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Temporal Trends and ICD-11-Mapped Patterns of Otology Research in Saudi Arabia, 1978-2024: A Scoping Review Using
Nawaf Khayal Alkhayal1, Mohammed Sherif1, Yousef Fares Shata1
1College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia.
Audiology Research
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Otology research in Saudi Arabia shows significant growth, especially since 2017, but remains concentrated in specific institutions and topics like hearing impairment. Future research should address underrepresented areas such as vestibular and rehabilitation studies.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Neurotology
- Public Health
Background:
- Otology research in Saudi Arabia has seen varying publication trends.
- Understanding these trends is crucial for identifying research gaps and future directions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map publication trends, topical focus, study designs, and institutional concentration in Saudi Arabian otology research (1978-2024).
- To identify potential disparities in research output, regional focus, institutional involvement, and funding within the field.
Main Methods:
- A scoping review of otology and human ear disease studies indexed in PubMed and Cochrane Library.
- Bibliometric analysis, topic mapping to ICD-11 chapters, and temporal trend modeling using negative binomial regression.
Main Results:
- Annual research output increased by 9.28%, with accelerated growth (23.9%/year) observed from 2018 onwards.
- Research is concentrated in a few institutions, predominantly observational studies, and focused on "Ear and mastoid" and "Factors influencing health status."
- Limited experimental studies and research on vestibular disorders, tinnitus, and rehabilitation were noted.
Conclusions:
- Otology research in Saudi Arabia has grown substantially, particularly post-2017, but exhibits concentration in institutions, regions, study designs, and topics.
- Future research planning should prioritize underrepresented areas like multicenter trials, experimental studies, and specific conditions such as vestibular disorders, tinnitus, and rehabilitation to address identified gaps.