Otolaryngology Clinic Research Articles

Causes and management of hoarseness of voice in benign laryngeal disorders in Azadi Teaching Hospital

Background:Hoarseness remain one of the major complain of patients visiting Otolaryngology clinic and regarded as one of the intractable conditions for treatment.It is almost a benign condition and could be treated by medical or surgical treatment according to the severity of symptoms and duration of patient complain. Patients and Methods: A prospective study had been carried out on 120 patients who attended ENT out patient clinic in Azadi teaching hospital from January 2018 to January 2019. All the cases had been diagnosed with either indirect laryngeal mirror or by flexible laryngoscope. The cases treated in the out patient as a conservative measures or the patients had been admitted and treated with a surgical maneuvers. Results: The patients consisted of 55%(64) males and 45%(56) females with an average age of 40 years. In this study the incidence of chronic hoarseness(65.84%) was more common than acute hoarseness(34.16%) and acute laryngitis(26.66%) was the most common cause of acute hoarseness,while Vocal cord polyp was the most common cause of chronic hoarseness (22.5%) . Conclusions: The commonest cause of hoarseness was found to be acute laryngitis of Larynx which predominantly affects young males. The peak age incidence is between 21-30 years, Males are affected more than females

Perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty

Aim: Septorhinoplasty is a frequently performed surgery in otolaryngology clinics that may induce perioperative anxiety in patients. Although such anxiety is considered a normal part of the surgical experience, it has negative consequences. This study aimed to evaluate the perioperative depression, anxiety, and postoperative pain scores of patients who underwent septorhinoplasty, as knowing this information has the potential to improve their recovery process.Methods: A total of 46 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty in 2019–2021 were included in this prospective study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to measure anxiety and depression, and the Visual Analog Scale was used to measure patients’ postoperative pain (POP).Results: A comparison of preoperative and first postoperative day HADS-A scores revealed a significant decrease in the scores (p=0.001). HADS-A and HADS-D scores decreased significantly after internal nasal splints were removed (p<0.05). A positive correlation was found between postoperative HADS-A scores and POP values (p<0.001).Conclusion: Perioperative anxiety should be mindfully considered in patients undergoing septorhinoplasty. Early removal of the internal nasal splints may reduce patients’ anxiety.

The Reliability of the Arabic Version of the Dyspnea Index Questionnaire for Upper Airway-Related Dyspnea.

Objectives This study aimed to translate the Dyspnea Index(DI) questionnaire into the Arabic language and determine whether this version is valid and reliable for Arabic-speaking patients with upper airway-related dyspnea. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the King Saud University Medical City otolaryngology clinics in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The DI questionnaire was translated intoArabicand then back-translated into the English language. Inclusion criteria were preoperative patients presenting to the otolaryngology clinic with upper airway-related dyspnea between November and December 2020. The results of internal consistency and factor analysis among the items were compared to the original DI development results to assess the reliability of the questionnaire. Results Among a total of 57 recruited patients, 50 questionnaires were completed with an 88% response rate. The mean age of the included patients was 38 ±14 years. Women constituted 58% of the patients. The most common diagnosis was subglottic stenosis (72%). Principle component extraction in factor analysis revealed a single underlying factor for all the questions. Factor loading ranged from 0.69 to 0.85. Reliability statistics showed a high value of internal consistency among the items. The mean inter-item correlation was 0.58. Conclusion Based on our findings, the Arabic version of the DIquestionnaire is a reliable instrument for evaluating upper airway dyspnea.

Effect of rhinoplasty on changing body images in candidates for surgery.

