Hearing deficits at school age; the predictive value of otitis media in infants

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the long-term predictive value of persistent/recurrent otitis media with effusion (OME) in infants in relation with hearing levels at (early) school age. Design: A case-cohort study among a population-based sample of school-age children screened for hearing deficits. Population and Methods: Schoolchildren (second grade, 5–6 years of age) in the city of Utrecht, the Netherlands, who failed the hearing screening test and a sample of children invited for this screening. History of otitis media (serosa and acute) was assessed using three sources of information: a self-completion questionnaire mailed to the parents; medical records of otolaryngology visits; data from the (Ewing) hearing screening test at 9 months of age. Results: Children who failed the primary Ewing test and children with recurrent and or persistent OME in the first 2 years of life showed an increased risk of failing school audiometry compared to children without such an OME history (OR=1.6 and 2.3, respectively). In a logistic model, the results of the primary Ewing test and the frequency of acute otitis media, proved to be moderately predictive for the screening test result at school age. Conclusion: OME in infants is a prognostic factor for hearing performance in the early school years.