Association between otitis media infection and failed hearing screenings in children

Abstract

This study aims to assess prospectively whether there is an association between frequencies of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) or asthma in early childhood and failed otoacoustic emission (OAE) screenings later in life. There are no clear recommendations for hearing testing following acute otitis media (AOM) infection. This is a retrospective, practice based chart review. Participants from a primary care setting were 517 pre-adolescent and adolescent children (49.9% female) (ages 10–21; mean, 15 y/o), who had presented with at least one specific bacterial URTI (AOM, Group A Streptococcus (GAS) tonsillitis, or Influenza) during childhood. Hearing testing was recorded incidentally at all subsequent routine health care maintenance visits (OAE hearing screen). Simple linear regression analyses were performed using R (v3.4.4). We found that number of episodes of AOM infections strongly correlated with number of failed OAE screenings later in life (F = 76.37; P = <0.001; R 2 = 0.1279), while GAS (F = 1.859; P = 0.1733; R 2 = 0.0016) or Influenza infection (F = 2.624; P = 0.1059; R 2 = 0.0031) were not associated with failed OAE screening. Correlation between number of AOM infections and number of failed OAE screenings was not strengthened by presence of asthma. This study found evidence of an association between childhood history of AOM and failed OAE screenings in adolescence. Since this population may be at a higher risk for developing permanent or fluctuating hearing losses, further studies to clarify indications and timing of standard audiological testing among these children should be considered.

Severe acute otitis media and mastoiditis caused by group A beta‐hemolytic streptococcus

“…We consider the RST a very promising tool in rapid diagnostics. 34 , 35 RST is easy‐to‐use, non‐invasive, and quick. We, however, acknowledge that more information is needed to verify the reliability of RST in the context of middle ear GAS infections.…”

Otoacoustic Emissions in Children with Long-Term Middle Ear Disease

“…The DPOAE responses were found to be significantly different at all frequencies tested, with responses for the control group more robust than those in the study group. It has already been found that a history of OME has the effect of lowering DPOAE amplitudes [ 14 , 17 , 21 , 24 , 25 ]. This impairment can cause minor subclinical dysfunction, but in the long term it can lead to irreversible damage to the middle ear or cochlea [ 17 , 21 , 24 , 25 ].…”

“…According to Norowitz et al (2019), an abnormal OAE response can be detected years after OM has resolved. In other words, this disease may have a longer lasting effect on otological and auditory status than previously thought [ 25 ]. Thus, in children who have had long term middle ear disease it can be hypothesized that OAEs can appear at reduced amplitude at particular frequencies or even be completely absent.…”