Researchers have long been concerned with the effects of otitis media on speech and language acquisition because of the high correlation of a mild to moderate hearing loss during the time period that fluid (effusion) may be in the middle ear. Middle-ear effusion would prevent many of the auditory messages from accurately reaching the nervous system (Zinkus, 1986). Deprived of the ability to discern the subtle acoustic differences that provide information for phonetic contrasts, a child's speech acquisition may differ from children who do not experience such losses.

Otitis media, which is an upper respiratory tract infection that affect the middle ear, is the second most common disease in childhood, outnumbered in prevalence only by the common cold. Diagnosis of middle ear inflammation is often performed in the primary healthcare where the normal procedure involves anamnesis and physical examination of the tympanic membranes (TM) of the patient, usually be means of otoscopy. The general aim of this thesis was to develop optical methods that enable quantification of TM characteristics associated with otitis media. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy was applied to quantify TM erythema using previously suggested erythema detection algorithms. Healthy TM:s were significantly distinguished from TM:s with induced erythema (p < 0.01) and from TM:s in ears with mucous middle ear effusion (p < 0.05). A new technique for surface shape assessment based on an on-axis dual fibre array incorporated in an otoscope was developed and evaluated in ear models and on tympanic membranes from harvested temporal bones. The technique utilises the combined effects of source-detector fibre separation and fibre-to-sample distance on the detected light intensity. Optical phantoms, both polyacetal plastic solids and latex membranes, were utilised to demonstrate the ability of the surface shape assessment technique to differentiate between convex and concave surfaces – as a bulging tympanic membrane is typically associated with acute otitis media whereas a retracted eardrum is associated with otitis media with effusion. Monte Carlo simulations of the surface shape data were performed in order to validate the experimental results with a theoretical model that are consistent with light transport theory. Retracted and bulging tympanic membranes from harvested temporal bones could be separated with a single measurement, given that variations in measurement distance were accounted for and that measurement from normally positioned tympanic membranes were used for signal normalization. In conclusion, the studies implicate that for individual otitis diagnosis, the hyperaemic tympanic membrane was separated from the healthy by application of erythema indices using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Moreover, bulging and retracted positions of the tympanic membrane were separable by means of the source-detector intensity matrix. For further clinical studies it is reasonable to assume that data from both methods are needed for diagnosis.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Göteborg : Göteborgs universitet, 2010.

This study examined the extent to which mothers of children with and without otitis-media histories differ in their perceptions of children's social behavior. Twenty-three mothers, each with two children aged 2 1/2 to 9 (30 boys, 16 girls) participated. Mothers' average age was 34. Two-thirds were full-time homemakers. Most belonged to middle-class Anglo socioeconomic status. Early recurrent otitis media (EROM) children (n = 27) had had four or more episodes before age 2 and a first episode before age 1. Mild or no otitis media (MNOM) children (n = 19) had had either fewer than four episodes before age 2 or none before age 1. Mothers rated children's social behaviors on the two-part Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory. Its intensity scale score represented frequencies with which a child showed any of 36 behaviors. Its problem scale score was the number of behaviors a mother perceived as a problem for her. Intensity scale score means did not differ significantly for EROM and MNOM children [F(1, 44) = 1.56, p ≥ .05], suggesting no differences in the frequency of occurrence of problem behaviors for the two groups. Problem scale score means differed significantly [F(1, 44) = 5.46, p < .05], suggesting that mothers perceived more behavioral problems in EROM than in MNOM children. Thirteen EROM children had conduct problems (scores above either scale's cutoff), versus two MNOM children. A significant relationship between otitis-media history and conduct problems was shown by a chi-square test [χ² (df=1)= 5.57, p < .05 . Children's age, sex, and birth order did not influence mothers' ratings. Mothers' general anxiety, measured by the Anxiety Scale Questionnaire, influenced their ratings of children's social behaviors on each individual ECBI scale, but did not have an effect after children were described as having conduct-problem or normal behavior. EROM children were rated as having conduct problems significantly more often than were MNOM children. The findings have restricted generalizability, but suggest that psychologists, pediatricians, and speech/hearing pathologists and clinicians may need to help mothers reduce children's conduct problems related to early otitis media.

