OTO Open最新文献

{"title":"Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Symptomatic Sigmoid Sinus Wall Anomalies.","authors":"Christopher Z Wen, Charlyn Gomez, Yunting Fu, Jae-Jin Song, Dong Woo Nam, Yue-Lin Hsieh, Wuqing Wang, David J Eisenman","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70293","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Evaluate geographic differences in clinical characteristics, including BMI, of patients with pulsatile tinnitus (PT) due to sigmoid sinus wall anomalies (SSWA).</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Systematic review and multi-institutional retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Three tertiary care centers, one each in the United States, China, and Korea.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For the systematic review, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were queried for articles published through June 2025. The retrospective review included patients who underwent intervention for SSWA-associated PT from 2007 to 2025.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 957 articles, 11 studies were included. BMI of US patients (n = 80) was 9.9 kg/m² higher (<i>p</i> = 0.0001; CI 8.1-11.6) than East Asian patients (n = 261), but there was no difference compared to the national average BMI. The retrospective review included 111 United States, 151 Korean, and 206 Chinese patients. The BMI of US patients (33.61 kg/m²) was higher (<i>p</i> < .0001) and had greater variance (<i>p</i> < .0001) than that of Korean (25.22 kg/m²) and Chinese (23.21 kg/m²) patients. When compared to the national average BMI, US (<i>p</i> < .0001; ∆4.1 kg/m², CI 2.5-5.7) and Korean (<i>p</i> < .0001; ∆1.8 kg/m², CI 1.1-2.6) patients had higher mean BMI, but Chinese patients did not. US patients were more likely to be overweight or obese compared to Korean (odds ratio [OR] 3.17, <i>p</i> < .0001; CI 1.71-5.85) and Chinese (OR 5.75, <i>p</i> < .0001; CI 3.20-10.31) patients. Korean patients were 1.81 (<i>p</i> < .01, CI 1.18-2.79) times more likely than Chinese patients to be overweight or obese.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BMI appears to be a more defining characteristic for American patients than East Asian patients with SSWA-associated PT. These findings have implications on the pathophysiology of SSWA and its relationship to IIH.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70293"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13512042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148831304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Establishing the State of Sponsorship in Academic Otolaryngology Departments.","authors":"Maeher Grewal, Caitlin Faust, Kelly Daniels, Kristine A Smith, Abigail Pulsipher, Amanda Stapleton, Jeffrey Simons, Reema Padia","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70295","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Recent studies suggest sponsorship opportunities are not equal between men and women in academic surgical medicine. We aimed to quantify the state of sponsorship in academic otolaryngology based on gender to establish a baseline by which to mark future progress.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Publicly available department roster.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was performed in which academic rank, gender, and leadership role were obtained from departmental websites of all ACGME-accredited United States otolaryngology programs from June to September 2024.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 2253 academic ranks and 1113 leadership roles identified across 125 otolaryngology departments, 29.0% and 25.5% were respectively held by women (<i>P</i> < .0001). Fourteen of 99 (14.1%) department chairs, 44 of 122 (36.1%) program directors (<i>P</i> < .0001), and 54 of 301 division chief or directorship roles (17.9%, <i>P</i> < .01) were held by women. Two of 26 (4.3%) professor emeriti, 113 of 626 (18.1%) full professor, 186 of 633 (29.4%) associate professor, and 352 of 948 (37.1%) assistant professor roles were held by women (<i>P</i> < .0001). Significant differences were observed in the proportion of women in leadership roles in departments chaired by women versus men (45% vs 25%, <i>P</i> < .0005), and with female versus male program directors (43% and 15%, <i>P</i> < .0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Women held higher proportions of leadership positions within departments chaired and residency programs run by women. Research efforts to determine the factors associated with these trends, including surveys of personal experiences with sponsorship, are ongoing.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13512048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148831321","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Should H2-Blockers Be Used for the Treatment of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux?","authors":"Sophia Linguiti, W Jack Palmer, Janvi J Shukla, Kathleen Tibbetts, Colin Huntley, Joseph Spiegel","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70278","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/oto2.70278","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a highly prevalent condition in otolaryngology practice, characterized by reflux of gastric contents into the pharynx and larynx. