Marrero Morales LS, Gulati A, Younan S
… +2 more, Jacobson LK, Luu K
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42090997
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This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, ease of use, and diagnostic value of otoscopic images captured via low-cost smartphone-guided digital otoscopes by caregivers to inform future pediatric telehealth application...This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, ease of use, and diagnostic value of otoscopic images captured via low-cost smartphone-guided digital otoscopes by caregivers to inform future pediatric telehealth applications. A prospective study was conducted in an academic pediatric Otolaryngology clinic. 34 patients presenting for in-person appointments with caregivers were included. Caregivers captured images of their child's ear canals using digital otoscopes with minimal real-time, in-clinic verbal guidance and were surveyed about their experience. A blinded otolaryngologist rated image acceptability. Of the 34 included patients (12 female, 22 male), the median age was 7 years (range, 2 - 17 years). 50% of the images obtained were deemed acceptable (good or excellent) by a blinded, board-certified otolaryngologist. 88% of participants found the low-cost digital otoscope easy to use, and 100% reported willingness to pay for similar devices for telehealth use. The mean time for image acquisition by caregivers was 57.21 s with a standard deviation of 27.6 s. Caregivers provided their subjective experience, most frequently noting ease of use, the helpful role of coaching, and the value of the device for improving access to care. Digital low-cost otoscopes paired with smartphones in the hands of caregivers can facilitate pediatric ear examinations, yielding acceptable image quality and enabling a positive user experience. Future studies should investigate specific diagnostic capabilities in remote settings with virtual guidance, as well as methods to improve the diagnostic reliability of images obtained by caregivers.
Yagiz Agayarov O, Kilic R, Gumussoy M
… +2 more, Kisa A, Cukurova I
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42068692
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cochlear function using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in adolescents with β-thalassemia major receiving regular desferrioxamine chelation therapy who exhibit normal pure-tone au...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate cochlear function using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in adolescents with β-thalassemia major receiving regular desferrioxamine chelation therapy who exhibit normal pure-tone audiometric thresholds, and to compare the findings with those of healthy controls. METHODS: This cross-sectional controlled study included 21 adolescents with β-thalassemia major aged 15-18 years receiving regular desferrioxamine therapy and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants demonstrated normal pure-tone audiometry. DPOAE measurements were performed at frequencies ranging from 500 Hz to 10,000 Hz, and distortion product amplitudes (DP1) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values were analyzed. Mean values of both ears were used for statistical comparisons. To control for type I error due to multiple frequency comparisons, p values were adjusted using the Holm-Bonferroni method separately for DP1 and SNR analyses. RESULTS: At 1 kHz, the mean DP1 amplitude was significantly higher in the patient group compared to controls (10.07 ± 5.73 vs. 4.95 ± 5.63 dB SPL; p = 0.005). At 10 kHz, DP1 amplitude was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p = 0.004), and this difference remained statistically significant after Holm-Bonferroni correction. Although SNR values at 10 kHz were lower in the patient group in the unadjusted analysis (p = 0.039), this difference did not retain statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. No significant differences were observed at the other tested frequencies (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Adolescents with β-thalassemia major receiving regular desferrioxamine chelation therapy may exhibit subclinical high-frequency cochlear dysfunction despite normal pure-tone audiometric findings. The presence of significantly reduced DP1 amplitudes at 10 kHz highlights the sensitivity of DPOAE testing in detecting early cochlear alterations not identified by conventional audiometry. Incorporating high-frequency DPOAE measurements into routine audiological monitoring may facilitate earlier detection of cochlear involvement and improve long-term auditory surveillance in this patient population.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42066644