M. Tech. Pharmaceutical Sciences / Bacteria are present in natural environments and can develop into biofilms. Mucus-like extracellular matrix produced by biofilms provides protection to biofilm formers by inhibiting antimicrobial penetration and de-activating antimicrobial molecules, while allowing strong attachment onto surfaces. Biofilm development is associated with otitis media and cystic fibrosis. In this study, selected biofilm-formers implicated in otitis media and cystic fibrosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Moraxella catarrhalis, were used to evaluate the effect of combinations of mucoactive substances and antibiotics against their biofilms. Microtiter-plate assay and optical density measurements were used to evaluate antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Confocal scanning laser microscopy was used to visualise the effect of selected treatments against biofilms.

OBJETIVOS: La otitis media con efusión es rara en la población adulta pero se ha descrito una incidencia mayor en pacientes intubados de las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI). El objetivo de este estudio es examinar el efecto de los factores predisponentes sobre la OME.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se ha realizado un estudio observacional para evaluar a 100 pacientes intubados (>3días) en la UCI. Recogimos información sobre la edad, sexo, posición, duración de la intubación orotraqueal, fosa nasal y diámetro de la sonda nasogástica y nivel de consciencia. También se llevaron a cabo timpanometrías y una evaluación otoscópica para evidenciar la OME.RESULTADOS: Realizamos 535 observaciones de oídos. Los resultados se clasificaron como curvas normales (tipos A y C1 de Jerger) y patológicas (tipos B y C2 de Jerger). La presencia de sonda nasogástrica (&#8805;18French), intubación orotraqueal e inconsciencia se asociaron significativamente a curvas patológicas.CONCLUSIONES: La presencia de sonda nasogástrica (&#8805;18French), intubación orotraqueal e inconsciencia se mostraron como factores predisponentes para la OME. / OBJECTIVES: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is rare among adults, but has been reported a higher incidence among intubated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the predisposing factors on OME.MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study has been performed to evaluate 100 intubated patients (>3days) in the ICU. We collected information about the age, sex, position, duration of orotracheal intubation, nasal nostril and diameter of nasogastric tube and level of consciousness. In addition, tympanometry and otoscopic examination were carried out for evidence of OME. RESULTS: We realized 535 ear observations. The results were classified as normal (type A and C1 Jerger tympanogram) or pathologic (type B and C2 Jerger tympanogram) curves. For statistical purposes we realized Cox regression adjusted by days from admission. Presence of nasogastric tube (&#8805;18French), orotracheal intubation and unconsciousness were associated significantly with pathologic curves. CONCLUSIONS: Orotracheal intubation, nasogastric tube (&#8805;18French), and unconsciousness were significant predisposing factors of OME.

Children have difficulty with reading for a number of reasons. One of these reasons may be temporary conductive hearing loss (TCHL) in preschool, which can be caused by otitis media (persistent fluid build-up in the middle ear), one of the most frequent medical issues in preschool children (Burt & Schappert, 2004). While otitis media can be treated medically, the duration of hearing loss and the age at which the hearing loss occurred may contribute to future reading difficulties (Easterbrooks, Lederberg, Miller, Bergeron & Connor, 2008). The literature surrounding the connection between otitis media, TCHL, and reading development is inconclusive. In addition, the nature of interdisciplinary communication to discuss the potential future challenges for children who have had TCHL is unclear. Little is known about how professionals communicate with parents about these challenges, and about how parents can best support their children. This research focused on providing detailed descriptions of how medical and educational professionals reported they communicated with each other and with parents about the potential reading risks associated with TCHL. This study followed standard qualitative research methods to conduct in-depth interviews with six medical and educational professionals and with two parents of children with TCHL. Results from this study have revealed important aspects that characterize what, when, and how professionals inform parents of children with TCHL about potential future reading problems. The knowledge gained through this research can guide future research and have practical implications for medical and educational professionals and provides recommendations for how parents are informed about potential future reading difficulties. / Thesis (Master, Education) -- Queen's University, 2011-09-27 11:48:59.805