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) remain first-line therapy, many patients report persistent symptoms. In refractory cases, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are often employed as adjunctive or standalone therapy due to their rapid onset and accessibility. However, their utility as daily therapy is limited by tachyphylaxis, with significant loss of acid suppression within days of continuous use. Despite longstanding evidence from gastroenterology literature discouraging daily H2RA therapy, these agents remain frequently prescribed in otolaryngology practice. Contemporary ear, nose, and throat (ENT)-specific guidance on their role in LPR is lacking. In patients with ongoing laryngopharyngeal symptoms despite optimized PPI therapy, a systematic, phenotype-driven approach is recommended, incorporating objective testing with hypopharyngeal-esophageal pH-impedance monitoring, alternative agents including alginates, and consideration of surgical or endoscopic interventions. Greater adherence to evidence-based recommendations may improve outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70278"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13492577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antibiotic Use and Infection Patterns in Pediatric Tracheostomy Patients During Index Hospitalization.","authors":"Romaine F Johnson, Saudamini Lele, Alyssa C Chapel, Cynthia S Wang, Yann-Fuu Kou, Stephen R Chorney","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70290","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/oto2.70290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate antibiotic utilization as a process measure in pediatric tracheostomy patients, establishing baseline variation across diagnostic categories to inform quality improvement and stewardship initiatives.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively studied pediatric tracheostomy patients at a tertiary children's hospital (2015-2024). Antibiotic use was quantified across diagnostic categories, with prophylactic courses defined as 2 days or less. Cultures were reviewed to distinguish true bacterial infections from viral detections and colonization. Mixed-effects logistic regression modeled infection risk, accounting for patient clustering. Sensitivity analyses excluded patients hospitalized over 365 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 429 patients (6.8 months [IQR 4.3-55.9]), respiratory conditions were most common (43.8%), followed by cardiac (19.3%). Cardiac patients had the highest antibiotic exposure (mean 52.1 days) despite low infection rates (17.8%), while trauma patients had the highest infection rates (31.5%). Diagnostic category did not significantly affect infection risk after accounting for clustering. Only 19.6% of 38,030 cultures showed true bacterial infection (median time 14.1 days posttracheostomy). Viral detection cascades triggered 11.4% of bacterial cultures within 48 hours.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Antibiotic prescribing patterns often reflect institutional preferences rather than true infection risk. Individual patient factors more strongly predict infection than diagnostic category. This highlights the need for personalized stewardship and standardized viral detection protocols.</p><p><strong>Implications for practice: </strong>High variability in antibiotic utilization across diagnostic categories represents a measurable stewardship target. Reducing unnecessary exposure may decrease length of stay, healthcare costs, and antibiotic-associated complications.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13479472/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The T Stage of Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Its Effect on Regional Complications of Thyroidectomy.","authors":"Fahad Rind, Songzhu Zhao, Stephen Kang, Catherine T Haring, Amit Agrawal, Enver Ozer, Matthew O Old, Ricardo L Carrau, Nolan B Seim","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70213","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/oto2.70213","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To evaluate the impact of increasing AJCC T stage on postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Retrospective cross-sectional database study.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), which collects surgical outcomes data from ~700 US hospitals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>NSQIP Participant User Files were queried for thyroidectomy procedures (CPT codes 60210, 60212, 60220, 60225, 60240, 60252, 60254, 60260) from 2016 to 2020 with a pathology-confirmed diagnosis of papillary thyroid cancer. Primary exposure was T stage and outcomes included hoarseness, hypocalcemia, and hematoma formation. Multivariate analysis controlled for N stage, total thyroidectomy, multifocality, and neck dissection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 10,901 cases were identified (74.2% female; mean age 50.1 ± 15.1 years). Compared to early-stage tumors, T3 cancers were associated with increased risk of hoarseness (OR 1.614, 95% CI 1.260-2.074, <i>P</i> < .01) and 30-day hypocalcemia (OR 1.296, 95% CI 1.022-1.645, <i>P</i> = .03). Upstaging to T4 further increased risks of hoarseness (OR 2.971, 95% CI 2.039-4.282, <i>P</i> < .01), hematoma (OR 2.266, 95% CI 1.027-4.999, <i>P</i> = .04), and hypocalcemia (OR 1.542, 95% CI 1.007-2.364, <i>P</i> < .05). No significant morbidity difference was observed between T1 and T2 tumors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Increasing T stage is associated with significantly higher postoperative morbidity in patients with papillary thyroid cancer, particularly when advancing to T3 or T4. