Workshop on Effects of Otitis Media on the Child

Abstract

GOALS, DEFINITIONS, AND CLASSIFICATION OF OTITIS MEDIA —Charles D. Bluestone, MD The goal of this Workshop was to assess current knowledge concerning the effects of otitis media on the child. Experts in pediatrics, infectious disease, otolaryngology, audiology, speech, linguistics, and psychology met in Chicago on Aug 25, 1982 to participate in this Workshop. A summary of the discussions is presented here. Otitis media is broadly defined as an inflammation of the middle ear without reference to etiology or pathogenesis.1 Otitis media with effusion is an inflammation of the middle ear in which a collection of liquid (i.e., middle ear effusion) is present in the middle ear space (no perforation of the tympanic membrane is present). Atelectasis of the tympanic membrane, which may or may not be associated with otitis media, is defined as either collapse or retraction of the tympanic membrane. Acute otitis media implies a rapid and short onset of signs and symptoms lasting approximately 3 weeks. From 3 weeks to 3 months, the process may be resolving or subacute. If middle ear effusion persists beyond 3 months, the condition is classified as chronic otitis media with effusion. Many terms have been used for acute otitis media, such as "suppurative," "purulent," or "bacterial" otitis media; however, a "serous" effusion may also have an acute onset. Otitis media with effusion unaccompanied by signs and symptoms of acute inflammation has also had a plethora of other names: "serous," "secretory," "nonsuppurative," and "glue ear" have been the most commonly used. EPIDEMIOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF OTITIS MEDIA