Background: There is a need for more well-controlled research on the relationship between vision and hearing limitations and emergent literacy to inform early literacy intervention. Two highly prevalent difficulties of early childhood, poor distance visual acuity and otitis media with effusion (OME), have been shown to be associated with literacy achievement. There is little research, however, on the relationship between these conditions and emergent literacy. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the relationships between (1) distance visual acuity and emergent letter name knowledge, and (2) OME status and emergent letter name knowledge in children at school entry. Method: A prospective cohort of children (N=298) was recruited at school entry. Participants were aged 5, did not require special education for high needs and spoke a nationally recognized language of New Zealand. Distance vision and tympanometry testing was performed and a parent report of OME was obtained. The Wechsler Individual Test of Letter Name Knowledge and the Vocabulary and Block Design sub-tests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children were administered. Covariates of reading achievement were also measured. Results: Twenty three percent of children knew fewer than 4 letters at school entry, 31.9% had marginal distance visual acuity of 6/9 in one or both eyes and 37.2% had a history of ear infections and/or a B tympanometry test at school entry. Logistic regression tests demonstrated that both 6/9 vision (OR= 2.069, CI0.95=0.999-4.227) and OME status 10 (OR=1.846, CI0.95=1.034-3.297) were significantly associated with low letter name knowledge at school entry, controlling for covariates of emergent literacy. Another analysis showed that children with 6/9 vision and/or OME at school entry were also at greater risk for low letter knowledge (OR=2.187, CI0.95=1.067 – 4.484) than children with 6/6 vision and no OME at school entry. Conclusions: The results of the current study indicate that 6/9 distance vision and OME are risk factors for low letter name knowledge at school entry. These factors warrant greater consideration with regard to early literacy intervention, classroom teaching practices and future research.

A prerequisite for a functioning middle ear is an air-filled middle ear cavity. Aeration of the middle ear cavity is controlled by the Eustachian tube. Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube has long been acknowledged as a significant etiological factor in disorders of the middle ear, especially middle ear effusions. Artificial ventilation of the middle ear through the tympanic membrane has been practised for almost two centuries, but with varying degrees of success. In 1954, Armstrong reintroduced the method of inserting a transmyringeal tympanostomy tube into the ear drum. Since that time this ventilatory device has gained wide popularity and several types of tube have been designed. However, an increasing number of clinical reports have shown treatment with tympanostomy tubes to be followed by complications such as tympanosclerosis, atrophy, persistent perforations and cholesteatomas. In the present thesis, experiments were outlined in which the tympanostomy tube - tympanic membrane interaction was studied and in which tympanostomy tubes were also applied in a well-defined type of otitis media. Furthermore, alternative transmyringeal ventilatory procedures such as myringotomies with a delayed healing time were investigated. The results were evaluated with morphological and microbiological methods. Repeated tympanostomy tube insertions in ears of healthy rats caused a remarkable thickening (about 30-fold) of the tympanic membrane of the tubulated quadrants, but even the untouched quadrants were affected. The thickened areas were characterized mainly by an increase in dense connective tissue which also contained sclerotic plaques. The structural changes in the tympanic membrane were still present 3 months after the final ventilation episode. Cleavage of the rat soft palate caused an immediate accumulation of effusion material in the tympanic cavity due to disturbance of Eustachian tube function. The fluid turned purulent within one to two weeks. The microbial flora of the middle ear cavity correlated well with that of the nasopharynx, indicating an ascending infection. Insertion of a tympanostomy tube could prevent the accumulation of effusion material in the meso- and hypotympanon and significantly suppress bacterial growth in the middle ear cavity. Thermal energy-inflicted myringotomies were tested as an alternative method for establishing transmyringeal ventilation. Myringotomies performed either with a CCL-laser or by diathermy showed a delayed healing pattern, most probably due to widespread destruction of the outer keratinized squamous epithelium and damage to the vascular supply. Upon comparison, laser myringotomies appeared more favourable due to their longer closure times, whereas the perforations accomplished by diathermy were often complicated by otorrhea and showed more advanced structural changes. / <p>Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 1985, härtill 6 uppsatser.</p> / digitalisering@umu

