EAR-Q outcomes in healthy adults: determining normative data

Abstract

BackgroundPatient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are gaining importance in research and as a clinical tool to measure pre- and post-surgical patient satisfaction. The EAR-Q, an example of a clinically used PROM, focuses on patient satisfaction regarding their ears. However, the absence of EAR-Q scores in adults without external ear conditions causes challenging interpretation of the results in patients with ear conditions. Therefore, this study aims to find normative data for scales of the EAR-Q in healthy adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional, single centre study included 515 healthy adults without conditions of the external ears. The participants filled in an online questionnaire with questions from the EAR-Q scales. A Rasch score between 0 and 100 was calculated, in which higher scores correlate with more satisfaction of that particular scale.ResultsMean scores for the EAR-Q ± standard deviation were: appearance 74 ± 20, adverse effects 94 ± 9, appearance distress 78 ± 14, psychological 64 ± 15 and social 66 ± 13. There was no difference in appearance scale between males and females; however, females scored lower on the appearance distress scale and psychological scale. Participants aged 30 and older scored higher on the appearance scale and appearance distress scale.ConclusionsThis is the first study to generate normative data for the EAR-Q in an adult population without ear conditions. The presented findings and normal scores support future research and clinical implementation of the EAR-Q. Clinicians can guide decision-making with these normative data as a reference point. Level of Evidence: Not gradable