Otologic Disease Following Palatoplasty In International Cleft Palate Cohort

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Craniofacial Anomalies
• Global Health

Background:

• Cleft palate repair (palatoplasty) can impact middle ear function.
• Resource-deprived settings often lack consistent otologic care for these children.
• Understanding otologic disease prevalence post-palatoplasty is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of otologic disease in pediatric patients post-palatoplasty in resource-limited countries.
• To identify patient characteristics associated with abnormal otologic findings.
• To assess the impact of cleft palate repair on hearing in underserved populations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective data review of pediatric patients undergoing palatoplasty in Ecuador and China.
• Tympanometry and otoacoustic emission (OAE) testing were performed post-surgery.
• Parental surveys assessed perceived hearing deficits; data analyzed for associations with age, gender, and origin.

Main Results:

• 39% of 237 patients showed type B tympanometry; 38% failed OAE testing.
• Younger age and country of origin predicted abnormal tympanometry.
• Follow-up time, country of origin, and OAE results predicted parental reports of hearing difficulty.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric patients with cleft palate in resource-deprived settings experience significant otologic abnormalities post-palatoplasty.
• Abnormalities include high rates of type B tympanometry and failed OAEs, even without prior ear tube intervention.
• Findings underscore the need for accessible otologic screening and management in these vulnerable populations.