Gastroesophageal reflux and sequelae of chronic tubotympanal disorders in children.

Objective: To compare sequelae of chronic tubotympanal disorders in children with and without gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

Material And Methods: In 32 patients with chronic tubotympanal disorders GER was studied by means of 24-h continuous esophageal pH monitoring. After a period of 2-6 years (mean 4 years) sequelae of the tubotympanal disorders were examined, together with the clinical status of the ears and hearing status. The criteria for classification into mild, moderate and severe sequelae were based on the clinical status of the ear. Hearing was determined using tonal audiograms. Conductive hearing loss was classified as either slight (< or = 35 dB hearing loss in speech frequencies) or severe (>35 dB hearing loss in speech frequencies).

Results: In the group of 16 patients (mean age 6.1 years) with GER, sequelae were observed in 29 ears (mild, n=11; moderate, n=5; severe, n=13). Hearing impairment was determined in 20 ears (mild, n=8; severe, n=12). In the group of 16 patients (mean age 7.1 years) without GER, sequelae were observed in 17 ears (mild, n=11; moderate, n=1; severe, n=5). Hearing impairment was determined in 10 ears (mild, n=6; severe, n=4).

Conclusion: The total number of ears with sequelae and the total number of ears with conductive hearing impairment were significantly higher in patients with GER.