This book serves as a practical guide for the otorhinolaryngologists to better understand the diseases of the sinonasal region, diagnosis, and management. The detailed knowledge of the complex anatomy of the sinonasal region is the key to surgical success. The text aims to help budding and practicing rhinologists to get an essence abreast of the current scientific advancement by engaging rhinologists with excellent awareness and knowledge as contributors. The book expands its span afar the usual by including topics on complications of endoscopic surgeries, empty sinus syndrome, packing material, open transcranial approach, biofilm, instruments, cavity management, and improved quality of life, etc. The purpose of microbiology, interventional radiology, pathology and nuclear medicine in the diagnosis and management of sinonasal diseases is contributed by authors from allied specialties. This book will be a useful resource for medical students, postgraduates in ENT, practicing rhinologists and general physicians in treating sinonasal diseases.

This volume provides an eloquent review of the anatomy and physiology of phonation, the work-up of patients with voice disorders, basic evaluation of wind instrument performance and dysfunction, and a full description of the most common skeletal and non-skeletal dentofacial anomalies, including their means of diagnosis and treatment. This is followed by a comprehensive review of literature on the vocal and acoustic features of affected patients, as well as the special considerations in wind instrumentalists. The effect of orthodontic therapy/ orthognathic surgery on voice, associated upper airway changes, and wind instruments performance is emphasized. The information provided in this book will heighten the patients', therapists', teachers' and physicians' awareness of the vocal characteristics and wind instrumentalists concerns often associated with these conditions. Dentofacial Anomalies: Implications for Voice and Wind Instrument Performance is addressed to otolaryngologists, laryngologists, speech-language pathologists, voice teachers, professional voice users, wind instrumentalists, instrument teachers, arts medicine physicians, physical therapists, orthodontists and other dentists, as well as members of the general public who are concerned about their voices and or wind instrument playing.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers that, if combined, represent one of the most common cancer types. Patients with HNC suffer significant morbidity and mortality due to the importance of the structures involved. Over two-thirds of these patients are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, advancements in early detection and treatment of HNC are crucial. This second volume provides an up-to-date overview of the theoretical background in the field of head and neck cancer (HNC) as well as of the emerging research that is impacting our understanding of this disease. The book begins with a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and staging of HNC. Next, it covers the essentials of potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity, an important variety of HNC. Subsequently, it covers the newly emerging research in the field of HNC. The overall goal is to shift towards precision medicine (discussed in detail in Volume I), which will bring individualized clinical benefit to patients with HNC. This second volume of Early Detection and Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers concludes with the topic of chronic pain associated with HNC, including both the mechanisms of pain and the management strategies, and the emerging oral mucoadhesive drug delivery approach for HNC. All HNC surgeons, scientists, residents, and individuals whose lives have been touched by this disease, will recognize the impact pain has upon a patient's health and his or her recovery trajectory.

This text, edited by experienced academic and private otolaryngologists at different points in their careers, as well as an attorney, reviews the current literature related to otolaryngology malpractice litigation, and discusses strategies to decrease liability and enhance patient safety. It examines the most recent trial decisions in otolaryngology and determines which procedures are most commonly litigated in the current medicolegal environment. The text provides otolaryngologists with tips and pearls on how to prevent malpractice litigation, and discusses key actions to take when faced with malpractice litigation. Strategies for minimizing liability as well as the factors brought up in malpractice litigation related to otolaryngology - head and neck surgery are also discussed.Litigation In Otolaryngology will be a useful resource for all involved in the care of otolaryngologic patients (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, etc.), those concerned with the legal aspect of such care (including malpractice attorneys), and healthcare policy makers.

This revised and expanded second edition provides a comprehensive and up-to-date pictorial overview of the majority of ENT conditions. When making a diagnosis, it is of paramount importance that the ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist views the lesion and recognizes its pathology. Recent advances in endoscopic technology have enabled us to obtain clear images of such lesions and have changed our approach to diseases and techniques in the fields of ENT and head and neck surgery. Featuring schematic drawings to make difficult topics more understandable, the book supports beginners in their search for the correct diagnosis, and increases their understanding of basic surgical approaches. It provides fundamental information required for diagnosis and treatment in an easily accessible form, while the tables, photographs and schematic drawings allow readers to grasp the problems quickly. It is also a useful guide for all experts involved in teaching diagnostic and surgical skills. Diagnosis in Otorhinolaryngology 2nd Edition is intended for general practitioners, medical students and ENT trainees, fellows, academicians and teachers.

