Validity of Tympanometry Versus Myringotomy Findings in Pediatric Middle Ear Effusion

Abstract

Background and objectives: Otitis media with effusion is a common but treatable cause of hearing impairment in children. It leads to delays in speech acquisition and poor performance at school. Correct diagnosis at an early stage with history and clinical examination and tympanometry is needed We evaluated the role of tympanometry; type B, flat curve; in predicting middle ear effusion by comparing the findings with those of myringotomies in children with otitis media with effusion. Methods: This is a prospective case-series study conducted at the department of ENT, Rizgary Teaching Hospital. The test population comprised 39 boys and 21 girls, ages ranged (2years- 12 years). Patients with suspicion of otitis media with effusion underwent tympanom- etry. Its findings were compared with findings of the respective myringotomies. From the data collected sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values were estimated Results: A total of 120 ears from 60 patients were operated. The commonest age group affected by otitis media with effusion was 5-9 years. Type B tympanogram with flat curve and normal canal volume was obtained in 80.0% of the ears. The diagnostic value of tympanometry was; Sensitivity 90.8%, Specificity 68.2%, positive predictive value 92.7%, negative predictive value 62.5%. Conclusions: Otitis media with effusion is common in age group 5-9 years. We concluded that tympanometry is a valid test providing a high sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for middle ear effusion.