What is the efficacy of sterile sheath use to prevent cross-contamination when using a fiberoptic nasopharyngolaryngoscope (FNPL) in an otolaryngology clinic? Background: After each use of FNPL, the endoscope must be […]
Babbling Is Necessary for Speech and Language Development
What is the importance of pre-linguistic vocalization? Background: The characterization and significance of pre-linguistic vocalization has long been the subject of research and debate. Pre-linguistic vocalization can generally be classified into […]
New Interview Questions for Better Resident Selection
Can commercially available business tools be used to identify competencies specific to the junior otolaryngology resident and to develop behavioral-based interview questions and techniques? Background: The resident selection process cannot predict […]
Systemic and Otic Administration of Ofloxacin Are Comparable
Does topical application of ofloxacin to the intact tympanic membrane (TM) compare to systemic administration? Background: Acute otitis media (AOM) is routinely treated with systemic antibiotics, which have been linked to […]
Is Comprehensive ASNHL Screening Always Needed?
What are the costs and diagnostic yield of screening patients presenting with asymmetrical sensorineural hearing loss (ASNHL)? Background: The magnitude of workup on a patient with ASNHL of an uncertain onset […]
Demographic Disparities Exist Among Children with Otitis Media
What are the current racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in the prevalence of frequent ear infections (FEI) among children in the U.S.? Background: There has been an increase in the prevalence of […]
Carbon Dioxide Laser-Assisted Cartilage Reshaping Otoplasty
How does the new technique of carbon dioxide laser-assisted cartilage reshaping (CO2 LACR) otoplasty work and what are the outcomes? Background: With more than 200 different otoplasty techniques, no single technique is […]
Understanding Otosclerosis Etiology and Impacting Factors
What is the current understanding of the etiology of otosclerosis and what are the genetic and environmental factors that have been implicated in the disease? Background: A common disease characterized by […]
The Faculty Mentor from the Resident’s Perspective
What is the experience of residents regarding mentorship during their otolaryngology residency? Background: Integral to the educational experience is the relationship between faculty and residents, which is based upon multiple types […]
MRI Useful for Identification of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Etiology
What is the evidence for different etiologies of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL)? Background: The incidence of SSNHL has been estimated from five to 20 per 100,000 persons per year, but […]