This book explains how medical photography is part of the workflow in many specialties: it is needed for registries, to preserve information, for follow up, second opinion and teaching, among others. The book gathers information on this field, providing valuable practical tips for those that have never used photography for medical uses as well as those who use it regularly. Covering specialities ranging from dermatology, plastic surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology and endoscopy to forensic medicine, specimen photography and veterinary medicine, it highlights standardization for each procedure and relevance to ethical, patients' perception of medical photography, cybersecurity and legal aspects. The book also presents practical sections explaining how to organize a photographic file, coding, reimbursement, compliance, use of social media and preservation as well as in depth concepts on sharp focus on blurred vision. This volume will appeal to all clinicians and practitioners interested in acquiring a high level of technical skill in medical photography.

This book explains the nature of sound both as a physical phenomenon and as a sensation, how it travels through air and water, and how the hearing system evolved to convert these vibrations into sensations. Drawing on physics, biology, neuroscience, philosophy, literature, history, anecdote, and personal experience, "Now Hear This" is a wide-ranging exploration of the nature of sound and hearing that opens up a fascinating world of sounds from the mundane to the unusual and seeks above all to persuade the reader of the wisdom of John Cage's advice that "Wherever we are what we hear is mostly noise. When we ignore it, it disturbs us. When we listen to it, we find it fascinating."

This book explores computational fluid dynamics in the context of the human nose, allowing readers to gain a better understanding of its anatomy and physiology and integrates recent advances in clinical rhinology, otolaryngology and respiratory physiology research. It focuses on advanced research topics, such as virtual surgery, AI-assisted clinical applications and therapy, as well as the latest computational modeling techniques, controversies, challenges and future directions in simulation using CFD software. Presenting perspectives and insights from computational experts and clinical specialists (ENT) combined with technical details of the computational modeling techniques from engineers, this unique reference book will give direction to and inspire future research in this emerging field.

Cancer of the head and neck continues to be a challenge. Increasing incidence has pushed malignancy of the upper aerodigestive tract into the first rank of cancer. In some countries it follows bronchial carcinoma in frequency and is more common than gastro-intestinal and gynaecological cancer. This increasing incidence makes it difficult to train enough highly specialised staffwho are also responsible for the care of many other patients, requiring sophisticated microsurgery of the ear and nose. The question of quality is even more difficult. Oncological success in the treat ment of head and neck cancer is bought at the price of crippling of vital functions such as eating, breathing, voice and sight and furthermore of striking aesthetic de formity. Mutilation of this highly functional collection of organs is more keenly felt than that of any other region of the body. It is vital, therefore, that the surgeon keeps up with the recent achievements of functional surgery in order to offer the best ser vice to his patients. Cancer of the larynx is no exception. Despite newer techniques of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgery still gives the best oncological results. This requires a wide spectrum of operations varying from minimal ablation to total laryngectomy."

In recent years, our understanding of the unified airway concept has become paramount in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of sinonasal, airway, and respiratory disorders. The relationship between sinonasal inflammatory disorders, such as chronic rhinosinusitis, and pulmonary disorders, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis, is being examined more closely than ever before. This volume comprehensively reviews and discusses the unified airway approach, and more closely examines the relationship between sinonasal inflammatory disorders and pulmonary disorders. The text is formatted as an easy to read reference with bulleted points and sample case studies that maximize the clinical value of the evidence and data described. In addition to exploring chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis, other topics include pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, chronic bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, immunodeficiencies, and the unified airway microbiome. Rhinologic Disease and Respiratory Disorders will be an invaluable guide for practicing otolaryngologists, allergists, pulmonologists, otolaryngologists-in-training, and rhinologists. Foreword written by David W. Kennedy and Elina M. Toskala.

This volume presents and analyses the ongoing arguments, controversies, challenges and debates on thyroid disease with a view to clarifying some uncertainties, and to making suggestions that will help resolve others.Issues such as thyroid disease during pregnancy, Hashimoto's disease, Hurthle cell lesions, solitary thyroid nodules, retrosternal goiter, thyroid cancer, recurrent thyroid disease, thyroidectomy techniques, post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, and thyroid auto-transplantation are thoroughly explored. Richly illustrated, the book offers an invaluable tool for all specialists and trainees entrusted with the care of patients suffering from thyroid disease.

