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Endoscopic sinus surgery is performed for patients who have chronic or acute sinusitis that persists for more than six weeks after maximum medical therapy has been tried. A new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO reviews the levels of evidence in the otolaryngology literature that support the efficacy of endoscopic approaches to treat frontal sinus disease.

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Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a bacterial infection that typically causes swelling of the lymph nodes. It usually results from the scratch, lick, or bite of a cat. In the United States, about 22,000 cases are diagnosed annually, most of them in people under the age of 21. For most children, this bacterial infection will either resolve on its own or be treated like a general infection by a pediatrician. But a new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO indicates that some children suffering from CSD may require surgical intervention.

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Smokers tend to have more chronic ear disease requiring surgical correction, and have more advanced disease at presentation than their non-smoking counterparts. Their hearing commonly suffers as a result. A new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO has shown for the first time that once surgery is performed to rid smokers of their ear disease, their postoperative hearing acuity is significantly worse than non-smokers who undergo similar surgery.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), one of the nation's oldest medical associations, will hold its 111th Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Washington, DC from September 16 "“ 19, 2007. The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO will provide a rich resource for journalists looking to cover the latest in clinical, surgical, and medical research fields.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has issued multi-disciplinary, evidence-based practice guidelines for treating adult sinusitis. The guidelines outline the best way for physicians to diagnose and manage sinusitis in adults.

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In the U.S. this year more than 55,000 Americans will develop cancer of the head and neck (most of which is preventable) and nearly 13,000 of them will die from it. The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery reports that many of these cancer-related deaths are caused by the use of smokeless tobacco products, like chewing tobacco and snuff.

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International meeting of specialty physicians expected to draw more than 9,000 doctors and allied health professionals from around the world.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) applauds the Orleans Parish grand jury's decision to refuse indictment of Anna Pou, MD, who heroically stayed and administered care to patients at Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans in the days following Hurricane Katrina.

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As the new school year approaches, many parents are preparing their children by buying school supplies, new clothes, and organizing fall sporting events. But in order to help kids get a healthy head start to the school year, the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) also recommends that school-age children have a complete medical exam, including a routine hearing test.

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When your children show up for the first day of school, you'll want them to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but a poor night's rest because of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) could send them to the back of the class.

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The beginning of the school year is the perfect time to make sure your child has his or her most recent immunization, especially vaccinations that can help prevent meningitis and middle ear infections (otitis media).

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Patients seeking cosmetic rhinoplasty ("nose jobs") often exhibited personality abnormalities, including obsessiveness, hypochondriasis, and making false statements that make them look better compared with others ("good faking"), according to a new study published in the July 2007 issue of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery.

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Practical solutions for boosting quality in healthcare and patient safety will take center stage when the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery hosts the 2007 Quality in Otolaryngology conference in Arlington, VA.

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Surgical fires occur over a hundred times a year, according to the Emergency Care Research Institute (ECRI), often in oxygen-rich surgical environments, and can be sparked from a wide range of sources (lasers, drills, electro-cauterization instruments, etc.). One in five of these cases results in injuries to the patient; statistics show at least one or two of these fires will be fatal.

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Inserting a "shield" of cartilage into the inner ear is a less invasive and more cost-effective alternative to membrane reconstruction when treating hearing loss in selected patients suffering from chronic middle ear infections (otitis media).

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Gunfire can have a profound impact on soldiers' hearing, and the long-term effects carry over to their post-military lives. Additionally, otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons are actively working to help soldiers with balance issues related to explosions and gunfire, as well as repairing facial fractures and wounds to the head and neck.

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Wearing a mouth appliance designed to move the lower jaw forward can be an effective way to reduce snoring and improve sleep apnea symptoms, according to a May 2007 study in Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery.

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As part of a continuing effort to ensure the American public has the most accurate and truthful information available when making critical healthcare decisions, the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) strongly supports H.R. 2260, the Healthcare Truth and Transparency Act of 2007.

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As we grow older, changes to the nerves in the throat result in less sensitivity, which may play a role in why the elderly are more likely to develop repeat cases of pneumonia, as well as trouble swallowing (dysphagia) and aspiration, according to a new study published in the May 2007 edition of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.

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With allergy season in full bloom, the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery is offering a reminder of what you can do to cope with the pollen in the air, and how an ear, nose, and throat specialist can help.

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Every year on April 16th, otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons and other voice health professionals worldwide join together to recognize World Voice Day. This year World Voice Day falls at the same time as your taxes are due to the federal government. Therefore, there is no better time to spread the message, "Don't Tax Your Voice."

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Thyroid surgery, which has traditionally been an overnight hospital procedure, can be done safely in an outpatient setting, and in fact is preferable because it is less expensive, according to a new study published in the April issue of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

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Confirming what physicians have long speculated, a new study published in the April edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery determines that the presence of cochlear implants increases the risk of bacterial infections that can cause meningitis in recipients.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has named Kristine Schulz as Senior Director of Research for the association. In her new position Schulz will plan and implement a comprehensive strategy to foster new research and promote the academy through these studies.

