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Epidemiology and spontaneous improvement of secretory otitis
Insights
A type B tympanogram, indicating middle ear effusion, is common in children, affecting up to 80% by age five. Spontaneous resolution is frequent, suggesting a conservative approach to secretory otitis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Otolaryngology
- Audiology
Background:
- Middle ear effusion (MEE) is a common condition in children.
- Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a frequent cause of MEE.
- Accurate diagnosis and management of SOM are crucial for child hearing health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of type B tympanograms in children across different age groups.
- To assess the incidence and recurrence of type B tympanograms.
- To inform clinical recommendations for the management of SOM.
Main Methods:
- Repeated impedance screenings were conducted on three cohorts of children.
- Data collection spanned multiple years, covering ages from infancy through seven years.
- Point and period prevalence of type B tympanograms were calculated.
Main Results:
- Point prevalence of type B tympanograms ranged from 7% to 18% across different age groups.
- Period prevalence reached at least 30% in children aged 2-5 years.
- Approximately 80% of healthy children experienced at least one period with a type B tympanogram, and 40% had recurrent episodes.
Conclusions:
- Type B tympanograms are highly prevalent in young children, indicating frequent occurrences of middle ear effusion.
- Spontaneous improvement of secretory otitis media is common.
- A conservative management approach, involving a 3-6 month waiting period before surgical intervention, is recommended for SOM.
Abstract:
The results of 25 repetitive impedance screenings of three cohorts of children are presented. The point prevalence of a type B tympanogram was 13% at the end of the first year of life, 11-18% during the second, third, fourth and fifth year of life, decreasing to 7% during the sixth and seventh year of life. The period prevalence during the first year of life was 15% and at least 30% during the second, third, fourth and fifth year of life, indicating that about 80% of all healthy children have had at least one period with a type B tympanogram and 40% have had at least one recurrent episode. Spontaneous improvement of secretory otitis occurs frequently, and it is recommended to wait 3-6 months before instituting surgical treatment.
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