Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2014; 18 - a2391
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1388734

Auditory Processing: The Influence of Otitis Media in Children Underwent Bilateral Myringotomy

Leticia Reis Borges 1, Jorge Rizzato Paschoal 1, Maria Francisca Colella dos Santos 1, Milaine Dominici Sanfins 1, Thalita Ubiali 1
  • 1Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)

Introduction: Auditory processing evaluates the stages involved in detecting and interpreting sound events from external ear to the auditory cortex. Otitis media is one of the most common infectious diseases in early childhood. Middle-ear inflammation can change the peripheral and central auditory system.

Objectives: To analyze the influence of otitis media in auditory processing and audiological assessment in children who underwent placement of bilateral myringotomy tubes.

Methods: A total of 79 students from public school between 8 and 12 years old, male and female, were divided into two groups. The Control Group consisted of 40 students without otitis media history. The Experimental Group consisted of 39 students who suffered from secretory otitis media in their first 5 years of age and underwent a surgery for bilateral ventilation tubes placement. The individuals underwent complete audiological evaluation and assessment of auditory processing.

Results: All the patients showed abnormal results in the preoperative audiologic tests. The mean time of ventilation tubes permanence was 11.8 months. Analyzing the results of auditory processing assessment, the left ear showed significant lower performance in the dichotic digits test and pitch pattern sequence test. The students from experimental group showed lower performance compared to control group in the dichotic digits and gaps-in-noise tests.

Conclusion: Children suffering from secretory otitis media in their first 5 years of age and undergoing a surgery for bilateral ventilation tubes placement showed lower performance in auditory abilities when compared with children without a history of otitis media.