| What is
Otitis Media? Otitis media is an inflammation in the middle ear (the area behind the
eardrum) that is usually associated with a buildup of fluid. The fluid may or may not be
infected. Symptoms, severity, frequency, and length of the condition vary. At one extreme
is a single short period of thin, clear, non-infected fluid without any pain or fever but
with a slight decrease in hearing ability. The other extreme is repeated bouts with
infection, thick "glue-like" fluid, and possible complications such as permanent
hearing loss. Fortunately, with early identification, serious medical complications can be
controlled with medicine or surgery. However, there is one problem that nearly always
occurs with all types of otitis media -- fluctuating hearing loss.
TOP
How common
is otitis media?
Otitis media occurs
most frequently in children. In fact, it ranks second to the common cold as the most
common health problem in preschool children. Fifty percent of children have had at least
one episode by one year of age. Between one and three years, 35% will have had repeated
episodes. For school children, an estimated 5 million school days are missed every year
due to otitis media.
TOP
Why is
otitis media so common in children?
The Eustachian tube,
a passage between the middle ear and the back of the throat, is smaller and more nearly
horizontal in children than in adults. Therefore, it can be more easily blocked by
conditions such as large adenoids and infections. Until the Eustachian tube changes in
size and angle, children are more susceptible to otitis media.
Contact
us for more information.
TOP
How
can otitis media cause a hearing loss?
Three tiny bones in
the middle ear carry sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. When fluid is
present, the vibrations are not transmitted efficiently and sound energy is lost. The
result may be a mild or even a moderate hearing loss. Therefore, some speech sounds may be
muffled or inaudible. Generally, this type of hearing loss is temporary. However, when
otitis media occurs over and over again, damage to the eardrum, the bones of the ear, or
even the hearing nerve can occur and cause permanent hearing loss.
TOP
Can hearing loss due to otitis media cause speech and language problems?
Children learn
speech and language from listening to other people talk. The first few years of life are
especially critical for this development. If a hearing loss exists, a child does not get
full benefit of language learning experiences. Consequently, critical delays in speech and
language development may occur. Otitis media without infection presents a special problem
because symptoms of pain and fever are usually not present. Therefore, weeks, and even
months, can go by before parents suspect a problem. During this time, the child may miss
out on hearing the speech and language needed for normal development.
TOP
How
can I tell if my child might have otitis media?
Even if there is no
pain or fever, there are other signs you can look for that may indicate chronic or
recurring fluid in the ear: inattentiveness, wanting the television or radio louder than
usual, misunderstanding directions, listlessness, unexplained irritability, pulling or
scratching the ears. Contact us for more information.
TOP
What should
I do if I think that otitis media is causing a hearing, speech, or language problem?
A physician should
handle the medical treatment. Ear infections require immediate attention, most likely from
a pediatrician or otolaryngologist (ear doctor). If your child has frequently recurring
infections and/or chronic fluid in the middle ear, two additional specialists should be
consulted: an audiologist and a speech-language pathologist. An audiologist's evaluation
will assess the severity of any hearing loss, even in a very young or uncooperative child,
and will indicate if a middle ear disorder is present. A speech-language pathologist
measures your child's specific speech and language skills and can recommend and/or provide
remedial programs when they are needed.
TOP
Will
my physician refer my child for these special evaluations?
As a parent, you are
the best person to look for signs that suggest poor hearing. The American Academy of
Pediatrics recognizes this when it states, "Any child whose parent expresses concern
about whether the child hears should be considered for referral for behavioral audiometry
without delay." Parents should not be afraid to let their instincts guide them in
requesting or independently arranging for further evaluation whenever they are concerned
about their children's health or development.
TOP
How can I
find an audiologist or speech-language-pathologist?
For a complete list
of professional services in audiology and speech-language pathology in New Jersey, write
or call
NJSHA
203 Tiwbe Centre Drive
Hillsborough, New Jersey 08844
(908) 359-5308
Contact us for more information.
TOP |