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BACKGROUND: Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs during critical neurodevelopmental windows, often leading to deficits in attention and information processing. OSA is increasingly recognized as a condition asso...BACKGROUND: Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs during critical neurodevelopmental windows, often leading to deficits in attention and information processing. OSA is increasingly recognized as a condition associated with impaired language acquisition and highlights the necessity for early clinical language screening in this population. Thus, this study aimed to explore the impact of childhood OSA on language development in children aged 2 to 7.4 years. 41 native Arabic-speaking children diagnosed with OSA were evaluated. Assessments included clinical history, the Arabic Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (A-PSQ), and physical examinations by Brodsky and Modified Mallampati scales. Diagnosis was confirmed via flexible nasopharyngoscopy, lateral neck radiography (A/N ratio), and polysomnography (AHI≥1). Language and cognitive profiling were conducted using the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (5th ed.) and the Modified Preschool Language Scale-4 (Arabic version). RESULTS: Receptive language age demonstrated a strong negative correlation with AHI (r = -0.622, p < 0.001), while expressive and total language ages showed significant moderate negative correlations (r=-0.527 and -0.544, respectively; p<0.001). Linear regression identified the Brodsky scale, Mallampati classification, endoscopic adenoid grade, and A-PSQ domains as significant positive predictors of AHI. Conversely, endoscopic adenoid grade and Mallampati classification were significant negative predictors for all language domains, with the A-PSQ snoring domain specifically impacting expressive and total language ages. CONCLUSION: Significant correlations exist between anatomical obstruction, OSA severity, and language delay. Mallampati score, endoscopic grade, and A-PSQ snoring domain constitute a "High-Risk Triad" of OSA. The presence of this triad in children with language delay warrants immediate prioritization for intervention to mitigate long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity.
Baş B, Mecit Karaca H, Aydoğan Z
… +2 more, Çilkol Bayram L, Ceylan N
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42035747
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OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the auditory abilities and auditory short-term memory of right- and left-hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 26 children aged 8 to 10 y...OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the auditory abilities and auditory short-term memory of right- and left-hemiplegic children with cerebral palsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 26 children aged 8 to 10 years, all native Turkish speakers, divided into three groups: 8 right-hemiparetic, 8 left-hemiparetic, and 10 typically developing children. Hearing thresholds were evaluated before the children were included in the study. The children were assessed with the Test for Auditory Processing Disorders in children (SCAN-C) and the Auditory Digit Span Test. RESULTS: For the SCAN Test, there was a significant difference only between the right-hemiparetic group and the typically developing group on the Auditory Figure-Ground Test. No significant difference was found between the groups for the Filtering Words Test and for the two dichotic listening tests. Regarding the Auditory Short-Term Memory Span Test, results revealed a significant difference between the right-hemiparetic group and the two other groups for the verbal response condition and between the right-hemiparetic group and the typically developing group for the written condition. CONCLUSION: This study provides new insights into how asymmetry in hemiparetic children affects auditory performance during childhood. It emphasizes the importance of individualized auditory-interventions in the rehabilitation of children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy. The distinct characteristics of right and left hemispheric involvement suggest that therapies should be designed with these differences in mind.
