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Auditory brain-stem responses in children with previous otitis media.
R D Chambers1, L E Rowan, M L Matthies
1Department of Speech and Hearing, University of Illinois, Urban-Champaign.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Children with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) showed longer auditory brain-stem response (ABR) latencies, particularly for wave III. While OME is linked to delayed ABRs, a direct causal link remains unproven.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common in children and can affect hearing.
- Auditory brain-stem responses (ABRs) are electrophysiological measures of auditory pathway function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ABRs in children with a history of OME to a control group.
- To investigate potential peripheral effects on ABR latencies in OME.
Main Methods:
- 18 children with OME who received tympanostomy tubes were compared to a matched control group.
- Auditory brain-stem responses (ABRs) were recorded and analyzed for wave latencies.
Main Results:
- Children with OME history exhibited significantly longer ABR latencies for waves III and V.
- The most pronounced delay was observed in wave III and the III-I interwave interval.
- No significant group-by-gender interaction was found, and typical gender effects persisted.
Conclusions:
- History of OME is associated with increased ABR latencies in children.
- The findings suggest a potential impact on the auditory pathway, but do not establish causality.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and long-term effects.