| Abstract: | Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the commonest cause of hearing impairment in young children. The fluctuating nature of the condition makes identification of those with persistent disease difficult without subjecting each child to a period of ‘watchful waiting’. The aim of this study was to determine if the outcome of this observation period could in any way be predicted. The study involved the retrospective analysis of 517 children, aged 3–15 years (mean 5 years and 4 months) in whom the diagnosis of OME had been established. All children had been subjected to an observation period before a decision on surgery was taken. There was a significant correlation between the degree of hearing loss at presentation and after the period of observation. Sex was not a reliable predictor of outcome, but age less than 4 years and presentation in autumn or winter were associated with a poor audiometric outcome. This study identifies a predictive influence on the resolution of OME for these three factors and points the way for future research aimed at identifying the subgroup of children with OME who would benefit from early surgical intervention. |