According to statistics, the number of rhinoplasty applicants is increasing. Rhinoplasty is performed to improve the nose shape fit into the face. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of rhinoplasty on changing body images in rhinoplasty candidates. The statistical population of the present prospective study, including those referring to the Otorhinolaryngology Clinic of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) with complaints of dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose and demand for rhinoplasty, completed Body Image Concern (BIC) Inventory and Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) before and 6 months after surgery at the clinic. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 16 using Mann-Whitney U and Wilcoxon tests at a significance level of 0.05. In total, 95 subjects were examined, of which 85 (89.5%) were women and 57 (60%) were single. There was no difference in the mean scores of BIC and Y-BOCS between women and men as well as between single and married subjects (p < 0.05). The Wilcoxon test results showed that the mean score of post-operative Y-BOCS was significantly increased in the rhinoplasty subjects (p < 0.001). Moreover, the mean score of post-operative BIC was significantly decreased in the rhinoplasty subjects (p < 0.001). The results of this study demonstrated that the rhinoplasty could improve the body image status and increase the obsessive thoughts and actions in an individual. Therefore, psychological primary care for avoiding pointless surgical plan and pre-operative psychological counselling, is suggested to examine the individual's psychological status and to assess the individual's expectations of surgery along with the necessary explanations.

Prevalence of Ménière's Disease in Syrian Patients with hypothyroidism: Cross-sectional study

BackgroundMénière's Disease, a long-term debilitating disorder has been increasingly found among patients with hypothyroidism. Our study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ménière's disease among hypothyroid patients and assess the interrelationship between patients' symptomology and ménière's disease. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed at the endocrinology clinics at Damascus Hospital and Syrian Red Crescent Hospital, Damascus, Syria between September 2021 and January 2022. Patients with hypothyroidism were interviewed using a questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions about socio-demographic information, hypothyroid history, diagnostic criteria of ménière's disease, chief complaint, medical history, and lab test results. Patients, who reported ménière's disease symptoms, were referred to the otorhinolaryngology clinic for confirmation or exclusion of ménière's disease. At the clinic, patients underwent an otoscopy and a pure tone audiometry, probable and definite ménière's disease was diagnosed accordingly. ResultsOf 217 hypothyroid patients included in the sample, 17 (7.8%) were diagnosed with definite ménière's disease and 31 (14.3%) were diagnosed with probable ménière's disease. Hypothyroid symptoms reported among patients diagnosed with definite ménière's disease compared to no diagnosis differed by feeling low (χ2 (1, 217) = 4.014, p = 0.045), and depressive appearance (χ2 (1, 217) = 8.887, p = 0.003). Patients diagnosed with definite ménière's disease, probable ménière's disease, and both definite and probable ménière's disease were more likely to report that their symptoms affected their lifestyle compared to those that reported no effect (χ2 (3, 217) = 62.565, p < 0.001), (χ2 (3, 217) = 31.380, p < 0.001), and (χ2 (3, 217) = 35.542, p < 0.001), respectively. ConclusionA high number of hypothyroid patients were diagnosed with MD. Clinicians should consider clinically screening for MD among hypothyroid patients presenting to clinics.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in Patients with Dizziness.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and factors associated with sarcopenia in patients with dizziness. This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 162 patients 65 years or older with the chief complaint of dizziness or vertigo (dizziness group) and 132 community-dwelling elderly (control group) were recruited during their visit to the otolaryngology clinic between May 2020 and October 2021. Of the 162 patients with dizziness (dizziness group), 53 (32.7%) were classified as sarcopenia according to the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. There were significant differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia between the dizziness group and the control group ( p < 0.01). The factors that significantly affected the sarcopenia, in order of greater odds ratio, were HADS_A, age, and DHI_Total (odds ratio = 1.223, 1.130, and 1.022, respectively). The present study shows that (i) the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with dizziness is higher than a community-dwelling elderly; (ii) patients with dizziness and sarcopenia have higher DHI_functional, DHI_emotional, DHI_total, and HADS_A compared with patients with dizziness but without sarcopenia; and (iii) age, HADS_A, and DHI were associated with sarcopenia in patients with dizziness.

