儿童分泌性中耳炎致骨导听力下降的临床特征分析

目的 探讨儿童分泌性中耳炎致骨导听力下降的特点、病因和预后.方法 回顾性分析75例(82耳)分泌性中耳炎患儿骨导听力下降的临床资料,并对其发病年龄、病程、积液性质和积液量与骨导听阈的关系进行观察.结果 75例患儿(82耳)骨导听力下降,平均骨导阈值在2.0 kHz和4.0kHz处增高最明显.骨导听阈与病程和积液性质显著相关(P＜0.01或P＜0.05),与年龄、积液量无关.75例患儿均采取鼓膜切开置管术和(或)腺样体切除术,术后给予药物治疗.随访6月,听力恢复正常者76耳,气导听阈下降但骨导听阈无改善者6耳.结论 分泌性中耳炎可导致儿童骨导阈值增高,是导致儿童耳聋的危险因素之一,及早干预可避免病情发展.     

CHILDREN WITH GLUE EAR: HOW DO THEY PRESENT?

Children with glue ear: how do they present? A prospective study examined 280 children aged between 2 and 11 years with mild or severe forms of otitis media with effusion (OME). There was a 2-year delay between the first suspicion of hearing loss and presentation to an otolaryngologist. In approximately 50% of these children hearing loss was first suspected by the mother and in 20–30% detection was by routine screening tests. In most cases actual hearing loss was the subjective presenting feature, but in others, speech, language or learning difficulties heralded the problem. It is suggested that such data might be incorporated into a questionnaire for parents which may then be used to assess parental ability to detect hearing loss due to otitis media with effusion in small children.     

儿童分泌性中耳炎相关骨导听力下降的临床分析

目的：分析儿童分泌性中耳炎相关的骨导听力下降的病因、诊断和治疗方法。方法：回顾性分析150例（225耳）分泌性中耳炎儿童中35例（37耳）骨导听力下降的临床资料。结果：35例患儿均给予鼓膜切开置管或（和）鼻内镜下腺样体切除术,术后给予药物治疗。34例患儿骨导听阈恢复正常,1例患儿随访6个月改善不明显。结论：35例（23．3％）患儿的暂时性听阈移位或永久性听阈移位的发病机制与分泌性中耳炎有关。儿童分泌性中耳炎的发病病程中有发展成骨导听力下降的可能,应引起高度重视,及早干预避免病情发展。     

儿童分泌性中耳炎的外科手术干预

目的探讨儿童分泌性中耳炎的手术干预方式，为儿童听力筛查中分泌性中耳炎患儿的干预措施选择提供临床资料。方法总结2004-2008年我院90例儿童分泌性中耳炎接受手术治疗且资料完整者45例（82耳）的年龄特点、听力下降时间、手术方式、手术前后听力状况比较。结果术前平均纯音听阈FrrA（pure-tone threshold average，500Hz，1000Hz，2000Hz，4000Hz听阈均值）从8dBHL-61dBHL，平均（34.8±12.09）dBHL。术后PTA从0dB HL-38dB HL，平均（15.9±7.88）dB HL，3耳术后听闯提高，4耳无改善，75耳听阈降低，占91.5％，平均听阈降低18.9dBHL。手术方式：鼓膜置管术9例，腺样体切除＋鼓膜置管术29例，腺样体切除＋扁桃体切除＋鼓膜置管术7例。结论腺样体切除＋鼓膜置管术是我们治疗儿童分泌性中耳炎的基本术式；扁桃体切除术不作为治疗分泌性中耳炎常规选择；对儿童分泌性中耳炎的术式选择应该个体化。     

The influence of chronic persistent otitis media with effusion on language development of 2- to 4-year-olds

Literature is not conclusive about the effect of otitis media with effusion (OME) on language development in children. As part of a large epidemiological study on OME in preschool children, language development was measured in 52 children with known history of bilateral OME and in 13 children without OME. The test Reynell Developmental language scales-revised (RDLS-r) was performed by one speech therapist under standard conditions. Verbal comprehension scores were not or only slightly reduced in OME children. Expressive language, however, was significantly lower than the standard with the effect being larger when the OME had lasted for a longer period. This is one of the first prospective studies that confirms the hypothesis of an effect of persistent bilateral middle ear effusion on language development.     

Long-term effects of ventilation tubes for persistent otitis media with effusion in children

The otological, auditory and developmental effects of treatment with ventilation tubes were studied in a sample of 7–8-year-old Dutch children screened for otitis media with effusion (OME) serially at preschool age. Children treated with ventilation tubes were matched retrospectively for OME history, sex, and age with children who were not treated surgically. At the age of 7–8, abnormalities of the tympanic membrane were more prevalent in treated than in untreated ears. No significant differences were found in middle ear function and hearing in both groups. Some positive effects of early surgical intervention on specific developmental measures were found.     

Auditory processing abilities in children with chronic otitis media with effusion

Conclusion The study results indicate that children with a history of otitis media with effusion (OME) suffer from auditory processing disorder to some degree. The findings support the hypothesis that fluctuating hearing loss may affect central auditory processing during critical periods.