Die deutschen Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Kliniken.- Arnstadt.- Aue.- Augsburg.- Bad Hersfeld.- Bad Lippspringe.- Bad Saarow-Pieskow.- Bad Salzungen.- Bautzen.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Berlin.- Bielefeld.- Bitterfeld.- Bonn-Bad Godesberg.- Borna.- Brandenburg.- Braunschweig.- Bremen.- Bremen.- Bremen.- Bremerhaven.- Buchholz.- Chemnitz.- Cottbus.- Darmstadt.- Dessau.- Dortmund.- Dortmund.- Dresden.- Dusseldorf.- Dusseldorf.- Dusseldorf.- Duisburg.- Eberswalde.- Erfurt.- Essen.- Essen.- Frankfurt/Main.- Frankfurt/Main.- Frankfurt/Oder.- Fulda.- Gelsenkirchen.- Gera.- Gerolzhofen.- Goerlitz.- Gustrow.- Gummersbach.- Hagen.- Halberstadt.- Halle/Saale.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamburg.- Hamm.- Hannover.- Heilbronn.- Hennigsdorf.- Hettstedt.- Hoyerswerda.- Kaiserslautern.- Karlsruhe.- Karlsruhe.- Karlsruhe.- Kassel.- Koblenz.- Koblenz.- Koeln.- Koeln.- Koeln.- Koenigs Wusterhausen.- Krefeld.- Lahr.- Leipzig.- Leipzig.- Ludwigshafen.- Lubben.- Lubeck.- Ludenscheid.- Magdeburg.- Minden/Westfalen.- Moenchengladbach.- Munchen.- Munchen.- Neubrandenburg.- Neuruppin.- Neuss.- Nordhausen.- Nurnberg.- Oldenburg.- Oldenburg.- Osnabruck.- Pforzheim.- Pirna.- Plauen.- Potsdam.- Quedlinburg.- Radebeul.- Recklinghausen.- Remscheid.- Ribnitz-Damgarten.- Riesa.- Rotenburg (Wumme).- Russelsheim.- Saarbrucken.- Schwedt/Oder.- Schwerin.- Siegen.- Solingen.- Stade.- Stollberg/Erzgebirge.- Stralsund.- Straubing.- Stuttgart.- Stuttgart.- Stuttgart.- Suhl.- Templin.- Trier.- Ulm.- Waren (Muritz).- Weimar.- Wiesbaden.- Winsen (Luhe).- Wolfsburg.- Wolmirstedt.- Wuppertal.- Wuppertal.- Zeitz.- Zwickau.- Namenverzeichnisu.- Firmenportraits.

Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans, affecting 360 million persons worldwide. In parallel, tinnitus disorder, the perception of a phantom sound often described as a ringing or buzzing, affects around 10-15% of the general population and interferes with daily life. Hyperacusis, defined as a hypersensitivity to moderate-intensity sounds often co-occurs with tinnitus suggesting a common mechanism of dysfunction for these two perceptual disorders. Whereas some drug candidates are in the process of being developed, nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure hearing loss and tinnitus. The topic of this book was selected with the goal of emphasizing mechanisms that induce hearing loss and tinnitus which lead the selection of promising targets for hearing disorder treatment. Hair cells (HC) are the sensory cells of the inner ear required for both auditory and vestibular functions in all vertebrates. HC are progressively lost during ageing and they are in addition sensitive to physical and acoustic traumas, infectious diseases and chemicals present in commonly used treatments such as anticancer, antimalarial or antibiotics. As adult mammals--including humans--cannot regenerate dead HC, all the possible injury could result in irreversible and permanent hearing loss. It has been shown, however, that a limited capacity to regenerate HC exists in mouse at an early stage of development. The regenerative capacity of HC then appears simply "repressed" in adult mammals, and one could expect it will be possible to re-activate it with an appropriate therapeutic approach which is still to be defined. Immune-mediated inner ear disease has been introduced and accepted as one SNHL pathophysiology; it responds to immunosuppressive therapy and is one of the few reversible forms of bilateral SNHL. Macrophages are always present in the spiral ligament of the lateral wall and are activated in response to various types of stimuli, including noise exposure, ischemia, mitochondrial damage, and surgical stress. Recent studies have also revealed another type of immune cell, called perivascular melanocyte-like macrophages (PVM/Ms), in the stria vascularis. The book will include a review of inflammatory/immune cells in the cochlear lateral wall, the pathways involved in cochlear damage and their potential as therapeutic targets. The final chapter provides an overview of current animal model of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure tinnitus and hyperacusis. One major obstacle to arises from the fact that tinnitus is a subjective phenomenon, the only possible diagnosis relies on self-reports of the subjects. The main constraint of the use of animal models is the subjective character of tinnitus. This chapter describe the advancement in animal models which play an important role in revealing the underlying mechanisms and treatment for tinnitus and hyperacusis.

