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Medicina
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Recent Advances in Otological Diseases
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Recent Advances in Otological Diseases

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 December 2026 | Viewed by 2923

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Andrea Frosolini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Maxillofacial Surgery Unit, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Interests: audiology; music perception
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, entitled "Recent Advances in Otological Diseases". This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest research and developments in the field of otology, with a focus on both clinical and experimental studies. Otological diseases, including hearing loss, tinnitus, otitis media, and vestibular disorders, affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life. Advancements in diagnostic techniques, treatment options, and understanding the underlying mechanisms are crucial for improving patient outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide, including the field of otology. It has highlighted the importance of adaptive healthcare strategies, telemedicine, and the need for robust infection control measures. The scientific community needs to consider the lessons learnt during the pandemic, such as the impact of delayed treatments, the importance of maintaining continuity of care, and innovative approaches to patient management during global health crises. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool in the field of otology. The integration of AI into diagnostic processes and treatment planning is enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of patient care as machine learning algorithms are being developed to better predict disease progression, personalize treatment plans, and even assist in surgical procedures.

This Special Issue aims to gather cutting-edge research on various aspects of otological diseases. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, innovative diagnostic methods, novel therapeutic approaches, epidemiological studies, and advancements in surgical techniques. We also welcome studies on the pathophysiology of otological conditions and the development of new medical devices. This Special Issue is within the scope of the journal, focusing on both basic and clinical research that advances our understanding and management of otological diseases.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Innovative diagnostic methods in otology;
  • Advances in the treatment of hearing loss;
  • Mechanisms and management of tinnitus;
  • New approaches to otitis media;
  • Research on vestibular disorders;
  • Development of otological surgical techniques;
  • Ear reconstruction techniques;
  • Epidemiology of otological diseases;
  • Novel medical devices for otological conditions;
  • AI applications in otology;
  • Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic in otology.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Andrea Frosolini
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. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2200 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

  • otology
  • hearing loss
  • tinnitus
  • otitis media
  • vestibular disorders
  • diagnostic methods
  • treatment
  • surgery
  • epidemiology
  • medical devices

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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12 pages, 2145 KB  
Article
Intraoperative Management of Lateral Semicircular Canal Fistula in Cholesteatoma Surgery: Retrospective Case Series and Audiovestibular Follow-Up
by Maria Denisa Zica, Catalina Voiosu, Andreea Rusescu, Irina Ionita, Luana Maria Gherasie, Oana Ruxandra Alius, Alexandra Bizdu Branovici, Razvan Hainarosie and Viorel Zainea
Medicina 2025, 61(12), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina61122144 - 30 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Background and Objectives: To evaluate the surgical management and outcomes of lateral semicircular canal fistulas (LSCFs) in patients with middle ear cholesteatoma, focusing on hearing preservation and vestibular function. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on nine adult patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: To evaluate the surgical management and outcomes of lateral semicircular canal fistulas (LSCFs) in patients with middle ear cholesteatoma, focusing on hearing preservation and vestibular function. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on nine adult patients diagnosed with LSCFs secondary to cholesteatoma who underwent surgery at a tertiary referral center between 2018 and 2024. The preoperative evaluation included otoscopy, audiometry, vestibular testing (HINTS), and high-resolution CT (HRCT) of the temporal bone. Surgical techniques included canal wall up (CWU) or canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy, depending on the disease extent. Cholesteatoma matrix removal from the fistula was performed carefully. Fistula closure involved layered grafts of temporalis fascia, temporalis muscle, and/or gelfoam. The postoperative follow-up included audiometry and vestibular assessments. Results: Nine patients with LSCFs were identified (one Type III, three Type IIb, and four Type I/IIa). Five patients were found to have additional disease complications intraoperatively, including facial nerve involvement and middle fossa dehiscence. Postoperatively, hearing outcomes varied, with some patients experiencing improvement, others demonstrating stable hearing, and some exhibiting further decline, particularly in cases with extensive disease. Vestibular symptoms, including vertigo, generally resolved postoperatively, although some patients required prolonged vestibular rehabilitation. Conclusions: LSCF management in cholesteatoma surgery requires a careful preoperative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, and individualized fistula closure based on the size and type. While hearing preservation remains a challenge, particularly in extensive cases, the “underwater technique” and layered grafting may contribute to minimizing further damage and promoting fistula closure. Vestibular rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing postoperative balance issues. A long-term follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and assess both auditory and vestibular function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Otological Diseases)
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11 pages, 1000 KB  
Systematic Review
Lymphatic and Glymphatic Alterations in Auditory Disorders: A Rapid Review-Informed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Andrea Frosolini and Paolo Gennaro
Medicina 2026, 62(5), 878; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina62050878 - 3 May 2026
Viewed by 363
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The inner ear has traditionally been regarded as an immunoprivileged and anatomically isolated organ. However, growing interest in neuro-lymphatic interactions has raised the hypothesis that glymphatic and lymphatic mechanisms may contribute to auditory pathology and its association with cognitive [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The inner ear has traditionally been regarded as an immunoprivileged and anatomically isolated organ. However, growing interest in neuro-lymphatic interactions has raised the hypothesis that glymphatic and lymphatic mechanisms may contribute to auditory pathology and its association with cognitive dysfunction. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current human evidence regarding anatomical, imaging, and clinical correlates of glymphatic mechanisms in the inner ear and audiological pathologies, and to quantitatively evaluate currently available biomarkers. Materials and Methods: A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed from inception through March 2026. Eligible studies included human investigations reporting anatomical, histopathological, or MRI-based glymphatic assessments related to inner ear disorders. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Meta-analysis was conducted for diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) indices comparing auditory disorders with healthy controls. Results: Six studies met inclusion criteria (five cross-sectional imaging studies and one surgical histopathological case series). Histopathology demonstrated lymphatic capillaries in advanced Ménière disease. MRI studies consistently reported reduced ALPS indices and/or increased choroid plexus volume and enlarged perivascular spaces in tinnitus, congenital sensorineural hearing loss, and age-related hearing loss. Meta-analysis of five studies showed a significant reduction of ALPS index in auditory disorders compared with controls (SMD = −0.73, 95% CI −0.90 to −0.55; p < 0.001), with no heterogeneity. Glymphatic markers were frequently associated with audiological data, cognitive performance and inflammatory biomarkers. Conclusions: Human evidence supports the presence of altered central glymphatic function across diverse auditory phenotypes. Although predominantly based on indirect MRI proxies and cross-sectional data, the meta-analytic findings strengthen the biological plausibility of an auditory–glymphatic interaction. Prospective longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify causality and therapeutic implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Otological Diseases)
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