THE UNIVERSALITY OF OTITIS MEDIA IN 50 INFANTS WITH CLEFT PALATE

Abstract

Bilateral secretory (serous) or suppurative otitis media was found without exception in 50 infants with cleft palate who were 20 months of age or younger. Middle ear disease probably develops in all cleft palate infants during the first few months of life, and appears to be best managed by myringotomy with insertion of plastic tubes. Unless drainage and aeration of the middle ear are accomplished, irreparable damage to middle ear structures may develop in some patients; and, in all of them, hearing impairment will probably persist throughout infancy or longer, with adverse effects on well-being and function and with serious implications for intellectual, speech, and emotional development. Further studies are required to assess the long-range effectiveness of surgical management.