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative risk assessment and surgical planning in advanced disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70213"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13479466/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Formal Career Goal Advising Program for Otolaryngology, the UNC Experience.","authors":"Makayla R Matthews, Todd H Lambert, Robert A Buckmire, Rupali N Shah, Christine E DeMason","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70289","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Career goal advising (CGA) is critical to medical student success in the increasingly competitive field of otolaryngology. Otolaryngology is underrepresented in the preclinical curriculum; therefore, early exposure and guidance are limited. At the University of North Carolina (UNC), a formal CGA program was created in 2018 to provide direct access to faculty mentorship. Advisors provide early exposure to otolaryngology, advise the interest group, and meet regularly with students throughout medical school training. All participating students were surveyed. Since inception, the match rate of students applying to otolaryngology from UNC has been 95%. The majority of these students matched at top 25 residency programs. Students reported high satisfaction with access, responsiveness to concerns, preparedness for the match, and confidence in specialty choice. Our program offers a sustainable response to the challenge of exposure and competitiveness in otolaryngology and may provide a template for medical schools to improve faculty mentorship within otolaryngology.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13455539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148707190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and Validation of a Molded Silicone Task Trainer for Simulating Peritonsillar Abscess Drainage.","authors":"Peng You, Madeline Green-Holland, Kathryn Roth, Christopher J Chin","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70288","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70288","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common and essential otolaryngologic presentation, and bedside incision and drainage is a core procedural skill for otolaryngology residents. We report the design and preliminary validation of a low-cost, anatomically realistic simulation model for PTA drainage. The model integrates a molded silicone oropharynx with a drainable abscess cavity into a commercial dental task trainer. Thirty-eight otolaryngology trainees and faculty performed simulated drainage and completed a postsimulation survey evaluating realism and educational value. Face validity was supported by high realism scores (mean ≥4/5) and strong internal consistency (Cronbach's <i>α</i> = 0.85). Participants reported significant increases in procedural knowledge (mean increase: 1.17 points, <i>P</i> < .05) and confidence (mean increase: 1.13 points, <i>P</i> < .05). This modular, reusable model offers a scalable solution for simulation-based training in the development of this common and essential procedural skill in otolaryngology.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70288"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13446456/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148685614","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping Rural-Urban Disparities in Otolaryngology Access: A Statewide Analysis of Georgia's ENT Workforce.","authors":"Shervin Eskandari, William E Long, Benjamin Aderinwale, Dev Shah, Kush Patel, Lilian Ballesteros, Camilo Reyes","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70286","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70286","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>While healthcare disparities between rural and urban populations have been documented, access to subspecialty care in rural communities remains poorly characterized. This study aims to quantify rural-urban disparities regarding access to otolaryngologists in Georgia.</p><p><strong>Study design: </strong>Cross-sectional.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Georgia Composite Medical Board (GCMB), and American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) databases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The CMS and GCMB databases were used to identify otolaryngologists in Georgia and their primary office location. Residency and fellowship training information was collected through the AAO-HNS database and institutional websites. County-level demographic data were obtained from the 2020 US Census. The 2023 Rural-Urban Continuum Codes were used to classify metropolitan (1-3) and nonmetropolitan (4-9) counties.