Tympanometric screening in children on admission to a paediatric ward: a preliminary study

Abstract

Tympanometric screening of children admitted to paediatric wards has not previously been undertaken. In order to describe the middle ear status and to estimate the point prevalence of middle ear effusion (MEE) in this population a preliminary study based on a single tympanometry test was undertaken. MEE was defined by the finding of a flat curve in the tympanogram of at least one ear. 601 children were admitted during the study period. 427 (71%) entered the study and this group was representative of the total population that was referred. 82% were found to have an abnormal middle ear pressure and MEE was diagnosed in 59% of the children. 76% of the children were 0- to 4-year-olds. 31% were admitted due to respiratory infections and 41% presented with catarrhalic symptoms. MEE was associated with the age group of 0- to 4-year-olds and with the presence of catarrhalic symptoms. The population of paediatric in-patients represents the highest frequency of abnormal tympanometry findings hitherto reported. It should be emphasized that the one-time finding of a flat tympanogram does have the correlation but no congruence with MEE and the finding of this high prevalence of MEE needs to be followed up by studies using independent methods for confirmation of the middle ear fluid.