701 Outcomes for Paediatric Patients Awaiting Bilateral Myringotomy and Ventilation Tube Insertion for Otitis Media with Effusion Listed Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract Aim The decline in the incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) during the COVID-19 pandemic has become apparent. This review investigates the outcomes for children with OME awaiting bilateral myringotomy and ventilation tube (BMT) who were referred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method All patients were reviewed in otolaryngology clinics between 1st February and 30th April 2021. Patients included were referred due to hearing, vestibular or developmental disorders prior to the first COVID-19 lockdown on 23rd March 2020. Analysis of routine consultation and audiological assessment was completed from records. Results There were a total of 48 patients awaiting BMT. The average age was 6.8 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.38:1. Most initial referrals (54.2%) were due to hearing loss, followed by recurrent ear infections (33.3%). Forty-four patients were diagnosed with OME. Of those, only 9% remained awaiting BMT. All others were removed from the waiting list. One patient remained listed for an adenotonsillectomy, 30 were discharged, and nine required follow-up appointments. Conclusion Our review demonstrates a significant reduction of BMT for OME following COVID-19. Further research on public health measures and changes in clinical practice during the 2020 lockdown would clarify the impact on OME.

Prevalence of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Clinic.

To analyze the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in a general otolaryngology population presenting to an outpatient clinic. Prospective prevalence study. Single tertiary academic otolaryngology clinic. New patients over 18 years of age who presented to an academic otolaryngology clinic between August 2018 and May 2021 completed a questionnaire including demographic questions and the validated Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire (BDDQ). Data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed to assess demographics and prevalence of BDD in an otolaryngology clinic. Of the 242 patients queried, 15 patients screened positive for BDD. The screened prevalence of BDD was determined to be 6.2%. None of the patients had previously been diagnosed with BDD. The prevalence of prior mental health diagnoses was 34.3%. These patients had initially presented for a variety of otolaryngologic concerns and had pre-existing diagnoses of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive, bipolar and eating disorders. The prevalence of BDD in our population of new patients presenting to an academic otolaryngology practice (6.2%) is higher than that of the general population (1.9%).

Subjective Voice Handicap and Vocal Tract Discomfort in Patients With Cochlear Implant

Changes in the auditory system, for example due to hearing impairment, can cause changes in breathing, phonation, and articulation. Aim of this study was to provide first data on subjective Voice Handicap and Vocal Tract Discomfort in subjects with hearing impairment and cochlear implant (CI) after initial fitting. Prospective cross-sectional study METHODS: A total of 111 participants (57 female and 54 male) between 20 and 85 years of age (mean=58.21, SD=14.96) were recruited between October 2019 and March 2020 from the Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology at Medical University of Hannover. Participants were tested after initial CI fitting, six weeks after implantation, using the German version of the VTD (Vocal Tract Discomfort) Scale and VHI (9i) (Voice Handicap Index) as well as speech comprehension tests and a specifically developed questionnaire evaluating data concerning voice usage and other influential factors. Statistics included descriptive analysis, group comparisons (t-Test), Pearson correlation coefficient between VTD Scale and VHI, and hearing status. Patients with CI did show low scores in VTD Scale and VHI-9i (VTD mean=7.85 [SD=10.4]; VHI-9i mean=4.04 [SD=5.77]). We found neither a correlation between any of the speech comprehension tests and the VTD Scale nor the VHI-9i. Further, we could show no correlation between subjective Voice Handicap and/or Vocal Tract Discomfort and age or the kind of treatment. Patients included in this study did not show more subjective Voice Handicap or Vocal Tract Discomfort than normal hearing peers. Scores of VTD Scale and VHI-9i did not depend on the duration of hearing loss, speech comprehension, kind of treatment or age.

Butterfly Graft Technique for Addressing the Internal Nasal Valve.

Nasal airway obstruction is a common presenting complaint to otolaryngology clinics, with the internal valve a commonly implicated anatomic area of obstruction. The nasal butterfly graft is a robust technique to address this subsite with good reported functional and aesthetic outcomes in both primary and secondary rhinoplasty. We describe our approach to patient evaluation, surgical candidate selection, operative technique, and outcomes assessment for this technique.

Utility of telephone visits at an urban safety-net hospital during 2020: A retrospective review.

