Evaluation of the Quality of Online Information on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Objective: To evaluate the quality of leading Internet resources of information on sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Study Design: Cross-sectional descriptive design. Settings: An online search by means of the Google search engine. Methods: An online search was conducted using terms related to SSNHL. We defined ''quality'' according to scaled readability measures (Flesch Reading Ease [FRE] and Flesch-Kincaid Grade-Level [FKGL]), as well as ''understandability'' and ''actionability'' (Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool), and Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) adherence. Scoring was performed by two independent physicians. Results: The 10 most frequently encountered patient education websites were analyzed. The average FRE score was ''fairly difficult'' (mean 57.28, median 55.55, range 46.4-71.8) and the average FKGL score was ''standard'' (mean 9th grade, median 9th grade, range 5th-10th grade). Nine websites were understandable (mean 83%, median 84%, range 69-100%), and seven had good actionability scores (mean 73%, median 75%, range 50-100%). Most websites conformed with the CPG for patient education at a reasonable level (mean 5.6, median 5.5, range 3-7). Notably, all websites encouraged seeking medical help. Conclusion: Internet resources for patient education on SSNHL vary in quality and are generally understandable to the average layman. There is still much room for better, more comprehensive and easier-to-read information to improve patients' medical knowledge about their condition. Level of Evidence: 1.