Ability to Identify External Ear Deformities and Normal External Ear Anatomy Based on Year and Specialty of Medical Training

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyze a potential association between resident training level/specialty type and correct identification of external ear deformities/external ear anatomy. A Qualtrics survey was distributed via email to all pertinent residency programs in the United States. The survey captured specialty type (Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, and Plastic Surgery) and level of training (PGY 1-2 and PGY 3+). The assessment asked residents to identify 10 clinically relevant external ear deformities and 10 normal pinna anatomic subunits. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between the level of training/specialty type and performance on individual survey items. To examine group performance on overall mean scores of the external ear deformity/external ear anatomy survey, a t-test and factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Responses from 105 residents were analyzed. Senior residents (PGY 3+) performed significantly better in correctly identifying Microtia Grade 3, Question Mark ear, and Cryptotia as compared to junior residents (PGY 1-2). Senior residents performed significantly better in the identification of external ear deformities ( P = .002) and normal pinna anatomical subunits ( P < .001). Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery residents performed significantly better in the identification of external ear deformities ( P < .001) and normal pinna anatomical subunits ( P < .001) than Pediatrics. There were no significant interaction effects between the level of training and the specialty type on either ear deformity or normal pinna anatomy identification. Residents had a 34.5% success rate of identifying ear deformities and showed improved confidence in identification when exposed to a digital-based examination. Improved education methods for detection will help with timely correction of ear deformities.