Point prevalence of type B tympanogram in children

OBJECTIVE: Otitis media with effusion is a common disease; it is primarily a disease of children. Otitis media with effusion was found as the most common cause of hearing impairment among children. The prevalence varied in different populations. Using otoscopy and tympanometry usually gives a valuable indication of the presence of otitis media with effusion. The aim of this study is to determine the point prevalence of type B tympanogram as a diagnostic and indication of the presence of otitis media with effusion.

METHODS: This study was carried out during the period September 1997 through to May 2000. The study population consisted of 9540 children aged one year to 12 years from the 4 provinces of the country. Otoscopic examination and audiologic assessment were carried out using Grason Stadler Incorporation 30-33. The tympanograms were divided into A, B, C one, and C2 groups.

RESULTS: The point prevalence rate of type B tympanograms among children was 8.2%. The prevalence of otitis media with effusion was 7.5%

CONCLUSION: This study indicates that tympanogram has a significant role in otis media effusion.