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Abstract
Persistent middle ear fluid from OME results in decreased mobility of the tympanic membrane and serves as a barrier to sound conduction leading to hearing loss and affect speech, language, and learning.
Hearing testing is recommended when OME persists for 3 months or longer, or at any time that language delay, learning problems, or a significant hearing loss is suspected. Conductive hearing loss often accompanies OME and may adversely affect binaural processing, sound localization, and speech perception in noise. Hearing loss caused by OME may impair early language acquisition, but the child’s home environment has a greater impact on outcomes.
Studies examining hearing sensitivity in children with OME report that average pure tone hearing loss at 4 frequencies (500, 1000,2000, and 4000 Hz) ranges from normal hearing to moderate hearing loss (0–55 dB). The 50th percentile is about 25 dB hearing level (HL)and about 20% of ears exceed 35 dB HL. Unilateral OME with hearing loss results in overall poorer binaural hearing than in infants with normal middle-ear function bilaterally. Although based on limited research, there is evidence that children experiencing the greatest conductive hearing loss for the longest periods may be more likely to exhibit developmental and academic sequelae.