Otologic manifestations in congenital velopharyngeal insufficiency

A study of ear disease in children with congenital velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) was undertaken. A retrospective chart analysis of 80 cases of VPI formed the basis of this review. Thirty-seven percent of the children had evidence of middle ear disease, with middle ear effusion and recurrent otitis media being the most frequent findings. Thirty-one percent had abnormal audiograms, with 20% having a conductive or mixed hearing loss. Overall, 46% of the children had otologic manifestations, indicating the need for the pediatrician and the otolaryngologist together to be actively involved in the evaluation and treatment of this group of children, starting in early infancy.