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 367 otolaryngologists were identified across Georgia's 159 counties (74 metropolitan, 85 nonmetropolitan). Common residency training states included Georgia (20.4%) and New York (6.8%). Overall, 42.5% of otolaryngologists completed fellowship training, with the most common being pediatric otolaryngology (23.7%) and facial plastics (21.8%). Metropolitan counties had an average travel distance of 10.23 miles to the nearest otolaryngologist and 1.91 otolaryngologists per 100,000 residents, compared to 20.32 miles and 0.76 otolaryngologists per 100,000 residents in nonmetropolitan counties (<i>P</i> < .001). Most otolaryngologists (n = 232, 63.2%) were in counties classified as code 1 (most urbanized), which also had the lowest travel burden to the nearest otolaryngologist. Additionally, 12.8% of otolaryngologists practiced in academic settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There are significant rural-urban ENT-related disparities in the state of Georgia, with a shortage of otolaryngologists in rural counties.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70286"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13435370/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148673996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical and Diagnostic Considerations in Laryngeal Leishmaniasis: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Joseph Celidonio, Nicholas Hamilton, Alexandra Filipkowski, Raj Malhotra, Samantha Shave, Myat E Mon, Kenneth Yan, Rachel Kaye","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70281","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Laryngeal leishmaniasis is a rare, insidious manifestation of Leishmania infection with potential for life-threatening complications. Awareness is critical for efficient and timely diagnosis. This systematic review of laryngeal leishmaniasis focuses on presentation, treatment, and the role of serological studies in the work up of these patients.</p><p><strong>Data sources: </strong>PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE.</p><p><strong>Review methods: </strong>A systematic review of English literature was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Studies with both systemic and isolated laryngeal leishmaniasis data were included. Data on demographics, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes were extracted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 81 patients included, the majority were male (87.7%) and were exposed to a region endemic to Leishmania (97.3%). The mean age was 51.8 years. The most common symptoms were dysphonia (79.0%) and dysphagia (17.0%). Mean time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 18.4 months. Among patients who received serological testing for leishmaniasis, 77.2% tested positive, and those with isolated disease showed lower sensitivity. The most common treatment modalities were amphotericin (35.8%) and meglumine antimoniate (30.9%), whereas surgical treatment was pursued in only 6.7%. Most patients achieved symptom resolution (78.3%) at last follow-up (mean 12.7 months). 12.3% of patients required a tracheostomy-time from symptom onset to diagnosis did not differ in patients with tracheostomy versus no tracheostomy (29.4 vs 16.3 months, <i>P</i> = .082).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Laryngeal leishmaniasis is a difficult diagnosis, particularly in nonendemic regions. In fact, there is often a delay in diagnosis. Serological studies may play an important role in supporting the diagnosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70281"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421088/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148631181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Demographic Differences in Otolaryngology Applicants Compared with Other Specialties: Analysis of 2022-2024 Match Data.","authors":"Maria Armache, Angela Renne, Francis Deng, Jenny X Chen","doi":"10.1002/oto2.70285","DOIUrl":"10.1002/oto2.70285","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We analyzed publicly available data from the National Resident Matching Program to compare the demographics of applicants who ranked otolaryngology-head and neck surgery (OHNS) programs first with those who ranked other specialties first in the 2022 to 2024 Match cycles. Among 1337 applicants preferring OHNS and 110,677 applicants preferring non-OHNS specialties, significant differences emerged. OHNS applicants were more likely to be male, White, and US citizens, and less likely to identify as Asian, Black/African American, or Hispanic/Latino. They were also less likely to report indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage, including first-generation college or medical graduate status, or receipt of government assistance during childhood. No significant differences were observed in sexual orientation or disability status. These findings suggest that applicants to OHNS differ demographically from those to other specialties, with evidence of underrepresentation of individuals from historically marginalized and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Similar trends have been observed in other competitive specialties, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to improve equity in recruitment strategies.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level IV.</p>","PeriodicalId":19697,"journal":{"name":"OTO Open","volume":"10 3","pages":"e70285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13421087/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148631149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}