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In response to increasing public and media interest in sinus balloon catheterization (commonly referred to as Balloon Sinuplasty), the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has issued their first position statement on the procedure.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), acting on a direct request from the American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS), has opened up for review and public comment their current national coverage determination regarding the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

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Efforts to improve the quality of life in patients recovering from head and neck cancer would be vastly improved by participation in support group activities, according to a new study published in the March 2007 issue of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery.

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Children who are stricken with severe hearing loss are five times more likely to contract meningitis, according to a new study published in the March 2007 edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology"”Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) urges Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan and all others working on the prosecution of Dr. Anna Pou to consider the important ramifications of a decision to continue with this prosecution, in the face of the coroner's critical evidential finding and the enormous public interest in dismissing, rather than pursuing, this case.

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With Valentine's Day (February 14) right around the corner, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) would like to remind you that snoring may lead to the demise of your relationship"”and your Valentine might be best served by some preventive measures.

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"Kids E.N.T. Health," a national public information campaign to inform the public about pediatric ear, nose, and throat disorders, will be observed in February, 2007. This initiative seeks to advise caregivers that ear, nose, and throat disorders remain among the primary reasons children visit a physician.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has named Robert D. Olson as Director of Development for the association. In his new position, Olson will plan and implement a comprehensive fund development program to strengthen and sustain the Academy's strategic plan.

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The American Academy of Otolaryngology "“ Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) has named Mary Pat Cornett, CMP, as Director of Meetings and Exhibits for the association. In her new position, Cornett will oversee several major meetings for AAO-HNSF, including their annual meeting, which is attended by more than 8,000 physicians and medical professionals.

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The burden of caring for a child suffering from otitis media (acute middle ear infections) has such an impact on a caregiver's quality of life that the caregiver often becomes nervous, agitated, and is forced to change their day's activities, according to a new study published in the February 2007 issue of the medical journal Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery.

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A first-of-its-kind study into time-dependent treatments of sudden sensorineural hearing loss published in the February 2007 issue of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery has determined that a combination of time and oral corticosteroid therapy can play a key role in helping patients regain full hearing, often within a month of the initial loss of hearing.

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A new study published in the January issue of the medical journal Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery strongly recommends adopting noise-reducing earmuffs for soldiers to prevent permanent long-term hearing loss that can be caused by exposure to the sound of gunshots.

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A new study published in the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery's monthly medical journal's December issue shows that increased reliance on in-office ultrasound would help provide health care that is cost-effect for providers and more convenient for patients.

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More than 30 million Americans can attest that rhinosinusitis seriously affects their quality of life. A group of 25 physicians from five national medical societies has collaborated to design the first clinical trial guidelines for researchers working to find the most effective treatments for rhinosinusitis.

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Richard T. Miyamoto, MD, an otolaryngologist"”head and neck surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, IN has become President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology"”Head and Neck Surgery for the 2006-2007 term. He began his term at the Opening Ceremony of the Academy's 2006 annual meeting and OTO EXPO in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, held September 17-20, that attracted over 8,500 attendees.

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A retrospective study from Sweden identifies prognostic indicators for recovery from this form of oral cancer.

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A new study suggests that prohibiting ATV passengers and implementing helmet use may prevent the severity of head and neck related injuries in children who are victims of ATV accidents.

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Children with obstructive sleep apnea have a poor health status similar to those with chronic medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

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A new study finds that voice therapy, as a first-line treatment, may be effective in improving hoarseness in patients with vocal fold polyps and cysts.

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A program designed by the Quebec government & several medical societies to educate physicians about the diagnosis/appropriate treatment for acute bacterial rhinosinusitis has led to a marked decrease in the use of antibiotics as a frontline therapy, at a time when antibiotic use for the treatment of this disorder rose significantly throughout the rest of Canada.

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New study demonstrates that outpatient thyroid surgery is safe and effective for select patients. Outpatient procedure is less expensive and allows home convalescence, away from possible hospital infection. Study examines novel approach of careful patient selection coupled with prophylactic calcium supplementation to minimize hospital stays and enable same-day discharge.

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A new study evaluates the effect of intratympanic steroid injections in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after failure to respond to systemic steroid treatment.

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Sinus balloon catheter technology is found safe and effective following a large scale study. The multi-institutional effort provides six-month follow-up, physician and patient assessment of the results.

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Results of a long-term follow-up study find that palatal implant treatment should be considered as an initial, minimally invasive, surgical treatment option for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

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As chemoradiation for oropharyngeal cancer has become more common and survival is stabilizing, the question of long-term function is becoming important. There is an assumption that combined therapy may lead to increased dysphagia, or difficulty in swallowing and feeding tube dependence. Authors of a new study have set out to determine an incidence for severe dysphagia in this patient population and to evaluate any differences in swallowing function based on treatment type.

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A new study presents randomized, placebo-controlled evidence on the effectiveness of palatal implant for improvement of quality of life, snoring intensity, and daytime sleepiness.