Long-Term Observation of Ears with Reduced Middle Ear Pressure

Abstract

335 ears from 210 children in which tympanometry initially indicated middle ear pressure ≤-100 mm H₂O or a flat tympanogram have been reinvestigated 3 years later. When the initial investigation was performed all children were 7 years old. The present study reveals that 25 % of these ears still have middle ear pressure ≤-100 mm H₂O and 16% middle ear pressure ≤-150 mm H₂O. In normal material of the same age group 9% have middle ear pressure ≤-100 mm H₂O and 4% middle ear pressure ≤-150 mm H₂O. The study also reveals effusion in 10% of ears with normal screening audiograms. In ears with normal screening audiograms and middle ear pressure 35–145 mm H₂O effusion was found in 5% and in ears with abnormal screening audiograms and middle ear pressure ≤-150 mm H₂O effusion was found in 81%. As tympanometric criterion for otologist referral, middle ear pressure ≤-150 mm H₂O or a flat tympanogram is suggested. The inclusion of tympanometry in routine screening for middle ear pathology in children is recommended.