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Tympanometric screening in children on admission to a paediatric ward: a preliminary study
1Department of Paediatrics, Kolding Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Tympanometric screening revealed a high prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) in hospitalized children, particularly those aged 0-4 years with respiratory symptoms. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Diagnostic Audiology
Background:
- Tympanometric screening has not been previously conducted on children admitted to pediatric wards.
- Middle ear effusion (MEE) is a common condition in children, but its prevalence in hospitalized pediatric populations is not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the middle ear status of children admitted to pediatric wards.
- To estimate the point prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) in this specific population using tympanometry.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study involving a single tympanometry test was conducted on admitted children.
- Middle ear effusion (MEE) was defined by a flat tympanogram curve in at least one ear.
- 427 out of 601 (71%) admitted children participated, with the sample being representative of the referred population.
Main Results:
- 82% of participating children exhibited abnormal middle ear pressure.
- Middle ear effusion (MEE) was diagnosed in 59% of the children.
- MEE was significantly associated with younger children (0-4 years) and those presenting with catarrhalic symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric inpatients show a high frequency of abnormal tympanometry findings, the highest reported to date.
- The prevalence of MEE in this population is substantial, particularly in young children with respiratory or catarrhal symptoms.
- While a flat tympanogram suggests MEE, further studies using independent methods are recommended for definitive confirmation.
Abstract:
Tympanometric screening of children admitted to paediatric wards has not previously been undertaken. In order to describe the middle ear status and to estimate the point prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) in this population a preliminary study based on a single tympanometry test was undertaken. MEE was defined by the finding of a flat curve in the tympanogram of at least one ear. 601 children were admitted during the study period. 427 (71%) entered the study and this group was representative of the total population that was referred. 82% were found to have an abnormal middle ear pressure and MEE was diagnosed in 59% of the children. 76% of the children were 0- to 4-year-olds. 31% were admitted due to respiratory infections and 41% presented with catarrhalic symptoms. MEE was associated with the age group of 0- to 4-year-olds and with the presence of catarrhalic symptoms. The population of paediatric in-patients represents the highest frequency of abnormal tympanometry findings hitherto reported. It should be emphasized that the one-time finding of a flat tympanogram does have the correlation but no congruence with MEE and the finding of this high prevalence of MEE needs to be followed up by studies using independent methods for confirmation of the middle ear fluid.