Vestibular Dysfunction in Children Suffering from Otitis Media with Effusion: Does Grommet Help? An Observational...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Otolaryngology
• Vestibular Function Assessment
• Childhood Balance Disorders

Background:

• Otitis media with effusion (OME) can negatively impact balance in children, a symptom often overlooked.
• Vestibular dysfunction associated with OME may contribute to balance deficits.
• Surgical intervention, such as ventilation tube insertion, is a common treatment for OME.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of OME on static balance in children aged 3-6 years.
• To evaluate the improvement in balance post-operatively after myringotomy and grommet insertion.
• To investigate the presence and resolution of occult vestibular dysfunction using computerized static posturography.

Main Methods:

• An observational, descriptive study involving 50 children (3-6 years) with OME.
• Balance assessment using computerized static posturography with the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance.
• Evaluation conducted pre-operatively and 3 months post-myringotomy and grommet insertion under four sensory conditions (eyes open/closed, firm/foam surface).

Main Results:

• Pre-operative posturography revealed deranged mean sway velocity in children with OME.
• A statistically significant improvement in balance was observed 3 months after surgery.
• Computerized static posturography identified occult vestibular dysfunction that resolved post-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Children with OME exhibit occult vestibular dysfunction affecting their balance.
• Myringotomy and grommet insertion lead to significant improvements in balance.
• Static posturography is a valuable tool for assessing and monitoring balance in children with OME.