Fontes GENG, da Silva K, de Sá Barretto RB
… +5 more, de Santana Dória LE, Alves MVM, de Oliveira AC, César CPHAR, Guedes-Granzotti RB
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42030712
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INTRODUCTION: Children with vestibular disorders face challenges related to postural balance and other aspects that may compromise cognitive skills and, consequently, the learning process. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the r...INTRODUCTION: Children with vestibular disorders face challenges related to postural balance and other aspects that may compromise cognitive skills and, consequently, the learning process. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between cognitive skills and the vestibular system in children. METHOD: This is an analytical, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with children aged six to 12 years. Cognitive skills were assessed using the Neupsilin-Inf - Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument for Children. The vestibular system was evaluated through cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (cVEMP) and ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (oVEMP) tests. Data analysis was performed using the t-test for independent samples and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 38 children, of whom 55.3% were female and 47.7% were male, with a mean age of 8.7 years (±9). Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between cVEMP amplitude and perceptual skills (p = 0.039), as well as between oVEMP asymmetry and memory skills (p = 0.020) and executive functions (p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest a possible association between the vestibular system and specific cognitive skills in children, highlighting the importance of integrated assessment of these functions from early childhood.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42013715
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OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare simple and complex working memory (WM) between typically developing children and children with central auditory processing disorders [(C)APD]. METHOD: The study involved 40 children...OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to compare simple and complex working memory (WM) between typically developing children and children with central auditory processing disorders [(C)APD]. METHOD: The study involved 40 children aged 9-12 years, divided into two groups: typically developing children and children with (C)APD. The tests included were simple WM tests [revised auditory memory and sequencing test in Indian English, nonword repetition, and digit span ] and complex WM tests [2 N-back tasks, operation span, and reading span]. RESULTS: The comparison between typically developing children and children with (C)APD showed that children with (C)APD performed poorer in both simple and complex WM than typically developing children. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic curves lie in the top left corner of the plot for all WM tasks, indicating high accuracy in detecting WM deficits in children with (C)APD, with a higher area under the curve value of 0.9 and above. CONCLUSION: Hence, considering WM deficits from the test results, children with (C)APD may be associated with broader cognitive deficits beyond auditory processing alone, potentially impacting academic and everyday functioning. These results highlight the importance of comprehensive cognitive assessment and targeted interventions to support children with (C)APD.
Hamdi O, Ramos L, Jamil T
… +5 more, Hill M, Wershoven N, Gitomer SA, Herrmann B, Darr O
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42001535
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OBJECTIVE: Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a serious complication of acute otitis media. While historically managed with mastoidectomy, recent trends support conservative treatment, including intravenous (IV) antibiotics and p...OBJECTIVE: Acute mastoiditis (AM) is a serious complication of acute otitis media. While historically managed with mastoidectomy, recent trends support conservative treatment, including intravenous (IV) antibiotics and pressure equalization tube (PET) placement. International studies demonstrate high success with these approaches, but U.S. pediatric data remains limited. METHODS: Pediatric patients diagnosed with AM identified via Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding and International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) between January 2010 and October 2021 were reviewed using PearlDiver, a private analytics database. Patient demographics, treatments, intervention timing, complication rates, and predictors of surgery were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 6.46 years, with 57.5% male. Surgical intervention occurred in 36.8%, including 1784 PETs, 347 subperiosteal abscess drainages, and 530 mastoidectomies. Median time to surgery was 1 day. Intracranial complications (e.g., abscess, meningitis, defined by ICD codes) occurred in 13.7%. Older age was linked to lower odds of surgery (p < 0.001), while under-immunization and complications of AM increased surgical likelihood (both p < 0.001). Intracranial complications were the strongest predictor of mastoidectomy (p < 0.0001). Higher family income correlated with fewer complications and lower mastoidectomy rates. CONCLUSION: In this national pediatric cohort, non-operative management was most common, with fewer than 40% of patients undergoing surgery. Complications of AM most strongly predicted surgical need. These findings are consistent with a growing trend toward conservative management of pediatric acute mastoiditis.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 Jun · PMID 42000562
