Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 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

Hospitalisation with otitis media in early childhood and cognitive function in young adult life: a prevalence study

Marie Mortensen1, Rikke Beck Nielsen, Niels Fisker

  • 1Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43-45, Aarhus N, Denmark. mm@dce.au.dk

BMC Pediatrics
|January 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalization for otitis media (OM) in early childhood was linked to slightly lower cognitive function in adulthood. However, OM hospitalizations did not significantly affect General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) achievement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Otitis media (OM) is a prevalent childhood illness impacting critical developmental periods.
  • Early childhood OM may affect cognitive and educational trajectories into adulthood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between early childhood hospitalisation for OM and cognitive function in early adulthood.
  • To examine the relationship between early OM hospitalisation and educational attainment (GCSE).

Main Methods:

  • Population-based cohort study using Danish healthcare and conscription records (1977-1983).
  • Identified OM hospitalisations before age 8.
  • Assessed cognitive function using the Boerge Prien intelligence test (BPP) and educational level (GCSE).
  • Adjusted for confounders and stratified by hearing impairment.

Main Results:

  • Hospitalisation with OM before age 8 was associated with a higher prevalence of lower cognitive function (BPP bottom quartile: PR 1.20).
  • No significant difference in GCSE prevalence was observed based on early OM hospitalisation.
  • The association between OM and cognitive function persisted across different BPP score levels and hearing impairment statuses.

Conclusions:

  • Early childhood hospitalisation for otitis media is associated with a modest decrease in cognitive function in early adulthood.
  • Hospitalisation for OM does not appear to significantly impact the likelihood of achieving a GCSE, even when cognitive function is considered.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels05:31

Noninvasive Sampling of Mucosal Lining Fluid for the Quantification of In Vivo Upper Airway Immune-mediator Levels

Published on: August 7, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Cognitive Dissonance01:38

Cognitive Dissonance

Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Information Processing Approach01:30

Information Processing Approach

The information-processing theory of cognitive development centers on fundamental mental processes, including attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Researchers in this field examine how cognitive abilities, such as working memory, evolve and influence children's overall development. Studies indicate that children with stronger working memory tend to excel in reading comprehension, math, and problem-solving compared to peers with less efficient memory skills. Low working memory is also...
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...