ObjectiveDuring COVID‐19, otolaryngology clinics rapidly implemented telehealth programs in accordance with social distancing guidelines and institutional policies. Our objectives are to evaluate the usefulness of telephone audio visits for underserved patients seeking otolaryngological care at an urban safety‐net hospital and identify patient factors associated with telephone visit attendance.MethodsIn a retrospective review of all adult telephone visits in 2020, we compared the demographics and visit characteristics of patients who attended telehealth versus in‐person visits and patients who attended versus missed telehealth visits. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized to identify predictors of missing telehealth visits.ResultsWe identified 318 telehealth encounters completed by 254 patients (72.8% were of racial/ethnic minority; 76.3% had low‐income, need‐based insurances; 43.7% had limited English proficiency). The most common chief complaints were related to head and neck oncology (n = 85, 26.7%), otology/neurotology (n = 74, 23.3%), and general otolaryngology (n = 69, 21.7%). The following actions were executed during telephone visits: behavioral and/or medication patient education (n = 152, 47.8%); sharing testing/imaging/tumor board results (n = 125, 39.3%); referrals to another department (n = 103, 32.4%); rendering a new diagnosis (n = 98, 30.8%); changing medications (n = 60, 18.9%). Less than half of telephone visits (46.2%) resulted in in‐person follow‐up, most commonly for in‐person exams. The distribution of race/ethnicity differed between attended in‐person appointments versus telephone visits (p = .01), but race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of telephone visit attendance.ConclusionDespite limited diagnostic capabilities, telephone audio visits can be an effective and accessible tool for providing continuity and advancing care in socially disadvantaged patients.Level of evidenceIV.

What do we mean when we have a "sinus infection?"

Sinus infections are a common reason patients seek medical care. However, the intended meaning of the term sinus infection among patients and otolaryngologists is incompletely understood. In this multi-institutional cross-sectional study, a semantics-based questionnaire was provided to consecutive patients presenting to otolaryngology clinics at six academic centers from June 2020 until May 2021. The primary outcome was respondent definitions for sinus infection from a list of 28 proposed terms covering six general categories. Secondary outcome measures included differences between geographic regions. Responses were obtained from 560 patients (54% female, mean age 48.9 years) and 29 otolaryngologists (42% female, mean age 37.4 years). Patients and otolaryngologists selected a median of 10 and 11 terms, respectively, to define a sinus infection. Among patients the most frequently selected symptom categories were mucus (500, 89.3%), pressure/pain (480, 85.7%), and airflow (468, 83.6%). Compared to patients, clinicians selected with greater frequency the symptom categories of pressure/pain (14.3% difference; 95% CI, 7.6% to 22.5%), mucus (10.7% difference; 95% CI, 4.7% to 18.3%) and airflow (13.0% difference; 95% CI, 4.8% to 21.7%). Multiple categories were selected by 96% of patients and 100% of providers. The definition of sinus infection appears variable for both patients and otolaryngologists, though patients appear to apply a broader range of symptoms to the term sinus infection. There were no pronounced geographic differences in the description of a sinus infection in this US sample population. Patients commonly described sinus infection in the context of pain-related symptoms. Appreciation of these semantic differences may enable more effective patient-clinician communication.

Parental Knowledge of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Symptoms and Tonsillectomy in Children.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is present in approximately 2% to 5% of children; however, only 15% of parents are reported to be knowledgeable about OSA in children. Sleep apnea in children can lead to cardiopulmonary disease, abnormal weight gain, failure to thrive, or learning difficulties. The purpose of our study is to assess parental knowledge of pediatric OSA to identify any knowledge gaps. Survey. Three pediatric otolaryngology clinics associated with a tertiary care children's hospital in Buffalo, NY. In June of 2021, parents of pediatric (0-18 years) otolaryngology patients completed a survey on their knowledge of OSA. Parents were asked to rank their concern about OSA and identify symptoms of OSA. Parental demographic data collected included gender, age, race, and educational level. Respondents were asked if their child had undergone a sleep study or tonsillectomy. Of the 246 parents included, 77 (31.4%) parents had a child who had a tonsillectomy, 40 (16.3%) had a child who had a sleep study done, and 25 (10.2%) had a child with both done. For recognizing the symptoms of pediatric OSA the mean was 6.3 (95% CI 5.8-6.8) out of 13 total. Symptoms least likely recognized were nocturnal enuresis and hyperactivity, 65 (27%) and 91 (37%) of parents correctly identifying these symptoms, respectively. Greater concern about OSA correlated with greater cumulative knowledge score (P < .001). Parents whose child had undergone a tonsillectomy were more likely to be concerned about OSA in children compared to non-tonsillectomy parents (P = .003), and sleep study parents were also more likely to be concerned about OSA than non-sleep study parents (P = .045). Parents who attended a pediatric otolaryngology clinic have knowledge gaps about pediatric sleep.

