This paper proposes a fully automated computational solution to segment the incus and malleus ear ossicles in conventional tri-dimensional (3D) X-ray computed tomography (CT) images. The solution uses a registration-based segmentation paradigm, followed by image segmentation refinement. It was tested against a dataset comprising 21 CT volumetric images of the ear acquired using standard protoco...

OBJECTIVE To investigate and analyze the relationship between individual ossicular erosion and air-bone gap (ABG) among patients with cholesteatoma. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case review. SETTING Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Data from all patients undergoing an initial surgery for cholesteatoma were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the relationships between preopera...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS The performance of an ossicular replacement prosthesis (ORP) is influenced by its alignment and appropriate tension between the tympanic membrane and the stapes footplate. A novel ORP with a flexible element that potentially allows for length adjustment in situ is presented and tested for acoustic performance. STUDY DESIGN Laser Doppler vibrometry in fresh human cadaveri...

We reported a rare case of ear trauma with delayed facial paralysis, ossicular chain dislocation and perilymph fistula caused by an earpick. A 36-year-old male consulted our clinic with a complaint of left otalgia, hearing loss, tinnitus and dizziness after left ear trauma with an earpick. Otoscopic examination showed perforation of the left ear-drum and pure tone audiometory demonstrated a mix...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To evaluate modified coupling techniques of the Vibrant Soundbridge system in patients with mixed and conductive hearing loss and to compare it with conventional vibroplasty. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS Two different groups were evaluated: 1) nine cases of conventional incus vibroplasty in comparison with 2) nine patients with modified coupling of the flo...

OBJECTIVE This study reports the authors' technique and hearing results with bone cement reconstruction of the incudostapedial chain. The technique is called incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective analysis of the hearing results of the incudostapedial rebridging ossiculoplasty was performed on 15 patients. BACKGROUND Recently, bone cements have been availabl...

The middle ear transmits sound efficiently from the air in the ear canal (EC) to the fluid filled cochlea. In gerbil, middle ear transmission produces a constant pressure gain between the EC and the cochlea of ∼25 dB from 2 to 40 kHz, and a delay-like phase corresponding to a ∼25-30 μs delay. The mechanisms by which the air-born signal is collected and delivered to the cochlea are not thoroughl...