Association of early bilateral middle ear effusion with language at age 5 years

Objective.- This study tested the hypothesis that children with early persi stent middle ear effusion (MEE) are at risk for later language deficit. Method.- We recruited 698 newborns and monitored them for MEE every 2 to 4 weeks at home until age 3 years. Language skills were assessed on 294 subje cts at age 5, while controlling for 8 demographic and environmental factors . Language outcomes at age 5 years were studied as a function of duration o f bilateral MEE from birth to age 3 years. Results.- A significant relation was found between duration of bilateral ME E and speech sound sensitivity (Carroty Elicited Language Inventory) and ar ticulation (Goldman-Fristoe Articulation). Children's ability to discrimina te speech sounds in a quiet environment (Carroty Auditory Visual Abilities Test) was less affected by early prolonged MEE in homes that provided more cognitive stimulation. Conclusions.- These exploratory results indicate that prolonged early MEE m ay predispose children to language deficits at age 5 years. The language de ficits are of small magnitude and may or may not be clinically significant. Language stimulation at home may protect against some of the effects of pr olonged MEE.