Impact of Age and Gender on Quality of Life Among General Otolaryngology Patients.

The combined effects of age and gender on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in otolaryngology patients are unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the effect of age on HRQoL differs by gender in otolaryngology patients. Patients seen in a general otolaryngology clinic were included in this retrospective chart review. HRQoL was measured by the SF-6D score. Patient characteristics, including demographics and category of chief otolaryngology complaint, were extracted from medical records. A multivariable linear regression analysis was used to analyze the combined effect of age and gender on HRQoL. The model was adjusted for race, ethnicity, number of complaint categories, and number of medications. The study included 728 patients (age mean=52, SD=18; 48% male). Multivariable linear regression models found a significant interaction effect between age and gender (β= 0.213, p < 0.05). For younger patients, female gender was protective; however, at age greater than 35 years, female gender was a risk factor for decreased HRQoL. Compared to Black patients, Asian and other race patients reported significantly greater HRQoL (β= 0.207, p < 0.05 for Asian; β= 0.126, p < 0.05 for other races). Additionally, an antagonistic interaction effect was found between age and number of category of otolaryngology complaints in moderating HRQoL (β= 0.468, p < 0.001). Age affects HRQoL differently in men than in women. Among otolaryngology patients, women experience a greater decrease in HRQoL as they age. 4 Laryngoscope, 133:801-806, 2023.

Treatment decision-making among Asian Americans with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Treatment decision-making among Asian Americans with chronic rhinosinusitis.

Case Report: Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland with EBV Association

Primary Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma (LEC) of the salivary gland is a rarely encountered malignant tumour by Otorhinolaryngology surgeons especially in Malaysia. It accounts for an estimated 0.4% of all malignant tumours of head and neck with a racial predilection towards Eskimos, people of Southern Costal of China and Japanese. Histologically it exhibits a poorly differentiated neoplasm and a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus that could be similar to an undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The parotid gland is the most common location a Primary LEC of the salivary gland develops, with patients mostly presenting with a painless parotid swelling and cervical lymphadenopathy. Herein, the authors report a rare case of Primary LEC of the parotid in an unfortunate Malay female. In this case report we further highlight the pathological and radiological features including management of Primary LEC of the parotid as this tumour should be considered in all patients presenting with a painless parotid mass to an Otorhinolaryngology clinic.

A Clinico Pathological Correlation of FNAC and Histopathology of Thyroid Swellings: A Hospital-Based Prospective Study

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a diagnostic tool in which cells are extracted from palpable swelling using FNAC gun or syringe and needle. It is a simple, speedy, safe, cost effective and accurate technique being used worldwide. But, pitfalls come along making the correlation with histopathology often necessary. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study conducted among 30 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for thyroid swellings in ENT department, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore. Patients were evaluated by detailed history, clinical examination, preoperative FNAC, thyroid function tests. Results: Thirty patients who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid swelling during the study period was selected. Among 30 cases all specimen was sent for gross and microscopic examination. Two cases of malignant neoplasms were detected, one of which was benign according to FNAC. Most common lesion was multinodular goiter. Correlation of FNAC and histopathology for benign and malignant lesions, sensitivity of FNAC was found to be 50%, specificity 100%, negative predictive value of 96.5 % and positive predictive value of 100%. p-value&lt;0.01, showing that there is a strong positive correlation between FNAC and histopathology findings. Conclusion: Thyroid pathologies are frequently encountered in otolaryngology clinics. Often the initial FNAC is a cost effective and minimally invasive procedure for the preoperative assessment of patients with thyroid swelling. Even though the clinical presentation may be similar in benign and malignant thyroid swellings, FNAC is the key to initial evaluation of thyroid swellings as well as to plan the surgery. Keywords: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, Histopathology, Thyroid swellings.

