Do Otologists and Other Otolaryngologists Manage Single-Sided Deafness Differently?

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Audiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Single-sided deafness (SSD) presents unique diagnostic and management challenges.
• Understanding current practices among otolaryngology subspecialties is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge and treatment practices for single-sided deafness (SSD) across various otolaryngology subspecialties.
• To identify potential disparities in SSD management between different specialist groups and patient age categories.

Main Methods:

• A Google Sheets questionnaire was distributed to Turkish and Egyptian Otorhinolaryngology Society members (December 2021 - February 2022).
• Respondents were categorized into otologists, non-otologists, and residents for comparative statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in radiological imaging or preferred treatment methods for SSD between otologists and non-otologists.
• Significant variations emerged in radiological and vestibular evaluations, and in the frequency of recommended treatment options for pediatric versus adult SSD patients among otolaryngologists.

Conclusions:

• Otolaryngologists and non-otologists demonstrate similar approaches to SSD diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Treatment management for single-sided deafness differs notably between pediatric and adult patient populations.