Summary
Introduction:
This text is a systematic review of the impact of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes on otology, or the study of the ear and its diseases. The review was conducted by researchers from the Department of Otolaryngology and head and Neck Surgery at Worcestershire acute hospitals NhS Trust in the UK. The review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the latest data on cigarette smoking and its effects on middle-ear disease, hearing loss, and surgical outcomes, including the latest evidence on electronic cigarettes in otology.
Key Points:
* Cigarette smoking is associated with recurrent otitis media, otitis media with effusion, and sensorineural hearing loss in children exposed to second-hand smoke.
* In adults, cigarette smoking is associated with active and aggressive chronic suppurative otitis media, worse tympanoplasty success rates, increased post-operative complications, and sensorineural hearing loss that is more pronounced in the long term and at high frequencies.
* The effects of electronic cigarettes on otology are largely unknown, but early in vitro studies have demonstrated middle-ear epithelial cell toxicity is exacerbated by nicotine and propylene glycol.
* The review identified 473 articles and included 43 articles after trials were excluded.
* The review included studies that investigated the impact of cigarettes on middle-ear disease, otological surgery, and sensorineural hearing loss, as well as studies on any aspect of ear disease or otological surgery for electronic cigarettes.
* The review found that children exposed to second-hand smoke had a 48% increased odds of developing recurrent acute otitis media and a 38% increased odds of developing otitis media with effusion.
* The review also found that children exposed to post-natal maternal smoking due to second-hand smoke had a 53% increased odds of all cause middle-ear disease.
* The review found that smokers with chronic suppurative otitis media had higher rates of active disease and more aggressive disease, as well as worse prognostic effects on middle-ear surgery.
Main Message:
The main message of this text is that cigarette smoking is associated with a range of negative effects on otology, including recurrent otitis media, otitis media with effusion, sensorineural hearing loss, and worse surgical outcomes. While the effects of electronic cigarettes on otology are largely unknown, early in vitro studies suggest that they may also have negative effects. The review emphasizes the importance of identifying and targeting modifiable risk factors for hearing loss, as unaddressed hearing loss can lead to social isolation and disrupt speech and language development in children. The text also highlights the need for further research on the effects of electronic cigarettes on otology, particularly as their popularity continues to rise.
Citation
Patel S, Wooles N, Martin T. a systematic review of the impact of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes in otology. The Journal of laryngology and otology. Published online December 4, 2020:1-6. doi:10.1017/S0022215120002315
