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Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 17450

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Prof. Dr. Karolina Dżaman

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Department of Otolaryngology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: otolaryngology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Otolaryngology deals with disorders of the ears, nose, paranasal sinuses, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, and oral cavity, as well as hearing and balance problems, sleep disorders, and allergies.

This Special Issue is dedicated to otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, audiologists, and phoniatrists, as well as radiologists, pathomorphologists, and facio-maxillofacial surgeons dealing with disorders of the head and neck. Our goal is to present the latest discoveries in the diagnosis and treatment of ENT diseases. We aim to expand our existing degree of knowledge with new discoveries and an open discussion on topics that have not yet been sufficiently studied.

We welcome the submission of original research papers and up-to-date systematic reviews or meta-analyses and reports focused on new technological developments.

Sincerely

Prof. Dr. Karolina Dżaman
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

otolaryngology
ear
nose
throat
head
neck

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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14 pages, 1962 KB

Open AccessArticle

Profile of Otorhinolaryngology-Related Emergency Department Visits and Revisits in a Tertiary Care Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

by Othman Ibrahim Alabdalwahab, Fahad Waleed Bin Aziz, Abdulmohsen Jameel Alshammari, Mohammed Abdullah Bayounis, Bander Fahad Aljarallah, Jawad Yousef Alhabeeb, Hessah Ibrahim Alsarra, Muhnnad Abdulaziz Alghamdi, Meshary Binhotan and Abdullah Alshibani

Healthcare 2026, 14(10), 1378; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14101378 - 18 May 2026

Viewed by 274

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Otorhinolaryngologic (ENT) complaints constitute a substantial proportion of emergency department (ED) visits, ranging from minor to life-threatening problems. The patterns and frequency of these presentations in Saudi Arabia remain poorly described. This study, therefore, aimed to address this gap by examining the most frequent ENT-related presentations to the ED at a tertiary center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to identify common diagnoses, describe patient demographics, and evaluate annual trends in ED visits. Methods: A retrospective study of all consecutive ENT-related emergency department visits between January 2019 and December 2024 was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Diagnosis classification used the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10). Data on patient demographics, presenting complaints, and hospital admissions were extracted. Descriptive analyses were performed to assess annual trends and common diseases. Results: A total of 22,014 patients were included in the present study, with a slight male (54%) predominance. Across 34,290 ED visits, annual presentations were the highest in 2019 (23.9%) and lowest in 2020 (9.2%). Most patients were discharged from ED (91.9%). The most frequent diagnoses were acute pharyngitis (29.1%), acute tonsillitis (26.2%), and otitis media (22.3%). Conclusions: The study examined the otorhinolaryngology conditions most frequently encountered in an ED setting. The findings highlight a range of ENT disorders that are commonly seen in this setting. Recognizing these prevalent conditions and their patterns can improve ED physicians’ preparedness, triage, and management of patients presenting with ENT emergencies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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12 pages, 262 KB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Outcomes of Hearing Aid Use in Moderate to Severe Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Cross-Sectional Study from Romania

by Liviu Lucian Padurean, Horatiu Eugen Ștefanescu, Calin Muntean, Vasile Gaborean and Ioana Delia Horhat

Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010112 - 2 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1252

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to explore both the psychosocial outcomes of hearing aid use and the factors that differentiate users from non-users among older adults with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in Romania. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, comparative study with follow-up, including 201 patients aged between 49 and 92 years (mean age 70.76 ± 11.86 years), diagnosed with moderate to severe SNHL, evaluated between 1 November 2023, and 30 November 2024, at the Municipal Clinical Hospital Orăștie, Romania. Audiological assessment involved pure-tone audiometry and speech testing. Outcome measures included the Word Recognition Score (WRS), International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and the Self-Esteem Scale (SES). Results: Of the 201 patients, 105 (52.2%) accepted hearing aid (HA) fitting and 96 (47.8%) declined. No significant differences were found in age (p = 0.565) or sex (p = 0.476) between groups. HA users reported significantly lower perceived handicap (HHIA: 46.48 ± 24.83 vs. 77.74 ± 28.02, p = 0.015) and higher self-esteem scores (SES: 35.68 ± 4.88 vs. 23.03 ± 4.90, p < 0.001), while tinnitus-related distress (THI) did not differ significantly (p = 0.785). Word recognition scores improved significantly post-fitting across all degrees of hearing loss: moderate (48.52% → 86.13%), moderately severe (47.47% → 85.31%), and severe (47.55% → 85.46%), all p < 0.001. Conclusions: Hearing aid use in older adults with SNHL was associated with significant improvements in speech perception and reduced perceived hearing handicap. These benefits were consistent across all severity levels and were independent of unilateral or bilateral device use. The difference in self-esteem observed between users and non-users may reflect pre-existing psychological factors influencing HA adoption, underlining the importance of personalized counseling in hearing rehabilitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

