Quality and Readability of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Prevention-Related Websites

Objective: This cross-sectional website analysis aimed to determine the readability and quality of English and Spanish websites pertaining to the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss. Study Design: Cross-sectional website analysis. Setting: Various online search engines. Methods: We queried four popular search engines using the term “noise-induced hearing loss prevention” to reveal the top 50 English and top 50 Spanish websites for data collection. Websites meeting inclusion criteria were stratified based on the presence of a Health on the Net Code certificate (independent assessment of honesty, reliability, and quality). Websites were then independently reviewed by experts using the DISCERN criteria in order to assess information quality. Readability was calculated using the Flesch reading ease score for English and the Fernandez-Huerta formula for Spanish websites. Results: Thirty-six English websites and 32 Spanish websites met the inclusion criteria. English websites had significantly lower readability (average = 56.34, SD = 11.17) compared to Spanish websites (average = 61.88, SD = 5.33) (P <.05). Spanish websites (average = 37, SD = 8.47) were also of significantly higher quality than English websites (average = 25.13, SD = 10.11). Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of providing quality and readable materials to patients seeking information about noise-induced hearing loss prevention. All of the English and Spanish websites reviewed were written at a level higher than the American Medical Association-recommended sixth-grade reading level. The study also highlights the need for evidence-based information online provided by experts in our field.