Long-term evaluation of the effect of middle ear effusion on the vestibular system in children

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most common clinical conditions in childhood. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear may impact inner ear.

The purpose of this random sample cohort study was to investigate whether the past history of middle ear effusion has a long-term negative impact on the vestibular system in children.

The study was carried out on 22 children aged 7-15 years who had undergone drainage of the middle ear 5 years before evaluation. The control group consisted of 29 healthy children aged 4-17 years. Vestibular function was examined using sway posturography and electronystagmography (ENG).

The stabilogram parameters of the study group and the control group were compared. The field of developed area (FDA) and the average body sway velocity (ASV) were analyzed. Elevated stabilogram parameters of FDA and ASV, both with eyes open and eyes closed, were found in the study group. Statistically significant values (p < 0.05) were present for ASV with eyes open and with eyes closed. The ENG recordings were analyzed in both groups. In the study group, spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 40.9% of the children and positional nystagmus occurred in 63.6% of the children. According to tests, eye tracking test was impaired in 27.3% of cases. Rotatory chair testing revealed asymmetry in 18.2% of the children.

The presence of effusion in the middle ear in the past has a negative impact on the vestibular part of the inner ear. Clinicians should be aware of the possible negative impact of middle ear effusion on the vestibular function in children with a history of otitis media with effusion. With seeimingly asymptomatic children clinicians should inquire parents about symptoms of dysequlibrium and imbalance.