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of type I tympanoplasty using 2-mm wide cartilage palisade grafts (CP) in children and to compare these outcomes with temporalis fascia (TF) and cartilage-pericho...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of type I tympanoplasty using 2-mm wide cartilage palisade grafts (CP) in children and to compare these outcomes with temporalis fascia (TF) and cartilage-perichondrium island grafts (CI). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary care center, including children aged 2-17 years who underwent type I tympanoplasty between January 2010 and December 2019. Outcomes were analyzed according to graft materials. Primary endpoints were rates of recurrent or residual tympanic membrane perforation and postoperative retraction. Secondary outcomes included changes in air-conduction thresholds (AC) and air-bone gap (ABG). Logistic regression was used to assess the influence of graft type and underlying pathology. RESULTS: A total of 130 children (mean age 9.6 ± 3.8 years) were included (CP = 50, TF = 45, CI = 35). The CP group showed the lowest rates of postoperative perforation (16%) and retraction (4%) compared with TF (24.4%, 6.6%) and CI (20%, 5.7%) groups. Mean AC improvement was greatest in the CP group (8.9 dB; p < 0.001), followed by the CI group (5.4 dB; p < 0.001); improvement in the TF group was not significant. Reduction in ABG was greatest in the CP group (3.6 dB). Adhesive otitis media and cholesteatoma were significant predictors of postoperative perforation and retraction, respectively. CONCLUSION: Type I tympanoplasty using 2-mm cartilage palisade grafts in children provides excellent graft stability and significant hearing improvement, even in high-risk middle ear conditions, supporting its use as a reliable pediatric reconstructive technique.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41990712
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OBJECTIVES: This 10-year follow-up study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of a standardized conservative management protocol for juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP), evaluating its long-term clinical outcomes in ach...OBJECTIVES: This 10-year follow-up study aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of a standardized conservative management protocol for juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP), evaluating its long-term clinical outcomes in achieving durable symptom resolution and its safety in a pediatric cohort of 85 patients. Specifically, this study sought to determine whether a structured, non-interventional regimen-comprising gland massage, hydration, and oral hygiene-could effectively control symptoms and promote spontaneous disease resolution, thereby providing evidence to address the current clinical dilemma regarding the necessity of medical interventions (e.g., ductal irrigation, sialendoscopy) in the conservative management of JRP. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of pediatric patients with radiographically confirmed JRP was managed with a standardized conservative protocol. Patients were managed exclusively with this conservative protocol, and no other medical or procedural interventions were administered. This protocol included parotid gland massage, systemic hydration, salivary stimulation, and saline rinses. Long-term outcomes were assessed through clinical evaluations and patient-reported measures. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 10 years, annual episode frequency decreased from 5.2 ± 2.8 pre-treatment to 0.6 ± 1.1 at final follow-up; 90.6% (77/85) achieved complete and sustained symptomatic resolution, 4.7% (4/85) met criteria for significant improvement, and 4.7% (4/85) showed no improvement. When combining complete resolution and sustained significant improvement, the overall favorable outcome rate was 95.3%. CONCLUSION: This long-term study suggests that structured conservative management is associated with favorable long-term outcomes and appears to represent a reasonable initial management strategy for juvenile recurrent parotitis, while reserving medical interventions for a small subset of patients with refractory disease.
Heilig Y, Tsarfati Y, Gete M
… +2 more, Yafit D, Sapir A
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41985339
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OBJECTIVES: To delineate long-term symptoms, structural sequelae, and follow-up patterns among children presenting with nasal button battery foreign bodies (BBFB), and to identify gaps in post-removal management. METHODS...OBJECTIVES: To delineate long-term symptoms, structural sequelae, and follow-up patterns among children presenting with nasal button battery foreign bodies (BBFB), and to identify gaps in post-removal management. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study reviewed all pediatric patients (ages 1-18 years) who were treated for nasal BBFB at a tertiary university medical center between January 2014 and January 2024. Extracted data included patient demographics, clinical presentation, acute endoscopic findings, management details, post-removal treatment recommendations, and long-term outcomes. Injury severity was classified according to the presence of mucosal necrosis and/or nasal septal perforation. RESULTS: Forty-five children (mean age, 3.73 years; 57.8% female) were included. The median impaction duration was 4 h. Nasal discharge (35.6%) and epistaxis (27%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Acute endoscopic evaluation revealed eschar in 44.4%, mucosal edema in 42.2%, and mucosal necrosis in 31%. Early septal perforation was identified in 4.4%. Most batteries were removed by otolaryngologists (78%), and the majority of cases were managed in the emergency department without the need for anesthesia (84.4%). Post-removal treatment varied considerably: saline irrigation (60%), topical mupirocin (51%), systemic antibiotics (8.8%). Follow-up recommendations were absent in 40% of discharge summaries. Only 40% of patients completed long-term follow-up (median duration, 2 months). Among those evaluated, persistent symptoms included nasal discharge (44.4%), obstruction (17%), and epistaxis (12%). Late septal perforation was documented in 18%, representing a fourfold increase from initial evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal BBFB injuries are associated with substantial acute and long term morbidity. Substantial variability in post-removal care and low follow-up rates represent critical gaps in management. Persistent symptoms and progressive structural complications were common, highlighting the need for standardized treatment protocols, mandatory follow-up, and prospective research to optimize long-term outcomes.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41985338
