Can we accurately interpret drawings of ears with retractions?

Abstract

Retraction pockets of the pars tensa and flaccida are commonly drawn to monitor the condition. The clinical value of such drawings has not been assessed. This study shows that the ability to recognise an identical ear to a reference photograph from a drawing is poor. Using a drawing to identify the relative stage of a retraction from a drawing is unreliable. Otoendoscopic photographs are likely to be more reliable.