This book provides a state-of-the-art overview of dysphagia. The text reviews current evidence behind the diagnosis, evaluation, and management of esophageal disorders that cause dysphagia, including GERD, eosinophilic esophagitis, achalasia, and spastic motor disorders. The book also focuses on the different variants of dysphagia, from oropharyngeal dysphagia to functional dysphagia, highlights advances in testing for dysphagia, and features evidence-based algorithms. Written by experts in the field, Evaluation and Management of Dysphagia: An Evidence-Based Approach is a valuable resource for gastroenterologists, otolaryngologists, and other clinicians and practitioners who treat patients afflicted with dysphagia.

Many congenitally deaf infants and children suffer vestibular failure, which produces problems with their postural control, locomotion and gait. However it is known that these children can eventually catch up with their normal balance control status in terms of development and growth as a result of central vestibular compensation. In Vertigo and Balance Disorders in Children the author provides comprehensive and integrative information on the vestibular system. The materials presented range from the history of its study, basic anatomy and physiology of vestibular organs, mechanism of balance and motor function development, to clinical aspects of vestibular disorders including their evaluation and pediatric neurology. Although there have been books discussing postural responses of infants and children with vestibular disorders, this is the first to present the influence of peripheral vestibular disorders and central vestibular compensation comprehensively. This book will benefit not only practitioners in this field such as pediatric otolaryngologists, pediatricians, child neurologists and neurologists, but also clinical specialists such as neonatologists, physical therapists and speech therapists, helping them to better care for patients with vestibular failure.

Die Forschung zu Diagnostik und Behandlung von Dysphagien verschiedenster Stoerungsbilder bei Erwachsenen und Kindern hat in Deutschland in den letzten zwanzig Jahren deutlich an Bedeutung gewonnen. Der Arbeitskreis Dysphagie Ostwestfalen-Lippe in Kooperation mit dem Studiengang der Klinischen Linguistik an der Universitat Bielefeld befasst sich im Rahmen einer zweijahrig stattfindenden Tagung speziell mit aktuellen Fragen dieser Thematik. Der vorliegende Band diskutiert aktuelle Forschungsfragen und Ergebnisse aus Diagnostik und Therapie.

The quintessential reference on surgical and medical management of thyroid and parathyroid Head & Neck Endocrine Surgery: A Comprehensive Textbook, Surgical, and Video Atlas by renowned head and neck surgical oncologist David Goldenberg, with chapters by esteemed contributors from various fields, is the most comprehensive textbook written on this topic to date. It covers all aspects of medical and surgical management of thyroid and parathyroid disease. In addition to classic and cutting-edge surgical procedures, the text discusses novel topics such as molecular testing, radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules, risk stratification, pathology, and remote access surgical techniques. The book is organized in seven sections and 62 succinct chapters featuring a unique layout conducive to modern learning. Five sections on the thyroid gland start with historical perspectives and basic science, concluding with postoperative management and therapies including ethical and medicolegal concerns. The last two sections focus on historical perspectives, basic science, and surgical management of parathyroid diseases. Key Highlights Well-illustrated high-yield case studies, key points, pearls, points to ponder, and annotated bibliographies noting the top references enhance acquisition of knowledge The text encompasses a full spectrum of thyroid and parathyroid diseases 29 narrated high-quality videos provide nuanced insights about physical appearance not realized solely from intraoperative photographs or illustrations This is an essential resource for otolaryngologists-head and neck surgeons, endocrine surgeons, general surgeons, endocrinologists, residents, fellows, and allied health personnel. This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.

