Hearing loss

Book Reviews Essentials of Audiology. Gelfand, SA. New York, NY, Thieme, 1997, 562 pages, $39.00. In the preface, the author states that the book is intended to be a comprehensive overview of audiology at an introductory level for undergraduate speech and hearing students. I believe, however, that it would serve as an excellent reference text for both otolaryngology trainees and practitioners. The book is well-written, concise, and has 315 illustrations. Key words have been highlighted in the text, enabling the reader to scan the text for information on key topics. Chapters on acoustics and sound measurement, speech audiometry, industrial audiology, acoustic immitance, nonorganic hearing loss, and audiological screening are quite technical and better suited to the audiologist than the clinical otolaryngologist. Subjects such as anatomy and physiology of hearing, pure tone audiometry, the principles and practice of masking, the limitations of tuning fork tests, noise-induced hearing loss, the principles of hearing aids, and the audiological manifestations of various causes of deafness are however well-suited to the clinical otolaryngologist. I would recommend this book to both otolaryngology trainees and practitioners. It is an excellent reference text on the theory and practice of clinical audiology. Johannes

J. Fagan, MD

Pittsburgh, PA Clinical Otology (ed 2). Hughes GB, Pensak ML (eds). New York, NY, Thieme, 1997, 480 pages, 469 illustrations including 115 color plates, $118.15. The first edition of Clinical Otology, published in 1985, was written and edited by Gordon B. Hughes. Clinical Otology (ed Z) in contrast is an accumulation of manuscripts written by recognized authorities in the fields of Otology and Neurotology. As with all texts written with this method, the contributions vary in writing style, depth, and focus. The book is divided into four sections: Basic Science, Evaluation, Management, and Rehabilitation. In general, “Basic Science” provides the reader with a good source of fundamental anatomy and embryology of the auditory and vestibular systems, however, the chapter covering basic science audiology and auditory physiology is brief and can be found covered in more detail in many general texts. “Evaluation” covers the broad scope of knowledge necessary and the testing used for the work-up of a patient with otologic complaints. The color plates

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presented are clear and a tremendous asset to the book. Of critical note, the chapters covering clinical history and physical examinations follow chapters discussing more specialized testing such as imaging and ENG evaluation and in my opinion would be better served at the beginning of this section. “Management” is an accumulation of chapters divided by anatomy or disease process and its management. Most chapters are succinct but thorough and if not detailed enough for the reader, they provide a comprehensive reference list. The last section entitled “Rehabilitation” has excellent chapters pertaining to aural, vestibular, and facial rehabilitation following dysfunction. The last three chapters in this section appear somewhat displaced. They are good discussions of the evaluation and management of the symptoms of otalgia, pulsatile tinnitus, and nonpulsatile tinnitus but contain little or no reference to rehabilitation. In my opinion, Clinical Otology (ed 2) meets the goal of the authors of providing a practical, thorough guide for management of otologic disorders. I believe it will be particularly useful for physiciansin-training. Charles

I. Woods,

MD

Syracuse, NY Hearing Loss. Roland, WL. New York, NY,

PS, Marple, BF, Meyerhoff, Thieme, 1997, 316 pages,

$58.65.

This book predominantly represents the work of the three authors who emphasize that the core of the textbook is provided in Chapters 5 through 7. These chapters review the basic pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the external, middle, and inner ear. The organization of the text is well-conceived and presented. Anatomy, auditory and vestibular physiology, and testing are provided in the first part of the textbook. The clinical chapters are wellwritten and presented. The authors’ writing style supports smooth and rapid transfer of information. Where appropriate, the text is supported by exemplary radiographic images. Each chapter is supplemented with a selected bibliography. Specific references to factual information in the chapters are not provided. There are some controversial areas in otolaryngology in which the experience of a physician or investigator is important to support concepts and philosophies of management. The critical reader should be able to both verify sources of information with a fully referenced text. Specifically, the diagnosis and management of perilymphatic fistulas is controversial. The authors indi-

