The NOSE scale is a questionnaire assessing QOL related with nasal obstruction. The aim of this study was to culturally adapt the NOSE scale into Italian (I-NOSE). Prospective instrument validation study. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation were accomplished. Cronbach α was used to test internal consistency in 116 patients complaining nasal obstruction and 232 asymptomatic subjects. Pearson and ICC tests were used for test-retest reliability analysis. Normative data were gathered from the 232 asymptomatic subjects. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the I-NOSE scores in patients and asymptomatic subjects and in 40 patients before and after septoplasty. I-NOSE scores obtained in 60 patients were correlated with rhinomanometric results and with the score of a visual analog scale (VAS) measuring the subjective sensation of nasal obstruction. Good internal consistency and good test-retest reliability were found. I-NOSE mean score of the normal cohort was 12.1 ± 13.2. Asymptomatic subjects scored lower than patients with nasal obstruction (p = 0.001). Positive correlations between I-NOSE scores and VAS and rhinomanometric results were found. The mean I-NOSE score improved from 64.4 ± 23.6 to 22.1 ± 13.5 after septoplasty (p < 0.001). The I-NOSE scale is a reliable, valid, self-administered, symptom-specific questionnaire; its application is recommended.

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ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate surgical and functional outcomes, in a tertiary referral centre, of two different types of semi-implantable transcutaneous bone conduction devices.MethodThis study involved prospective data collection and review of patients implanted between November 2014 and December 2016. Glasgow Hearing Aid Inventory (Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile or Glasgow Hearing Aid Difference Profile) and Client Oriented Scale of Improvement were completed where appropriate. Surgical and audiological outcomes were recorded in the surgical notes.ResultsGlasgow Hearing Aid Difference Profile and Glasgow Hearing Aid Benefit Profile showed similar mean score in the active and the passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices. Client Oriented Scale of Improvement showed improvements in listening situations. Post-operative speech reception threshold showed better mean threshold in the active transcutaneous bone conduction devices group when compared with the passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices group. No device failures or surgical complications existed in either group, with the surgical time being less in the passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices group.ConclusionBoth devices are reliable semi-implantable transcutaneous bone conduction devices with excellent surgical and functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Overall surgical time was much less in the passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices group with no necessity for pre-planning. This is much easier to remove with the possibility of conversion to other devices in the manufacturer’s portfolio and wide-ranging wireless accessories. Further studies are needed to assess the longer-term results in a bigger population.

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