Middle ear function in learning-disabled children
Bennett, F.C.; Ruuska, S.H.; Sherman, R.
Pediatrics 66(2): 254-260
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7402810 Document Number: 158269
To investigate the possible association of chronic otitis media and school learning problems, past and current middle ear status in 53 learning-disabled (LD) children was compared to that of 56 control children without learning problems. A history of recurrent otitis media was obtained in 23% of the LD children and in 9% of the control children. Thirty-eight percent of LD children and 16% of control children had hearing abnormalities on pure tone audiometry; 49% of LD children and 21% of control children had abnormal tympanometry. LD children had significantly more middle ear malfunction than control children. Chronic, undetected middle ear problems may play a role in the etiology of some school learning disabilities.