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Pneumatic otoscopy: Study of inter-observer variability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

B. T. Mains  and
J. G. Toner
B. T. Mains*
Affiliation:
Belfast
J. G. Toner
Affiliation:
Belfast
*
Brian T Mains FRCS 4 Eglantine GardensBelfast BT9 6EZ
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Abstract

The degree of inter-observer variability in the results of pneumatic otoscopy, used to predict the presence or absence of middle ear effusion was assessed. A group of 114 patients with 209 suitable ears had pneumatic otoscopy using a Seigle's speculum performed independently by two observers. The results were compared to the findings at myringotomy, on the basis that mobility of the tympanic membrane was indicative of a dry middle ear. The observers agreed in 187 ears, a concordance rate of 91 per cent, and in 174 of these (93 per cent) the observers' prediction of middle ear state was correct. The overall predictive accuracy of observer A was 89 per cent and of observer B 84 per cent, this difference is not statistically significant, p> 0.05.

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 103 , Issue 12 , December 1989 , pp. 1134 - 1135
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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References

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