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catecl that Meniere’s disease and perilymphatic fistula have similar histopathology. This certainly would need to be confirmed with supporting postmorten studies and appropriate references. The chapters regarding hearing aids and vestibular rehabilitation are well-written and informative. The hearing aid chapter succinctly reviews the history of hearing aids and describes the current state of technology and instruments available. The chapter on vestibular rehabilitation summarizes the principles and objectives of this form of therapy. The outcome measures and success of treatment are not specifically addressed. This book is a focused compilation in the areas of otology and aural and vestibular rehabilitation. The emphasis is on the diagnosis and management of common otologic problems. There is some redundancy in the early chapters of the book that becomes evident only with sequential reading of the chapters. The book provides much more information than is implied by its title, Hearing Loss. This textbook is a very useful resource at all levels of medical education, including medical students, residents-in-training, general otolaryngologists, internists, primary care physicians, and audiologists. Barry E. Hirsch, Pittsburgh,

MD PA

Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Therapy of The Ears, Nose and Throat. Johnson and Yu. Philadelphia, PA, W.B. Saunders Company, 1996, 661 pages, 391 illustrations, $169.00. Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Therapy of The Ears, Nose and Throat is a timely and comprehensive review of the microbiology and treatment of infectious disorders specific to the head and neck. Because infectious processes comprise a major portion of both primary and tertiary otolaryngologic practices, a fundamental knowledge of these disorders is essential to all practitioners who participate in the care of these patients. Furthermore, as microorganisms, antimicrobial agents, and immunocompromised conditions continue to evolve, a contemporary reference to these disorders has widespread application. The book is divided into six sections which include: General Microbiologic Principles, Antimicrobial Agents, Microorganisms, Syndromes, Unique Otolaryngologic Problems, and Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis. Although the general principles and pharmacology sections are not inappropriately complex, they may be more valuable to students and residents than to clinical practitioners. Likewise, the syndromes and problems specifically related to the ears, nose, and throat will be better appreciated by the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon than the general practitioner/ pediatrician.

Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Therapy of The Ears, Nose and Throat is well-organized and illustrated. Chapters contain current references and address topics that are unique to contemporary otolaryngologic practice. In summary, this book is an up-to-date reference for evaluating and treating various infectious disorders of the ears, nose, and throat. It is a valuable resource for students and residents, as well as the general practitioner and otolaryngologist. James E. Freije, MD Syracuse, NY Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology. Potsic WP, Cotton RT, Handler SD (eds). New York, NY, Thieme, 1997, 581 pages, $106.25. The atlas entitled Surgical Pediatric Otolaryngology edited by Drs William P. Potsic, Robin T. Cotton, and Steven D. Handler is a book focusing on procedures that comprise the majority of procedures performed by pediatric otolaryngologists. It is accompanied by black and white line drawings by Susan Shapiro Bremen, which is related to a text organized in small, concisely worded steps. Extensive references to the illustrations of the written descriptions enable the surgeon to refer to a specific drawing for clarification of a written instruction or vice versa. An introduction summarizes anesthesiology and pediatric airway management. This introduction is very important in a pediatric atlas because of the special considerations involved in airway management. The editors are very clear in stating that the atlas is intended to help with the more common procedures performed in pediatric otolaryngology and omits uncommon procedures intended for “esoteric, rare conditions.” Furthermore, they state that the text assumes that “the operating surgeon already has knowledge concerning the etiologies and various treatment plans of the diseases for which a specific operation is planned.” Subsequent to the Introduction, the book is divided into eight parts including the ear; nose; nasopharynx, oral cavity and oral pharynx; sinus surgery; neck; salivary glands; endoscopy; and finally, facial trauma. Each subsection is comprised of an introduction, which summarized the topic of the section, as well as the goals and objectives of the surgical procedures. Thereafter, the subsections include indications, preoperative evaluation, operative technique, and finally, complications. This outline is very consistently followed throughout the entire book. I found the textbook to be very complete and inclusive of the procedures appropriate for an atlas in pediatric otolaryngology. I also felt the editors delivered the goals outlined in the introduction of the textbook beautifully. The organization of the book facilitates its use as a reference for the procedures included. The black and white line drawings