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Patient Self-Recorded Digital Otoscopy in Otology Diagnostics
Erik Appelberg1, Sanna Viitasalo1, Saku Tapani Sinkkonen1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Head and Neck Center Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki Helsinki Finland.
Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Patient self-recorded digital otoscopy (PDO) shows satisfactory quality for remote consultations, though diagnostic accuracy varies by condition. This method, while limited, can aid general practitioners and nurses in otologic care.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Digital Health
- Telemedicine
Background:
- Remote consultations are increasingly important in otologic care.
- Patient-performed otoscopy requires evaluation for diagnostic reliability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the reliability of patient self-recorded digital otoscopy (PDO) for remote otologic consultations.
- To compare the diagnostic accuracy of PDO with resident-recorded digital otoscopy (RDO).
Main Methods:
- 45 otologic outpatients underwent self-recorded digital otoscopy (PDO) after instruction.
- Resident-recorded digital otoscopy (RDO) and in-person otologist examination were performed for comparison.
- Recordings were evaluated by otologists, general otolaryngologists, and ENT residents for quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Main Results:
- Average PDO quality was 5.2/10, compared to 6.6/10 for RDO.
- Diagnostic accuracy for PDO was 48.4%, versus 63.5% for RDO.
- Diagnostic accuracy varied significantly across different ear pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Patient self-recorded digital otoscopy (PDO) offers satisfactory quality for remote consultations, though it is inferior to resident-recorded examinations.
- PDO demonstrates comparable diagnostic accuracy to RDO for specific pathologies, indicating its potential utility with limitations.
- Digital otoscopes utilized by patients, general practitioners, and nurses can enhance otologic remote consultations.
