A computer data bank system for otolaryngologic and audiologic data.

A data bank system has been in routine clinical operation for more than two years in our department. It is used to record histories, physical findings, and audiometric data; to produce reports that are sent with short covering letters to referring physicians, and to establish a data bank for research. Although originally created for noise-induced hearing loss claimants referred by the Workmen's Compensation Board, the system was designed, from the start, to be applicable to a wide range of clinical conditions. This report describes the conceptual approach to the data bank and certain practical details involved. The system is quick and effective to use, and it can be run on a relatively small microcomputer.