17 pages, 523 KB

Open AccessArticle

Otologic Axis and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Achondroplasia: Age-Structured Cohort Findings

by Cristina Popescu, Rebecca-Cristiana Serban, Andreea Mituț-Velișcu, Andrei Costache, Raluca-Ioana Teleanu, Diana Ionescu, Cristian Arsenie, Renata-Maria Varut, Ion-Dorin Pluta, Virginia Maria Radulescu and Ioana Streață

Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010006 - 19 Dec 2025

Viewed by 647

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Achondroplasia is linked to distinctive ear–nose–throat (ENT) morbidity, yet quantitative age-structured profiles and actionable correlates remain incompletely defined. This study mapped ENT phenotypes in a consecutive cohort and examined the achondroplasia subset for prevalence, co-occurrence, age dynamics, and parsimonious risk models. Methods: Retrospective observational analysis (1 February 2023–31 January 2025). Narrative “ENT complications” were dictionary-mapped to five non-exclusive categories: otitis media, adenotonsillar/apnea—obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), audiologic/Eustachian-tube dysfunction (ETD), nasopharyngeal/upper-respiratory (URT), and extra-ENT. Proportions used Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pairwise associations used Fisher’s exact tests with Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (BH-FDR). Age was summarized by a four-level age-class schema (AC-4: 0–2, 3–5, 6–12, ≥13 years) and a two-level sensitivity contrast (AC-2: ≤5 vs. >5 years). Results: Of 83 patients, 64 (77.1%) had achondroplasia. In achondroplasia, otitis media occurred in 51.6% and OSA in 28.1%; versus non-achondroplasia, ARDs were +35.8 and +28.1 percentage points (BH-FDR adjusted). Within achondroplasia, otitis media co-occurred with OSA (odds ratio [OR] 4.97; q = 0.012) and with ETD (OR 7.25; q = 0.012). OSA increased across AC-4 to school age (p-trend = 0.0548). In parsimonious models, otitis media independently predicted ETD and OSA. A five-item ENT-burden score discriminated otologic and adeno-tonsillar interventions (AUC 0.83–0.93). Conclusions: Achondroplasia shows a concentrated ENT burden dominated by otitis media and OSA, with large adjusted absolute differences versus non-achondroplasia. Otitis media functions as a practical clinical marker for both OSA and ETD, while a compact burden score may assist intervention triage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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14 pages, 628 KB

Open AccessArticle

Variations in the Diagnosis and Management of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Among Physician Specialties in Saudi Arabia: Influence of Clinical Experience and Case Exposure

by Sarah Alshehri, Abdullah Oudah Al Ahmree, Abdulaziz Qobty, Abdullah Musleh and Khalid A. Alahmari

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1887; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151887 - 1 Aug 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most prevalent vestibular disorder encountered in clinical settings and is highly responsive to evidence-based diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. However, variations in practice patterns among physician specialties can compromise timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding these variations is essential for improving clinical outcomes and standardizing care. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic and treatment practices for BPPV among Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists, neurologists, general practitioners, and family physicians in Saudi Arabia and to examine how these practices are influenced by clinical experience and patient case exposure. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted between April 2023 and March 2024 at King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. A total of 413 physicians were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 24.0. Parametric tests, including one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests, were used to assess differences across groups. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, all physician groups exhibited limited adherence to guideline-recommended positional diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers. However, ENT specialists and neurologists demonstrated relatively higher compliance, particularly in performing the Dix–Hallpike test, with 46.97% and 26.79% reporting “always” using the maneuver, respectively (p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.22). Neurologists were the most consistent in conducting oculomotor examinations, with 73.68% reporting routine performance (p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.35). Epley maneuver usage was highest among neurologists (86.36%) and ENT specialists (77.14%) compared to family physicians (50.60%) and GPs (67.50%) (p = 0.044). Physicians with 11–15 years of experience and >50 BPPV case exposures consistently showed a greater use of diagnostic maneuvers, repositioning techniques, and guideline-concordant medication use (betahistine 76.67%; p < 0.001). Continuing medical education (CME) participation and the avoidance of unnecessary imaging were also highest in this group (46.67% and 3.33%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant inter-specialty differences exist in the management of BPPV in Saudi Arabia. Greater clinical experience and higher case exposure are associated with improved adherence to evidence-based practices. Targeted educational interventions are needed, particularly in primary care, to enhance guideline implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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15 pages, 1061 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction in Recurrent Chronic Otitis Media: A Cross-Sectional Study of Anatomical and Functional Variations

by Sarah Alshehri and Abdullah Musleh

Healthcare 2025, 13(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010077 - 3 Jan 2025

