The referral incidence of otitis media in Maltese children with the developmental difficulties

Abstract

Introduction: Otitis media (OM) is a common condition of childhood characterised by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the middle ear cleft. Since the condition is not life-threatening it may not be given its due attention. Late and missed diagnosis of OM increases the risk of medical complications, hearing, speech and/or language acquisition difficulties, learning and behavioural challenges as well as social interaction issues. It is estimated that at least 2 out of 3 children will have at least one episode of OM by 3-years of age. There is evidence that children with developmental impairment such as craniofacial dysmorphias, are more at risk of having OM. This paper reports on the referral incidence of OM in children with a developmental condition.

Methods: Data was collected retroactively from a database of routine referrals of around 300 children to the Audiology Department at the State general Hospital, by the Child Development Assessment Unit in Malta. The age of the children ranged between 5 to 151 months (mean age 50.01).

Results: The referral incidence of OM in the children with developmental challenges was more than 50%. The condition was more present in younger than older children and the associated hearing acuity worse in the subgroup of children with OM.

Conclusion: The findings confirm the expected high incidence of OM in children with developmental difficulties as well as associated hearing difficulties. This calls for an awareness programme and a protocol for early detection of children suffering from OM, particularly those with co-morbidities, and to provide timely intervention.