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Olfactory function in Australian aboriginal children and chronic otitis media
Jessica E Armstrong1, David G Laing, Fiona J Wilkes
1School of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 3, Sydney Children's Hospital, High Street, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia.
Chemical Senses
|May 9, 2008
Summary
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) does not appear to cause long-term olfactory loss in Aboriginal children. Hearing loss in these children was also not found to predict olfactory dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health
- Sensory Science
Background:
- Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is prevalent among Australian Aboriginal children, often leading to hearing loss.
- The impact of CSOM-related pathogens on olfactory function in children is largely unknown.
- Investigating olfactory function is crucial given the high incidence of middle ear infections in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of olfactory loss in Australian Aboriginal children.
- To assess if hearing loss is a predictor of olfactory loss in this demographic.
- To understand the long-term effects of CSOM on olfactory function.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 261 Aboriginal children (aged 9-12) from rural communities with high CSOM rates were evaluated.
- Olfactory function was assessed using a 16-odor identification test.
- Hearing status was also assessed for each child.
Main Results:
- Only one child was diagnosed with anosmia, and four with hyposmia, indicating a low prevalence of olfactory loss.
- Hearing loss was identified in 42 children.
- No significant relationship was found between the presence of hearing loss and olfactory dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- CSOM does not appear to have a lasting negative impact on olfactory function in Aboriginal children.
- Hearing loss in Australian Aboriginal children is not a predictor of olfactory loss.
- The 16-odor identification test demonstrated high test-retest reliability (0.98).
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