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Chronic otitis media sequelae in skeletal material from medieval Denmark
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
The Laryngoscope
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Chronic otitis media sequelae (COMS) in early medieval Denmark increased over time. This suggests a decline in living standards and a rise in infectious diseases from the 11th to 14th centuries.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology
- Bioarchaeology
- Medieval History
Background:
- Chronic otitis media sequelae (COMS) are indicators of past health and living conditions.
- Examining skeletal remains provides insights into historical disease prevalence.
Observation:
- Otomicroscopic examination of 659 individuals from two Danish medieval cemeteries (1050-1350).
- Identified osseous fistulae, hypotympanon remodelling, and incus erosion as indicators of COMS.
- COMS frequency ranged from 1% to 7%, with higher rates in younger individuals.
Findings:
- A minimum of 1% to 7% of individuals exhibited signs of COMS.
- The youngest skeletal samples showed the highest frequency of pathological changes.
- Evidence suggests an increasing incidence of infectious middle ear disease.
Implications:
- Rising COMS incidence may indicate deteriorating living conditions in early medieval Denmark.
- COMS frequency can serve as a paleopathological indicator of public health and standard of living.
- This study contributes to understanding infectious disease patterns and societal changes during the medieval period.