Outcomes research in otology.

Among the otolaryngologic subspecialties, otology has historically been at the forefront of outcomes research in our specialty. Many traditional outcomes reporting tools have been consistently employed in the study of otologic disease and treatment outcomes including standardized reporting schemes for Meniere's disease and facial nerve dysfunction. However, recent interest has surfaced in disease-specific quality-of-life outcomes measures for many otologic diseases such as sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss and suppurative otitis media. Several reliable and validated outcomes tools are available for the assessment of the impact on quality of life and treatment outcomes for common otologic afflictions that carry with them significant quality-of-life burdens. Furthermore, similar outcomes tools have been developed that allow a scientific appraisal of disease status and quality of life for dizziness and tinnitus, which have been traditionally difficult to quantify. Increasing familiarity with these outcomes tools will allow investigators to accurately assess and compare treatments for these otologic diseases and justify treatment initiatives in the future.