First Advisor

Deanna K. Meinke

First Committee Member

Diane Erdbruegger

Second Committee Member

Erinn Jimmerson

Degree Name

Doctor of Audiology

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Date Created

5-2024

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Communication Sciences and Disorders, CSD Student Work

Abstract

Otitis media (OM) is an infection located within the middle ear space of the auditory system and is the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Hearing loss is the disruption of the perception of an auditory signal and is further classified as conductive, sensorineural, or conductive. The effect of hearing loss can also depend on the severity, time of onset, stability, and etiology. Impairment in auditory function is linked with poorer speech and language development, educational tasks, psychosocial skills, and quality of life. Therefore, identification of hearing loss in children should be done in a timely manner to minimize the impact to which infrastructure is in place to guide clinicians. Otitis media has many presentations and is described in many ways. Inflammation and infection can occur with or without effusion (OME). Effusion is described as fluid presence in the air-filled middle ear space. Chronic (COME) cases last longer than 3 months while chronic suppurative (CSOM) describes chronic inflammation and mastoid mucus with related tympanic membrane damage and/or discharge. An infection characterized by fast onset is considered acute while recurrent acute (RAOM) infections exist with increased frequency of infections. The increased prevalence of OM in children can be attributed to anatomical differences between children and adults accounts for increased prevalence in children in comparison to adult patients. Risk factors include exposure to other airborne viruses/bacteria, cigarette smoke, lack of breastfeeding, having siblings, attending daycare, lower socioeconomic status, facial anomalies, etc. These factors, early identification of otitis media, along with parental understanding and needs will be highlighted to identify how to better support those experiencing OM, especially in the context of professional clinical care guidelines.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Language

English

Extent

139 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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