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Cochlear Implant Surgery and Electrically-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response Recordings in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: January 9, 2019
Chasing the dragon in the ear.
M A Nusrath1, M Jaberoo, M Daniel
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, James Cook University Hospital, Cleveland, UK. manusrath@yahoo.com
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|July 4, 2007
Summary
Drug concealment in the ear canal is an emerging concern for UK surgeons. This study highlights the first documented case of heroin hidden in the external auditory meatus, raising medico-legal questions.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Forensic Medicine
- Toxicology
Background:
- Rising drug misuse in the UK necessitates awareness of novel concealment methods.
- Otorhinolaryngological surgeons must be vigilant for hidden illicit substances.
Observation:
- A case of heroin concealed within the external auditory meatus is reported.
- This represents the first documented instance of heroin in this location.
Findings:
- Illicit drugs, including heroin, cannabis, and cocaine, can be hidden in the ear canal.
- The external auditory meatus is a potential site for drug concealment.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider drug concealment in cases presenting with unexplained ear canal findings.
- Medico-legal and ethical considerations surrounding drug concealment in the ear require further discussion.
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The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
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Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
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