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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and allergic rhinitis (AR) undergoin...OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of social determinants of health (SDoH) on clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and allergic rhinitis (AR) undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) with or without inferior turbinate reduction (ITR). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. METHODS: Pediatric patients with SDB and AR who underwent T&A with or without ITR from 2007 to 2017 were included. SDoH variables were race, insurance status, sex, and neighborhood-level measures such as Area Deprivation Index (ADI), Child Opportunity Index (COI), distance to hospital, and environmental pollutant exposure. Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression, Spearman's rank correlation, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Asthma (41.4% vs 15.7%, p = 0.003) and eye symptoms (10.3% vs 0.9%, p = 0.03) were more common in non-White patients. Patients with allergic dermatitis lived in less deprived neighborhoods (median 23.5 vs 72, p = 0.02). Public insurance was associated with persistent AR symptoms (OR: 2.69, p = 0.02) and post-operative sneezing (OR: 6.66, p = 0.02). Greater distance to hospital correlated with younger age at surgery and higher post-operative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Increased industrial pollution was associated with reduced adenoid obstruction. Females had lower pre-operative AHI and higher oxygen nadir. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic factors significantly influence disease characteristics and outcomes in pediatric SDB and AR. Addressing these factors is necessary for promoting health equity in pediatric otolaryngologic care.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41955783
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OBJECTIVE: Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is a metabolic disorder associated with acquired sensorineural hearing loss when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. However, although it is known to be a cause of acquired sensori...OBJECTIVE: Biotinidase deficiency (BD) is a metabolic disorder associated with acquired sensorineural hearing loss when diagnosis and treatment are delayed. However, although it is known to be a cause of acquired sensorineural hearing loss, studies evaluating auditory function in the neonatal period are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate newborn hearing screening outcomes in neonates diagnosed with BD and to investigate the relationship between biotinidase enzyme activity levels and auditory brainstem response (ABR) results. METHODS: This retrospective study included neonates diagnosed with BD between May 2023 and April 2024 in a tertiary hospital. Neonates without risk factors and with available ABR results were included. A control group of healthy neonates with matched birth dates was randomly selected. Newborn hearing screening was performed using automated ABR within the first two weeks of life. Neonates were categorized according to biotinidase enzyme activity as severe (<10%), partial (10-30%), or normal (>30%). ABR outcomes and demographic variables were compared between groups. RESULTS: Newborn hearing screening outcomes did not differ significantly between neonates with BD and controls (p = 0.688). Within the BD group, ABR pass and refer rates were similar across enzyme activity subgroups (p = 0.949). No correlation was observed between biotinidase enzyme activity levels and ABR results in the neonatal period (p = 0.099). CONCLUSION: Neonates with biotinidase deficiency demonstrate normal newborn hearing screening results comparable to healthy controls. These findings suggest that hearing loss in BD is not congenital but develops later if untreated. Long-term audiological follow-up remains essential despite normal neonatal screening results.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41946032
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BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma of the temporal bone and middle ear is a rare but aggressive pediatric malignancy that often mimics chronic otitis media, resulting in delayed diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation....BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma of the temporal bone and middle ear is a rare but aggressive pediatric malignancy that often mimics chronic otitis media, resulting in delayed diagnosis and advanced disease at presentation. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, staging, management strategies, and outcomes of pediatric temporal bone rhabdomyosarcoma. METHODS: A review was conducted using Embase (Ovid), MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect databases. Articles published between 2000 and 2025 were screened. Inclusion criteria comprised histopathologically confirmed rhabdomyosarcoma involving the temporal bone or middle ear in patients aged 0-18 years, with documented imaging and clinical data. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies, including 68 pediatric patients, were analyzed. The most common presenting symptoms were persistent otorrhea (73%), otalgia (42%), hearing loss, and aural polyps. Facial nerve palsy occurred in 69% of cases. Imaging demonstrated an osteolytic soft-tissue mass involving the middle ear and mastoid, often with skull base or intracranial extension. Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy was the standard treatment approach. CONCLUSION: Temporal bone rhabdomyosarcoma in children should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent otologic symptoms, particularly when associated with facial nerve palsy or a poor response to standard therapy. Early imaging and biopsy are essential for early diagnosis and improved outcomes.
