Machine-learning techniques are used to train a classifier to predict auditory and language skills improvement in a patient who is a candidate for cochlear implantation (CI). One or more images of portions of the patient's brain are obtained, and quantitative data is extracted that represents the composition of one or more brain areas related to auditory and/or cognitive processing. For training of the classifier, data is obtained for previous CI patients whose improvement in language skills has been measured. Once trained, the classifier can be used to predict a likely degree of improvement in a prospective CI patient's auditory and language skills.

An implant that may maintain position with a Eustachian tube of a patient, the implant includes an engagement body, an anchoring assembly, and a pressure balance assembly. The engagement body includes an exterior surface dimensioned to bear radially outward against the Eustachian tube. The anchoring assembly may lock the implant in the Eustachian tube. The pressure balance assembly includes a vented pathway that may transition between an occluded state and a vented state. The vented pathway may provide fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the ventilated state while inhibiting fluid communication between the proximal end and the distal end of the implant in the occluded state.

Nonsurgical methods of modifying at least a portion of a nose of a subject, such as a tip of the nose of the subject, are provided herein. The method can include performing one or more of a first injection of a first filler composition and a second injection of a second filler composition. The first injection includes depositing the first filler composition in a first region defined as a septal space behind a middle crura and a medial crura of the nose, substantially level and/or above an anterior nasal spine of the nose, and in front of a caudal septal cartilage of the nose. The second injection includes depositing the second filler composition in a second region defined as the septal space behind the middle crura and the medial crura of the nose substantially level with the footplates of the nose and the columella segment of the medial crura of the nose.

A length-adjustable ossicular prosthesis, includes a cylindrical pin serving as a connecting element, which connects a foot element to a head element. The head element is intended to be disposed on an inside of an eardrum, and the foot element is intended to be attached to an anvil in a human ear. The head element is designed as an elliptical ring having an opening, which can be closed by closing a locking mechanism comprising a hook. Two guiding and clamping elements project inwardly from the ring, between which, in an open position, the connecting element is displaceably guided, and which secure the head element non-displaceably and non-rotatably on the connecting element when the ring is closed, and as a result the guiding and clamping elements are tensioned against the connecting element.

A length-adjustable ossicular prosthesis, includes a cylindrical pin serving as a connecting element, which connects a foot element to a head element. The head element is intended to be disposed on an inside of an eardrum, and the foot element is intended to be attached to an anvil in a human ear. The head element is designed as an elliptical ring having an opening, which can be closed by closing a locking mechanism comprising a hook. Two guiding and clamping elements project inwardly from the ring, between which, in an open position, the connecting element is displaceably guided, and which secure the head element non-displaceably and non-rotatably on the connecting element when the ring is closed, and as a result the guiding and clamping elements are tensioned against the connecting element.

Systems and methods can be employed for trans-tympanic membrane access to the middle ear for delivery of a therapeutic agent, for example, to the round window niche adjacent to the cochlea under direct visualization. The systems and methods can also be used to improve accessibility and visualization for various otological surgical procedures, such as, but not limited to, cholesteatoma removal, tympanic membrane repair and ossicular chain repair.

The present invention relates to a device for repair of a region within an ear via a natural orifice, the device comprising a body. The body comprises a first port for visibly identifying the region to be sealed, the region being inside the ear; and a second port through which a seal can be introduced into the ear through the device. The region comprises a perforation of a tympanic membrane of the ear and the device is a speculum. The present invention also relates to method for repairing a perforation in a tympanic membrane using the same device.

The present invention relates to a device for repair of a region within an ear via a natural orifice, the device comprising a body. The body comprises a first port for visibly identifying the region to be sealed, the region being inside the ear; and a second port through which a seal can be introduced into the ear through the device. The region comprises a perforation of a tympanic membrane of the ear and the device is a speculum. The present invention also relates to method for repairing a perforation in a tympanic membrane using the same device.

Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.