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High frequency hearing following otitis media with effusion in childhood
Insights
Children treated for secretory otitis media showed normal hearing in conventional ranges. High-frequency hearing was affected only in severe cases with significant air-bone gaps during active secretory otitis.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a common childhood condition.
- Long-term effects of SOM on hearing require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term hearing outcomes in individuals treated for SOM.
- To evaluate hearing in both conventional and high-frequency ranges.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 78 children treated for SOM.
- Hearing assessment at age 18.6 using conventional and high-frequency audiometry.
- Analysis of air-bone gaps during active SOM and their correlation with hearing levels.
Main Results:
- Average hearing levels were near normal in the conventional range with no air-bone gap.
- High-frequency hearing showed a clear decrease in average hearing levels.
- Significant impact on high-frequency hearing was observed only in cases with pre-existing air-bone gaps exceeding 40 dB.
Conclusions:
- Childhood secretory otitis media generally does not lead to lasting hearing impairment in conventional audiometry.
- High-frequency hearing may be affected in severe past cases of SOM, particularly those with significant air-bone gaps.
Abstract:
78 children had been treated for secretory otitis media at the age of 4.4, on the average. At the age of 18.6, their hearing was checked by means of conventional and high frequency (HF) audiometry. In the conventional range, the average hearing level was nearly normal and no air-bone gap could be found. In HF-range, the average hearing level decreased clearly but the HF-hearing level was significantly affected only in cases in which an air-bone gap exceeding 40 dB and more had existed during the active secretory otitis.