Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
14:05

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses

Published on: January 23, 2017

[Secretion of middle ear in infants -- occurrence, recurrence and related factors]

Sandra de O Saes1, Tamara B L Goldberg, Jair C Montovani

  • 1Universidade do Sagrado Coração, Bauru, SP. sandrasaes@gmail.com

Jornal De Pediatria
|April 29, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Middle ear infections are common in infants, affecting 68.4% within two years. Exclusive breastfeeding is protective, while passive smoking, reflux, and allergies increase recurrence risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Middle ear secretion (otitis media with effusion) is a common pediatric condition.
  • Early childhood is a critical period for auditory system development and language acquisition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the occurrence and recurrence of middle ear secretion in infants up to two years old.
  • To identify associated risk and protective factors for middle ear effusion in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Monthly assessments including anamnesis, otoscopy, behavioral hearing assessment, and tympanometry.
  • Study involved 190 newborns and infants in a specialized health program.
  • Longitudinal data collection over the first two years of life.

Main Results:

  • 68.4% of infants experienced at least one episode of middle ear secretion.
  • Recurrence was higher in males, peaking between 4-12 months.
  • Exclusive breastfeeding showed a protective effect.
  • Passive smoking, gastro-esophageal reflux, and respiratory allergy were identified as risk factors for recurrence.

Conclusions:

  • Periodic auditory monitoring is crucial for infants during the first two years.
  • Early identification and intervention can prevent potential damage to speech and language development.
  • Understanding associated factors aids in prevention and management strategies for middle ear effusion.
Abstract

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