Otitis Media at Canyon Day, Ariz: A 16-Year Follow-up in Apache Indians

Abstract

A 16-year follow-up survey of native Americans living in Canyon Day, Ariz, did not show improvement in the 9.3% rate of clinically significant otitis media. However, the manifestations were more benign, especially in children, and included the spectrum of otitis media. A genetically determined eustachian tube difference may explain the high rate of occurrence of otitis media in these Apache Indians. Improvements in living conditions and health care may explain the change to less severe manifestations.