Otoacoustic emissions and tympanometry in children with otitis media

Objective: To examine otoacoustic emission and tympanometric findings in ch ildren with surgically confirmed middle ear effusion (MEE). Design: A total of 102 children aged 0.7 to 11.4 yr undergoing surgery beca use of otitis media were included in the study. A tympanometric examination and transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) measurement were perform ed on each ear before myringotomy, MEE was aspirated, weighed and classifie d as mucoid or nonmucoid, TEOAE measurements were compared with the quantit y and quality of MEE and to the tympanometric findings. Results: Fifty (72%) ears out of the 65 ears containing effusion showed red uced TEOAE. The quantity of effusion was associated significantly (p < 0.00 1) with the TEOAE responses, and mucoid effusion reduced the emissions more than nonmucoid, The sensitivity of tympanometry in identifying the ears wi thout recordable TEOAE was 73% and the specificity 81%. Conclusion: MEE results in a significant reduction in TEOAEs even when the effusion is nonmucoid. This suggests that transmission of acoustic energy t o and from the middle ear is altered in children experiencing any form of o titis media with effusion.