The quintessential guide to endoscopic skull base reconstruction from multidisciplinary experts Due to close collaboration between otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons, endoscopic endonasal brain surgery has become part of the surgical armamentarium for successful treatment of various cranial base pathologies. Today, it is considered the gold standard surgical technique for many types of skull base tumors. Techniques and Key Points for Endoscopic Cranial Base Reconstruction by pioneering otorhinolaryngologist Carlos D. Pinheiro-Neto and neurosurgeon Maria Peris-Celda, co-editor of Thieme's acclaimed Rhoton's Atlas of Head, Neck, and Brain, encompasses the most important endoscopic cranial base reconstruction techniques performed in the last two decades. The book features contributions from an impressive group of additional experts in this field. Comprised of 26 reader-friendly chapters divided into seven sections, the book starts with discussion of general principles of endoscopic cranial base reconstruction. Sections II through VI provide step-by-step descriptions of reconstructive approaches utilizing diverse flaps including nasoseptal, intranasal, extranasal, and free grafts, followed by free flaps. The final section details management of seven challenging cases that enrich practical clinical experience, from free flap reconstruction to recalcitrant cerebrospinal fluid leak. Key Highlights Decision-making rationales and pearls regarding selection of the most efficacious reconstructive techniques. Consistently formatted chapters feature a succinct review of anatomical concepts integral to each procedure, detailed descriptions for each surgical step, and alternative options. High-quality and meticulous anatomical dissections performed at the editors' anatomy laboratory and beautiful illustrations depict the flow of operations essential to understanding surgical nuances. Nineteen narrated videos visually demonstrate techniques and consolidate learning. This must-have, comprehensive resource will help skull base surgeons master the latest techniques, avoid complications, and achieve improved outcomes for their patients. This book includes complimentary access to a digital copy on https://medone.thieme.com.

Affirmative legislative action in many countries now requires that public spaces and services be made accessible to disabled people. Although this is often interpreted as access for people with mobility impairments, such legislation also covers those who are hearing or vision impaired. In these cases, it is often the provision of advanced technological devices and aids which enables people with sensory impairments to enjoy the theatre, cinema or a public meeting to the full. Assistive Technology for the Hearin-impaired, Deaf and Deafblind shows the student of rehabilitation technology how this growing technical provision can be used to support those with varying reductions in auditory ability and the deafblind in modern society. Features: instruction in the physiology of the ear together with methods of measurement of hearing levels and loss; the principles of electrical engineering used in assistive technology for the hearing impaired; description and demonstration of electrical engineering used in hearing aids and other communications enhancement technologies; explanation of many devices designed for every-day living in terms of generic electrical engineering; sections of practical projects and investigations which will give the reader ideas for student work and for self teaching. The contributors are internationally recognised experts from the fields of audiology, electrical engineering, signal processing, telephony and assistive technology. Their combined expertise makes Assistive Technology for the Hearing-impaired, Deaf and Deafblind an excellent text for advanced students in assistive and rehabilitation technology and to professional engineers and medics working in assistive technology who wish to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current engineering advances.

The Understanding the Common Cold chart examines the causes, symptoms and treatment of this respiratory problem. Images and text show normal and affected sinuses, both overall and at a tissue level, and inflammation of the bronchial airway. Heavy cover stock with protective varnish for durability.

Common forms of preventable hearing loss are drug and noise-induced hearing loss which are believed to be produced by a similar mechanism. The generation of reactive oxygen species appears to be a common mechanism mediating hearing loss produced by these different sources. As such, a number of laboratories have focused their research towards identifying the sources of ROS production in the cochlea following administration of chemotherapeutic agents or noise exposure. This led to the identification of ROS generating enzymes, such as xanthine oxidases, nitric oxide synthase, and NADPH oxidases which are activated and/or induced during the development of hearing loss. A consequence of these findings was the implementation of antioxidants in preclinical studies for the treatment of hearing loss. These antioxidants have provided different levels of protection in animal and human studies, but none of these have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hearing loss. More recently, it was shown that noise-induced hearing loss was associated with recruitment of inflammatory cells and mediators in the cochlea. This finding would suggest that noise could produce injury to the cochlea which stimulates local and/or circulating inflammatory cells. A similar finding was observed in the cochlea following administration of the anticancer drug, cisplatin. In addition, our laboratory and others have provided a plausible mechanism by which noise or chemotherapeutic agents could stimulate the inflammatory response. Surprisingly, this mechanism involves ROS activation of transcription factors linked to inflammatory processes in the cochlea. These studies have led to the use of anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of hearing loss. Preliminary studies targeting inflammatory cytokines appear especially promising in preclinical studies. A primary goal of this project is to describe our current understanding of the oxidant hypothesis of noise and drug-induced hearing loss and show how this relates to cochlear inflammation. Several different aspects of the cochlear inflammatory process will be discussed in detail, ranging from the sources of inflammatory cells, chemokines, inflammatory cytokines, and cochlea resident immune cells. Molecular pathways leading to activation of the local inflammatory process will be highlighted and treatment options will be discussed. The relevance of certain clinically used anti-inflammatory interventions, such as trans-typmanic steroids will also be discussed. Furthermore, we will examine recent patents focusing on the use of anti-inflammatory agents for the treatment of drug and noise-induced hearing loss.

