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Vestibular Dysfunction Among Children with Otitis Media and Effusion in a Multiracial Setting

Redzwan Shah Mohd John1, Jeyasakthy Saniasiaya1, Tengku Ahmad Shahrizal Tengku Omar1

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, Jalan Universiti, Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Malaysia.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery : Official Publication of the Association of Otolaryngologists of India
|August 12, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children with otitis media with effusion (OME) were assessed for vestibular function. This study found that children with OME exhibit normal vestibular function, despite potential hearing and balance issues.

Area of Science:

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Pediatrics
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a frequent otolaryngology diagnosis in children.
  • Emerging research indicates that around 30% of children with OME experience some level of vestibular and balance impairment.
  • This highlights a potential link between OME and sensory-motor deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and assess the prevalence of vestibular dysfunction in children diagnosed with otitis media with effusion.
  • To compare vestibular function between children with and without OME.
  • To identify potential factors influencing vestibular function in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of children aged 4–17 years, with and without OME, participated in the study.
  • Vestibular function was evaluated using the video head impulse test (VHIT), subjective visual vertical (SVV), and single leg stance (SLS) test.
  • Data collected were statistically analyzed to determine significance.

Main Results:

  • Twenty-four children with OME were included, with a higher proportion of males.
  • No statistically significant differences were observed in vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) gain (p > 0.05), SVV (p = 0.056), or SLS (p = 0.06) between groups.
  • Age and gender were identified as potential influencing factors for VOR gain via simple linear regression.

Conclusions:

  • The study concludes that children diagnosed with otitis media with effusion demonstrate normal vestibular function.
  • Despite concerns about balance impairment, objective vestibular testing did not reveal significant dysfunction in children with OME.
  • Further research may explore the long-term implications and specific mechanisms if any.

Keywords:
Balance functionChildhood ear diseaseOtitis media effusionVestibular functionVideo head impulse test

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