Otitis media in Greenland children: acute, chronic and secretory otitis media in three- to eight-year-olds

The middle ear status was examined in 142 children aged three to eight years from Sukkertoppen and Kangamiut in Greenland. The investigation is based on social-pediatric and otologic histories and on objective examination using otomicroscopy and tympanometry. Three-fourths of the small children had a previous history of otitis, some with repeated instances. Otomicroscopic findings revealed suppurative, chronic otitis in 6% and sequelae of chronic otitis in 13%. Tympanometry disclosed a reduced middle ear pressure in another 26% of the ears examined. Comparison of children with healthy ears with the groups with affections of the middle ear showed a tendency to an increased risk of otitis in families at a low social stratum, whereas the mode of habitation seemed insignificant. Finally, a large milk intake both in connection with breast-feeding and later in life seemed to reduce the frequency of otitis. The investigation showed that acute otitis and chronic otitis media in particular are more prominent in Greenland than in Denmark. Attention is drawn to the handicap associated with a high incidence of chronic otitis media and the concomitant hearing loss to a population isolated in point of language. The successful achievements of a health information campaign and an active therapeutic program, which has reduced the prevalence of chronic otitis among the Innuit population native to Alaska and Canada, provides the rationale for an increased otologic effort in Greenland.