Van der Biest F, Denys S, Stroobants K
… +4 more, Desloovere C, Mes S, Verhaert N, Loos E
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41946030
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BACKGROUND: Since vestibular hypofunction (VH) in children can affect motor and cognitive development, standardized vestibular screening is recommended for high-risk children. However, clinical evidence on screening outc...BACKGROUND: Since vestibular hypofunction (VH) in children can affect motor and cognitive development, standardized vestibular screening is recommended for high-risk children. However, clinical evidence on screening outcomes remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate eight years of vestibular screening results and to investigate variations across different underlying conditions. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed, including 229 children (aged 0-18 years) who underwent vestibular screening between 2017 and 2024. Screening indications included congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of various etiologies and audiovestibular syndromes. VH was defined as at least one abnormal vestibular test. RESULTS: VH was identified in 20.9% of screened patients. Children with hearing loss showed a higher prevalence of hypofunction (26.8%) than those without hearing loss (11.1%). The highest rates of abnormal vestibular tests were observed in children with a history of meningitis with SNHL (75.0%), followed by audiovestibular syndromes (52.2%), inner ear malformations without genetic cause (29.2%), cCMV (18.6%), and SNHL of unknown etiology (13.0%). No abnormalities were detected in children with genetic non-syndromic SNHL. Severity of hearing loss predicted vestibular hypofunction, with the highest risk in children with severe and profound hearing loss (Odds ratio: 1.348). Discordant results between cVEMP and vHIT were observed in 48.4% of children, with 80.0% showing an isolated VOR dysfunction. CONCLUSION: This study provides a comprehensive overview of vestibular screening outcomes in a clinical setting. The findings highlight the importance of vestibular screening in high-risk children and identify specific subgroups requiring further targeted research to optimize screening protocols.
Celik S, Erdogan MB, Buyukasik A
… +3 more, Ertugrul O, Yilmaz U, Kalcioglu MT
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol
· 2026 May · PMID 41936177
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OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, causes of readmission, postoperative complications, and auditory outcomes of pediatric patients in whom otitis media with effusion (OME) was detected...OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, causes of readmission, postoperative complications, and auditory outcomes of pediatric patients in whom otitis media with effusion (OME) was detected during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed medical records and audiological follow-up data of 461 ears from 243 patients who underwent CI surgery. Postoperative complications were analyzed in the entire cohort. For audiological outcome analysis, 25 ears with intraoperatively detected OME were compared with 25 randomly selected ears without OME and with similar clinical characteristics to ensure balanced group sizes and reduce potential confounding. Appropriate parametric tests were applied, and effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d and Cramér's V. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the OME and control groups regarding age or gender distribution (p > 0.05). Pure-tone average and most audiological parameters did not differ significantly between groups. However, the Speech Recognition Threshold (SRT) was significantly lower in the OME group compared with the control group (p = 0.012, d = -0.741). Postoperative infection occurred more frequently in ears with OME than in those without (12.0% vs. 2.5%), and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Although the presence of OME during CI surgery is associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection, the clinical effect size is limited. OME does not appear to adversely affect overall auditory performance. With appropriate perioperative management and follow-up, OME should not be considered an absolute contraindication for cochlear implantation in pediatric patients.