MIDDLE EAR FUNCTION IN YOUNG CHILDREN WITH CLEFT PALATE

Abstract

Tympanometry was anal yzed according to cleft type with respect to age and sex in 62 cleft palate patients (23 with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP)), 1 6 wi th unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and 23 with isolated cleft palate (ICP). Methods: Tympanometric evaluation of 124 ears in 62 children was performed. Results were examined according to cleft type and laterality. Objective: To assess the Eustachian tube and middle ear function in patients w ith cl eft palate and the effect of surgical correction. Results: the incidence of otitis media in unrepaired patients was 93%. The post-operative evaluation showed 68.8% with otitis media. There were no differences as regards sex, age or type of clefting. Conclusion: The final heari ng status of patients with cleft palate is a result of a combination of surgical correction, developmental factors, and treatment of middle ear disease. Patients with cleft palate should have close follow-up for middle ear disease, and earl y placement of ventilation tubes in selected patients.