Neuropsychological Sequelae of Otitis Media in Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

This study focused on the sequelae of otitis media from a neuropsychological and information processing perspective. The data from 84 learning-disabled children and adolescents, 49 with and 35 without significant histories of otitis media, were studied. Ages ranged from 5 years 10 months to 16years 7 months. The results indicated that early onset, chronic otitis media can lead to long-standing serious cognitive deficits. Particular weakness in the otitis media group was evidenced in sequential information processing; relative strength was found in nonverbal spatial abilities involving simultaneous information processing. General and higher level verbal abilities did not appear to be affected by the otitis media condition. A link between the conductive hearing losses which generally accompany otitis media and auditory-cortical dysfunction is postulated.