Šunų ausų ligos gana dažnai pasitaiko veterinarijos gydytojų praktikoje. Netiksliai diagnozavus ausies uždegimą gali būti pasirinktas netinkamas gydymo būdas, liga gali komplikuotis, sparčiai progresuoti, pasidaro lėtinė. Dažnai gyvūnai pradedami gydyti pasireiškus klinikiniams požymiams – vietiniam skausmui, niežėjimui, eritemai, epitelio pleiskanojimui ir susikaupus nemalonaus kvapo išskyroms. Ausų uždegimą gali sukelti labai daug priežasčių, kurios skirstomos į predisponuojančias, pirmines ir antrines. Predisponuojantiems veiksniams priskiriama šuns veislė, anatominė ausų stuktūra, jatrogeninės traumos, netinkamas gydymas, auglių obstrukcijos ar polypai. Infekciją gali sukelti ir į ausį patekę svetimkūniai, išoriniai dirgikliai: sieros sankaupos, kai ausys ilgai nevalomos, vanduo, patekęs į šuns ausis. Pirminiai veiksniai tiesiogiai sukelia išorinės ausies uždegimą. Tai ausų erkutės (Otodectes cynotis) ir odos parazitai (Demodex canis, Otodectes, Sarcoptes ir kt.), alergija, autoimuninės ligos, pirminė seborėja, blusos, hormonų pusiausvyros sutrikimas, endokrininiai sutrikimai. Antrinėms priežastims priskiriamos sąlyginai patogeninių bakterijų asociacijos ir grybeliai, kurie ausyje gyvena simbiozėje ir dauginasi. Bakterinį ausų uždegimą dažniausiai sukelia Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., rečiau – Bacillus ir Corynebacterium genčių mikroorganizmai bei Malassezia spp. mielės. Šio darbo tikslas buvo atlikti veiksnių, įtakojančių ausų uždegimo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Ear diseases in dogs are common in veterinary medicine. Inaccurate diagnoses and inappropriate treatment of otitis, can rapidly cause serious progressive complications and the disease will be chronic. Frequently, animal treatments start when symptoms have been displayed: pain, head shaking, scratching at the pinnae, and malodorous ears, unpleasant smells and erythema are common complaints. Otitis can be caused by many reasons. There are distributive to predisposing, primary and secondary reasons. Predisposing factors are abnormal or breed-related conformation of the ear canal, including stenosis, yatrogenic injuries, inappropriate treatment hirsutism, and pendulous pinnae that restrict proper air flow into the ear canal. Excessive moisture, due to swimming or to frequent cleanings with improper solutions, can also lead to infections. Primary causes directly make inflammation of otitis externa. Parasites (Otodectes cynotis) and skin parasites (Demodex canis, Otodectes, Sarcoptes etc.), atopy, food allergy, auto-immune diseases primary seborrhea, fleas, and endocrine disorders. Secondary causes may be assigned to conditioned pathogenic bacteria as well as fungus which lives in ear with symbiosis and it is reproductive. Bacterial infections are often infected by Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus spp., more rarely – Bacillus and Corynebacterium spp.and Malassezia spp. barm. The objective of the research work was to accomplish inflammation factors of otitis and... [to full text]