This textbook is a product of William Bennett's work in developing and teaching a course on the physics of music at Yale University to a diverse audience of musicians and science students in the same class. The book is a culmination of over a decade of teaching the course and weaves together historical descriptions of the physical phenomena with the author's clear interpretations of the most important aspects of the science of music and musical instruments. Many of the historical examples are not found in any other textbook available on the market. As the co-inventor of the Helium-Neon laser, Prof. Bennett's knowledge of physics was world-class. As a professor at one of the most prestigious liberal-arts universities in the world, his appreciation for culture and humanities shines through. The book covers the basics of oscillations, waves and the analysis techniques necessary for understanding how musical instruments work. All types of stringed instruments, pipe organs, and the human voice are covered in this volume. A second volume covers the remaining families of musical instruments as well as selected other topics. Readers without a background in acoustics will enjoy learning the physics of the Science of Musical Sound from a preeminent scientist of the 20th century. Those well versed in acoustics will discover wonderful illustrations and photographs depicting familiar concepts in new and enlightening ways.

The auditory system is a complex neural system composed of many types of neurons connected into networks. One feature that sets the auditory system apart from other sensory systems, such as somatosensory or visual systems, is the many stages of neural processing that occur between the ear in the periphery and the cerebral cortex. Each stage is composed of specialized types of neurons connected in specific microcircuits that perform computations on the information about sound. To understand this processing, all the tools of neuroscience must be employed. The proposed text integrates cell biology, synaptic physiology, and electrophysiology to fully develop the topic, presenting an overview of the functional anatomy of the central auditory system. It is organized based on the neuronal connectivity of the central auditory system, which emphasizes the neurons, their synaptic organization, and their formation of functional pathways and microcircuits. The goal of the book is to stimulate research into the cell biology of the central auditory system and the characteristics of the specific neurons and connections that are necessary for normal hearing. Future research on the development of the central auditory including that employing stem cells will require such information in order to engineer appropriate therapeutic approaches.

By far, the most widely used subjects in psychological and biological research today are rodents. Although rats and mice comprise the largest group of animals used in research, there are over 2,000 species and 27 families of rodents, living all over the world (except Antarctica) and thriving in many different habitat types. The vast environmental diversity that rodents face has led to numerous adaptations for communication, including vocalizing and hearing in both the sonic and ultrasonic ranges, effectively communicating in the open air and underground, and using vocalizations for coordinating sexual behavior, for mother-pup interactions, and for signaling an alarming situation to the group. Some rodent species have even developed foot drumming behaviors for communication. Comparative studies from around the globe, using both field and laboratory methodologies, reveal the vast differences in acoustic communication behavior across many rodent species. Some rodents are amenable to training and have been domesticated and bred purely for research purposes. Since the early 1900s, rats and mice have been indispensable to research programs around the world. Thus, much of what we know about hearing and vocalizations in rodents come from these two species tested in the laboratory. The sequencing of the mouse genome in 2002, followed by the rat genome in 2004, only increased the utility of these animals as research subjects since genetically engineered strains mimicking human diseases and disorders could be developed more easily. In the laboratory, rats and mice are used as models for human communication and hearing disorders and are involved in studies on hearing loss and prevention, hormones, and auditory plasticity, to name a few. We know that certain strains of mice retain hearing better than others throughout their lifespan, and about the genes involved in those differences. We know about the effects of noise, hormones, sex, aging, and circadian rhythms on hearing in mice and other rodents. We also know about normal hearing in many families of rodents, including the perception of simple and complex stimuli and the anatomy and physiology of hearing and sound localization. The importance of acoustic communication to these animals, as well as the significance of these mammals to biomedical research, are summarized in the chapters.