Otoacoustic Emissions and Otitis Media in Aboriginal Children
Author Information
Author(s): Deborah Lehmann, Sharon Weeks, Peter Jacoby, Dimity Elsbury, Janine Finucane, Annette Stokes, Ruth Monck, Harvey Coates
Primary Institution: Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, the University of Western Australia
Hypothesis
Absent transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) may predict subsequent risk of otitis media (OM) in young Aboriginal children.
Conclusion
The study found that absent TEOAEs in Aboriginal children at age 1–2 months predicted a higher risk of developing otitis media.
Supporting Evidence
- 55% of Aboriginal children had signs of otitis media during examinations.
- Aboriginal children were 2.6 times more likely to develop otitis media if they failed the TEOAE test at 1–2 months.
- Moderate-severe hearing loss was present in 32% of Aboriginal children aged 12 months or more.
Takeaway
This study looked at how hearing tests can help find kids who might get ear infections later. It found that if a baby doesn't pass the hearing test, they might get an ear infection when they grow up.
Methodology
The study followed 100 Aboriginal and 180 non-Aboriginal children from birth to age 2, measuring TEOAEs and conducting tympanometry and clinical examinations.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias as not all children attended ENT clinics regularly.
Limitations
The study had limited follow-up for some Aboriginal children and may have selection bias due to attendance at clinics.
Participant Demographics
100 Aboriginal and 180 non-Aboriginal children, primarily from a semi-arid region of Western Australia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.006
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.32 – 5.31
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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