Effects of Betahistine on Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex in Normal Healthy Adults: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

IntroductionVertigo, or the perception of a spinning sensation, is a common symptom experienced by patients who are referred to Otorhinolaryngology clinics. Betahistine is a medication that has been widely used to treat vertigo and its accompanying symptoms. However, the effects of this medication on the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) are still unknown. Initially, it was assumed that betahistine should be discontinued prior to any vestibular tests, particularly the video head impulse test (vHIT).MethodThirty young healthy adults were randomly divided into two equal groups for this randomized double-blind clinical study (betahistine 24 mg and placebo). Baseline pure-tone audiometry (PTA), tympanometry, and VOR measurements were taken, followed by experimental measurements at one hour, four hours, eight hours, and 24 hours after consumption. The video head impulse test (vHIT) was used to determine the VOR.ResultBetahistine had no statistically significant effect on vestibulo-ocular reflex gain (F(4,140) = 0.601, p = 0.662). The gain variability across repetitive head impulses remained constant over time.ConclusionsBetahistine has no effect on the vestibulo-ocular reflex. As a result, this medication can be taken prior to the vHIT procedure.

Correlation between clinical characteristics and tinnitus severity in tinnitus patients of different sexes: an analytic retrospective study.

This study aimed to explore whether sex is influences tinnitus severity and whether the risk factors for tinnitus severity are the same in tinnitus patients of different sexes. This was a retrospective study of data from 1427 patients complaining of tinnitus in a local hospital otolaryngology clinic from November 2019 to January 2022. All patients were interviewed and assessed by otoscopy, pure-tone audiometry, tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and tinnitus refinement test. THI values were higher in females than in males (P = 0.00). Types of tinnitus sounds (OR 0.667, P = 0.000) and degree of hearing loss (OR 1.318, P = 0.000) were risk factors for tinnitus severity in males. Types of tinnitus sounds (OR 0.789, P = 0.005), sensation level (OR 1.023, P = 0.037), tinnitus types (OR 1.163, P = 0.041), tinnitus location (OR 1.198, P = 0.026), and the degree of hearing loss (OR 1.303, P = 0.000) were risk factors for tinnitus severity in females. Sex was an influencing factor for tinnitus severity. There were different risk factors for the tinnitus severity in different sexes. The risk factors for tinnitus severity differed according to sex in tinnitus patients, and the risk factors for tinnitus severity were greater in women than in men. These findings add to the literature on sex differences in tinnitus and suggest that medical and psychological screening of affected individuals and customized tinnitus treatment for each individual with tinnitus are needed. ChiCTR2200057958, 2022/3/24 (retrospectively registered trials).

Validity and reliability of the Malay Short Version of the Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS)

BackgroundOlfaction plays an enormous role in every aspect of life including health, emotions, social life, and safety. This is why olfactory dysfunction will leave a great impact on a person’s life. During the recent pandemic hit of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), much importance was given to olfaction and its sequelae post-COVID-19. There is various questionnaire being used for determining olfactory disorders worldwide. In Malaysia, Malay language is widely conversed among the local population hence an assessment tool for an olfactory specific quality of life is necessary.MethodThis is a cross-sectional study performed in the Otorhinolaryngology clinic in a tertiary hospital. The short Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS) is a validated questionnaire that is a simple and easy tool to assess the impact of olfactory dysfunction in daily life. The original version of the short Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders-Negative Statements (sQOD-NS) questionnaire was translated into the Malay language. A forward-backwards translation, validity, and reliability study was done on this questionnaire. A Malay version of sQOD-NS was responded to by a total of 70 participants including 35 patients of normosia and 35 patients with smell dysfunction and repeated after 2 weeks via phone call response. The discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test re-test reliability were assessed.ResultsThe pilot study revealed that participants who were normosmic had a higher mean score than smell dysfunction. A Student t test shows mean 20.5 ± 1.22 in normosmic group and 6.06 ± 2.41 in hyposmic group which are significant with p value of < 0.01. The coefficient of correlation (r) between test and retest scores was 0.77 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe Malay translation of sQOD-NS is a validated questionnaire that can be used both in clinical practice and in academics.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s43163-022-00265-3.