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6713

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Recurrent chronic otitis media (rCOM) is a major cause of hearing impairment, often linked to Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction. Anatomical abnormalities, such as ET narrowing and obstructions, and functional impairments, including poor pressure regulation, play significant roles in rCOM recurrence. This study aimed to (1) identify anatomical variations of the ET in patients with rCOM using high-resolution imaging; (2) evaluate ET functional status using tympanometry, tubomanometry, and ET function tests; and (3) assess the correlation between anatomical variations and functional impairments in predicting rCOM recurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 212 patients with rCOM and 212 controls. High-resolution CT and MRI were used to assess ET anatomy, while functional status was evaluated using tympanometry, tubomanometry, and Valsalva maneuver tests. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, Pearson correlation, and Cox proportional hazards models, were applied to examine the relationship between anatomical and functional impairments and rCOM recurrence. Results: Significant anatomical differences were observed in the rCOM group, including ET narrowing (24.53% vs. 11.32%, p = 0.014) and curvature (32.08% vs. 14.15%, p < 0.001). Functional impairments were also more prominent in rCOM patients, with higher ET opening pressure (120.56 ± 14.34 dPa vs. 85.78 ± 12.98 dPa, p < 0.001) and lower Valsalva maneuver success rates (62.32% vs. 89.56%, p < 0.001). Cox regression indicated that anatomical and functional impairments significantly predicted faster recurrence (HR for tympanometry peak pressure = 1.56, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The ETs anatomical and functional impairments are significant predictors of rCOM recurrence. A combined assessment of these factors can improve diagnostic accuracy and guide more targeted interventions to prevent recurrence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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12 pages, 1645 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Hearing Loss Severity on Hearing Aid Benefit Among Adult Users

by Marlena Ziemska-Gorczyca, Karolina Dżaman and Ireneusz Kantor

Healthcare 2024, 12(23), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232450 - 5 Dec 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3037

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss (HL) among older adults is a major global health concern. Hearing aids (HAs) offer an effective solution to manage HL and enhance the quality of life. However, the adoption and the consistent use of HAs remain low, making non-use a significant barrier to successful audiological rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to assess the benefit of HAs among patients with different degrees of HL and to determine the profiles of patients who have the least benefit from HAs. Methods: the HA benefits were assessed by using the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire. Participants were assigned to the study groups based on the pure-tone audiometry. This paper presents the results obtained by using HAs in various listening environments among 167 patients. Results: The majority of individuals benefited from HAs in a noisy environment while a reverberant environment provided the lowest benefit. It was observed that the degree of HL had a statistically significant impact on the benefits of HAs in terms of the communication ease, the reverberation, the background noise, and the global score. A moderately positive correlation was observed between the unaided APHAB and the HL degree. The subjects’ APHAB scores ranged from the 50th to the 65th percentile. Additionally, women had a significantly better improvement than men. Conclusions: HAs improved communication in everyday life situations among 91.6% of HA users. The degree of HL influences APHAB scores. Patients with a severe degree of HL achieved the greatest APHAB scores while male patients with mild HL received the lowest benefits of HAs. Both HL and the age, gender, and HA type are factors that also play important roles. The APHAB questionnaire is a reliable screening test for patients with hearing difficulties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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14 pages, 530 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Music Therapy Outcomes in Older Adults Using Cochlear Implants, Hearing Aids, or Combined Bimodal Devices: A Systematic Review

by Liviu Lucian Padurean, Horatiu Eugen Ștefanescu, Calin Muntean, Vasile Gaborean and Ioana Delia Horhat

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151795 - 24 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3065

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cochlear implants (CIs) and hearing aids (HAs) have enhanced auditory rehabilitation in elderly individuals, yet limitations in musical perception and psychosocial integration persist. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of music therapy (MT) on the quality of life (QoL), self-esteem, auditory perception, and cognition in older CI and HA users. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed was conducted up to March 2022 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies involving participants aged ≥ 60 years with CIs and/or HAs were included. Ten studies (n = 21,632) met eligibility criteria. Data were extracted and assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: MT led to improved sound quality, with HISQUI19 scores rising from 60.0 ± 21.8 to 74.2 ± 27.5. Early MT exposure was associated with significantly better MUMU outcomes (p = 0.02). Bilateral CI users showed enhanced stereo detection (52% to 86%), and CI + HA users achieved CNC scores exceeding 95%. Postlingual CI users outperformed prelingual peers in musical discrimination (9.81 vs. 3.48; p < 0.001). Long-term HA use was linked to better a QoL and reduced loneliness. Conclusions: While music therapy appears to support auditory and psychosocial functioning in hearing-impaired older adults, the absence of randomized controlled trials limits causal inference regarding its effects. These results support its integration into hearing rehabilitation strategies for older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Care and Treatment of Ear, Nose, and Throat)

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