Systematic Review of Existing Evidence and Primary Care Guidelines on the Management of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Populations

TLDR

Abstract

[Extract] In developed countries, otitis media with effusion is the commonest cause of conductive hearing loss in children. In developing countries, on the other hand, acute and chronic suppurative ear disease is much more prevalent and contributes to increased mortality.2 In 1995, chronic suppurative otitis media was considered to be the most important cause of hearing impairment in Africa.3 The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended in 1991 that of all the causes of hearing impairment, priority should be given to the prevention and control of acute otitis media.4 The pattern of ear disease in Aboriginal populations is consistent with that in developing countries. But here, ear disease contributes little to reduced Aboriginal life expectancy. Instead, it leads to persistent and chronic ear disease and subsequent hearing loss from early infancy - with a legacy of educational and social disadvantage. Disability associated with hearing impairment through chronic otitis media is a consequence of poverty.