Methods
This study regarding ear-packing habits among French otologists was
conducted using an online survey administered between March 15, 2020 and
May 15, 2020. Member physicians were recruited from the French Otology
and Neurotology Association (AFON), which currently includes 135
members. A Google FormsĀ® survey was sent to all the members.
Participants were asked to indicate their age, experience in otologic
surgery, and type of practice (public or liberal). Surgeons with less
than 5 years of experience were excluded. The questionnaire included 6
major otological procedures (myringoplasty, ossiculoplasty,
canaloplasty, canal wall reconstruction, open and closed tympanoplasty).
Participants were asked to describe their surgical approach for each
procedure and their postoperative habits (postoperative management, type
of packing, time of removal, follow up process) via multiple choice
questions. Participants were also asked to express their opinion
regarding the absence of packing. The survey can be found at:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15oFeGalLw43xUpz8CJ9nQI_OFQ7bc2IDKRpTrE4ih9Y/edit .
Data available on request from the authors.