The Occurrence of Otitis Media with Effusion in School-Aged Children

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a prevalent pediatric condition characterized by fluid buildup in the middle ear without acute infection symptoms. It often leads to conductive hearing loss and, if untreated, can delay speech and language development. Understanding risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies is essential to mitigate its impact on children’s health. Aim: This research aimed to assess the prevalence of OME in school-aged children, identify associated risk factors, and evaluate clinical and audiological outcomes in those affected. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the ENT Department of Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College & Hospital from January to December 2024. The study included 100 children aged 5–12 years with ear complaints, excluding those with acute otitis media or other ear pathologies. Data collection involved otoscopic exams, tympanometry, and pure-tone audiometry. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: OME was identified in 28% of participants. Key risk factors included upper respiratory infections (71.4%), exposure to secondhand smoke (53.6%), and a family history of ear infections (64.3%). Among affected children, 78.6% reported hearing difficulties, and 92.9% displayed abnormal tympanometry findings. Audiological evaluations revealed mild conductive hearing loss in 90% of OME cases. Conclusion: OME is a significant health issue among school-aged children, strongly linked to risk factors such as upper respiratory infections, secondhand smoke, and familial ear infection history. Tympanometry and audiological assessments are critical for diagnosing OME and associated hearing loss. Recommendations: Early identification of at-risk children, particularly those with recurrent upper respiratory infections or environmental risk exposures, is crucial. Implementing timely medical or surgical interventions can prevent complications like hearing loss and developmental delays.