection, and undergo regular monitoring to safeguard their long-term auditory well-being.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is characterized by a type 2 pattern of inflammation. Mepolizumab was approved for the treatment of CRSwNP in 2021. However, there is a lack of real-life studies. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of Mepolizumab during the first year of treatment in a real-life setting. A multicentric observational cohort study was carried out. A total of 67 patients were enrolled in the Otorhinolaryngology Unit of the three University Hospitals and considered for Mepolizumab therapy. All recorder characteristics were age (at the first Mepolizumab application visit), sex, smoke habits, previous local and systemic corticosteroid therapy, history of endoscopic sinus surgery, number of previous endoscopic sinus surgery, concomitant asthma, history of an allergic condition, immunoglobulin E (IgE), allergy to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Aspirin Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD), other comorbidities associated, blood eosinophils, nasal polyp score, sinonasal outcome test 22 (SNOT 22), sniffin' stick test, the start date of Mepolizumab therapy and number of doses of Mepolizumab and eventually, Mepolizumab's adverse events related to administration. The Wilcoxon test for dependent samples was performed to compare variables. Statistical significance was assumed for p values < 0.05. A statistically significant reduction in SNOT-22 and NPS was shown in the 6th and 12th month compared to baseline values (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). A statistically significant increase value at the Sniffin' sticks test was shown in the 6th and 12th month compared to baseline values (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). At the 12-month follow-up, according to EUFOREA indications, all patients were considered to remain in treatment with Mepolizumab and continued the treatment because of a reduced NPS, improved quality of life, and a reduced need for system corticosteroids. This multi-centric real-life study supported the effectiveness of Mepolizumab in patients with severe uncontrolled CRSwNP in the improvement of quality of life, the severity of symptoms, polyp size reduction, and smell function. Our data also support the safety profile of monoclonal therapy with Mepolizumab.