Objectives Evidence suggests that prolonged OME in children can result in an auditory processing disorder, presumably because hearing has been disrupted during an important developmental period. A lack of auditory stimulation leads to the abnormal development of the hearing pathways in the brain. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of OME on binaural auditory function and auditory temporal processing.

Method In the present study, the dichotic digit test (DDT) was used for binaural hearing, and the gap in noise (GIN) test was used to evaluate temporal hearing processing.

Results The average values of GIN differed significantly between children with a history of OME and normal controls (p?p?=?0.002).     

Sensorineural hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion in children

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is known to occur in various types of otitis media. Although the mechanism by which SNHL develops in association with otitis media with effusion (OME) is unknown, several hypotheses have been advocated up to now. We reviewed the clinical records of children with otitis media with effusion (OME) to reveal the association with sensorineural hearing loss. The material consisted of 71 children (119 ears) who were diagnosed as having OME and gave reliable audiograms in our clinic during an 11 month period from February 1997 through January 1998. From these cases those which showed bone conduction loss of 25 dB or higher at any one of the frequencies of 250 through 4 kHz were selected and considered to be cases of SNHL. Eight cases (9%) which had temporary threshold shift (TTS) or permanent threshold shift (PTS) were considered to be etiologically related to OME. The clinical course in each of these cases with SNHL was reviewed and evaluated in detail. We noted that all children with TTS improved completely. The result of this study indicates that we have to be aware of a possible development of SNHL during the course of OME.     

Long-term effects of otitis media with effusion on language,reading and spelling

The long-term effects of early OME on language and educational attainment were studied in 47 children of 7–8 years of age who had participated in earlier pre-school study¹ on otitis media with effusion (OME) and language development. At pre-school age OME was diagnosed by quarterly tympanometric screens (maximum nine) and language was assessed by a standard Reynell gtest. At school age the ears of the children were assessed by otomicroscopy, tympanometry and audiometry, and the development status by several language, reading and spelling tests. The association between early OME and language development found at pre-school age was no longer present at school age.     

Hearing loss due to mannosidosis and otitis media with effusion. A case report and review of audiological assessments in children with otitis media with effusion

A case of a child with mannosidosis and bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME) is reported here along with some discussion of relevant literature to emphasize the need for age appropriate audiometric assessment before and after insertion of grommets for glue ear (OME). There is a need for multidisciplinary teamwork in the management of children with hearing loss. If OME is treated surgically, age-appropriate hearing assessment is required before and after insertion of grommets. The need for audiological assessments will be relevant even if children had passed the newborn hearing screening test.     

武汉市部分幼儿园儿童分泌性中耳炎患病率调查

目的：调查武汉市部分幼儿园儿童分泌性中耳炎患病率情况。方法：研究对象为武汉市部分幼儿园3岁～6岁的儿童,持续时间3年,常规耳鼻咽喉科体检,耳镜检查结合声导抗测试。患病率病率以百分比表示,统计学差异分析采用卡方检验。结果：武汉市部分幼儿园儿童分泌性中耳炎患病率为6．67％,男女之间患病率无统计学差异,3岁患病率明显高于4～6岁。结论：幼儿园儿童中耳炎患病率较高,有急性中耳炎病史且经常鼻塞的小孩要定期进行耳鼻咽喉科体检,有必要对幼儿园儿童进行常规耳镜和声导抗检查。     

Prevalence and risk factors of otitis media with effusion in Trabzon, a city in northeastern Turkey, with an emphasis on the recommendation of OME screening

This cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors for otitis media with effusion (OME) in Trabzon, a city in northeastern Turkey, and evaluate the need for screening for OME in the normal population. In kindergartens, daycare centers, public and private schools in the rural and central areas of Trabzon, 1,077 children aged between 5 and 12 years were examined. OME prevalence was 11.14% (120/1,077). Young age, attendance at kindergarten/daycare, low economical status, the mothers working status (housewife), history of snoring and acute otitis media, antibiotic use in the previous 3 months and active upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) were found to be the risk factors for OME. A history of hearing loss reported by the parents and teachers was found significant in the diagnosis of OME despite the low predictive value. When the parents suspected that their child had experienced hearing loss (in 36 cases), they did not refer them to a healthcare facility. To conclude, the approach to OME in developing countries should be more interventional as healthcare coverage is usually low and behavioral factors such as the demand for healthcare is poor.     

Sequelae of otitis media with effusion among children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate1

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is common among children with cleft palate, and may lead to such long‐term consequences as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media (COM). In total, 104 children with cleft lip and/or palate treated for OME at our institution were reviewed. Mean duration of follow‐up was 6.9 years, and mean age at latest follow‐up was 9.6 years. The incidence of COM was 19%, and the incidence of cholesteatoma was 1.9%. Ears showing such long‐term sequelae of OME as hearing loss, tympanic membrane retraction, and chronic otitis media, were noted to have undergone a significantly greater number of ventilation tube insertions than ears not showing these sequalae. Our findings would suggest that a conservative approach to the management of OME in children with cleft palate is more likely to be beneficial in the long term.     

腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎鼓室置管术疗效分析

目的　观察鼓室置管术在治疗腭裂患儿分泌性中耳炎听力损失的疗效 ,探讨中耳通气管的选择、手术适应证及注意事项。方法　双耳伴发分泌性中耳炎伴听力损失的住院腭裂患儿 19例 ,平均年龄 5 8岁 ,平均气导语频听阈较大的一侧耳在腭裂修复术同期行鼓室置管术 ,对侧未置管耳作为对照组 ,术后 2周至 18个月复查 ,比较置管组及对照组腭裂术前、术后听阈的变化情况。结果置管组耳术后平均气导语频听阈 (2 7 0± 6 5 )dB较术前 (42 7± 8 2 )dB显著降低 ,而对照组耳术前(2 9 0± 6 1)dB、术后 (2 7 0± 4 1)dB听阈差异无显著性。置管组未见严重耳科并发症。结论　腭裂修复术同期鼓室置管术安全、有效 ,可恢复患者听力 ,有利于腭裂术后语音学习。     

Magnesium levels in middle ear fluids and sera in otitis media with effusion

Summary Middle ear fluids (MEE) and matched sera (S) were obtained from 50 patients with serous otitis media and magnesium levels were measured to determine if magnesium concentration was distinctly varied in otitis media with effusion (OME). The MEE/S ratio was considerably raised along with transient sensory hearing loss in chronic OME when compared with acute OME. The higher magnesium level found in the MEE implies that it is probably produced locally by the middle ear mucosa and may contribute to the hearing loss found. We also regard the MEE/S ratio as a prognostic factor in OME. Correspondence to: W. L. Yue     

The effect of treatment with ventilating tubes on language development in preschool children with otitis media with effusion

The effect of bilateral tube insertion on language development was studied in a randomized controlled trial of 43 preschool children with persistent bilateral otitis media with effusion (OME). Improvement in language scores was observed in both the treatment and non-treatment groups. There was a minor difference in favour of the treatment group which did not reach statistical significance. Although there is a growing consensus that otitis media with effusion can have negative effects on language development in young children, it has not yet been proved that this effect can be reversed by treatment with ventilating tubes.     

Is it necessary to screen for hearing loss in the paediatric population with osteogenesis imperfecta?

The aim of the study was to assess the necessity of a screening service to detect early hearing loss in the paediatric population with osteogenesis imperfecta. Twenty-two children were assessed over a 5-year period. Five children (22.7%) had normal hearing. Fourteen (63.6%) had conductive hearing loss, with 12 children in this group having otitis media with effusion (OME); all had resolution of hearing loss with appropriate therapy. Two children had persistent conductive losses unrelated to OME. Three children (13.6%) had sensorineural hearing loss, with one being detected at the age of 1 year. Existing evidence suggests that hearing loss associated with osteogenesis imperfecta has its onset in the second to third decade of life. Contrary to this, hearing loss was detected in 77.3% (17) of this population with a median and mean age of 9 years. This study would suggest that routine screening is worthwhile in children with osteogenesis imperfecta.     

Hearing screening and middle ear measures in American Indian infants and toddlers

American Indian children have three times the rate of otitis media compared to the general population, yet prospective cohort studies of OME and hearing loss have not been previously reported in American Indian infants. Between 1997 and 2003, a cohort of 421 infants was enrolled at birth from Minnesota American Indian reservations and an urban clinic and followed to age 2 years. This study reports OAE hearing screening results related to OME diagnoses, as well as risk for recurrent hearing screening failure and OME in American Indian infants and children. METHODS: Infants were prospectively assessed at regular intervals with pneumatic otoscopy, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry by nurses who were trained in all procedures and validated on pneumatic otoscopy. RESULTS: In the newborn period, 23.5% of infants failed hearing screening in at least one ear. Hearing screening failures increased to 29.9% from 2 to 5 months of age. Technical fail results due to excessive noise occurred frequently in infants 6-24 months of age, making interpretation of true pass and fail rates questionable in older infants. OAE test result was associated with OM diagnosis, and this relationship strengthened with age, with the strongest association above 6 months of age. CONCLUSIONS: A high rate of hearing screening failures occurred among American Indian infants in the first 5 months of age, and was significantly associated with a correspondingly high rate of otitis media. Only one infant out of 366 was identified with sensorineural hearing loss, thus essentially all of the hearing screening failures reflected either a middle ear origin or other temporary problems. OAE screening provided a valuable hearing screening measure in this population at high risk for recurrent otitis media, but due to excessive noise in infants 6 months and older, practical use of OAE screening is limited. Use of behavioral assessment is needed after 6 months of age, when high rates of OME persist in this population. Increased efforts to develop public and medical education, as well as screening, diagnosis and treatment programs are needed to detect and decrease recurrent OME in American Indian infants and children.