Qualitative Assessment of Quality and Readability of Patient‐Directed Online Resources for Cochlear Implants in Children

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveChildren with sensorineural hearing loss can benefit from cochlear implantation (CI). Patients can obtain direct access to medical information on the internet. However, the internet is uncontrolled, and the quality and readability of information are unpredictable. The quality and readability of websites providing information about CI in children were assessed in this study.Study DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingOnline search.MethodsThe 3 most popular search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo) were queried with the phrases “cochlear implant” and “cochlear implant in children.” The DISCERN instrument was used to assess the information quality. The readability was evaluated using 5 validated readability indices.ResultsOf 103 websites, the median DISCERN quality score was 33 (interquartile range [IQR], 27‐41). Only 5 websites were considered to be of good quality, and 1 was excellent. The median readability school grade was 11th (IQR, 10‐12), which fell within the range defined as difficult. No website was at or below the recommended sixth‐grade level. There was no correlation between readability and the DISCERN scores (r = −0.105, p = .291).ConclusionOur study suggests that most websites with information on CI for children are of variable quality and are written beyond the reading ability of the general population. Website builders should focus on improving the readability of their online material to help the average reader understand and benefit from the content.