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Objective: This study aimed to identify what proportion of middle-ear surgery patients utilise the internet for information and to characterise which resources and media formats are used and for what durations. Method: A single-arm, retrospective cohort study was performed using an online survey of English-speaking patients who underwent middle-ear surgery over a three-year period across two otology practices. Results: Of 260 invitees, 165 responded. A total of 122 used online resources: 9.8 per cent used online resources for less than 15 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 15 to 29 minutes, 27.0 per cent used them for 30 to 59 minutes and 36.1 per cent used them for 60 minutes or more. Of online users with complete responses (108 of 122), the most used resources (used for 12 minutes or more) were: written information (73.1 per cent); surgeons' websites (55.6 per cent); pictures, diagrams or photos (42.6 per cent); videos (37.0 per cent); and social media (10.2 per cent). Conclusion: At least 46.9 per cent of patients undergoing elective ear surgery use online resources. Most time is spent using written information, pictures, diagrams, photos and videos. Therefore, it is increasingly essential that accurate and informative resources in these formats are readily available online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this project is to create a three-dimensional (3D) printed smartphone adaptor for flexible nasolaryngoscopy (FNL) to provide an affordable alternative to commercial options and a better fit than generic telescope phone adaptors., Method: We designed an adaptor using computer aided software to connect an iPhone XS to an Olympus Rhino-Laryngo Fibre Scope. We experimented with various 3D printing materials and iterative designs to create a case that allowed for quality recording of a nasolaryngoscope exam using the iPhone's built in ×2 telescopic zoom lens., Results: Our 3D printed adaptor provides a cost-effective alternative to commercially available FNL smartphone adaptors and is capable of capturing high-quality images and videos of the nasopharynx and larynx. These images are useful for senior clinician review, decrease the need for repeat examination, can be utilized for education, avail telehealth review, and provides a way to digitally record examinations to electronic medical records for future comparison without the need for an endoscopy tower., Conclusion: Smartphone adaptors for FNL have been established to be of clinical value. Despite being simple devices, they continue to be expensive. This potentially limits access to junior clinicians, who stand to gain most from the ability to review images of examinations with senior colleagues. Our 3D printed smartphone case provides a cost-effective alternative, with a better fit than generic adaptors, at a print cost of $29 AUD. This is $131 AUD less than the next cheapest commercial alternative. The files are freely available for use and modification., Level of Evidence: 4., Competing Interests: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest., (© 2020 The Authors. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Triological Society.)