The effect of adenoid hypertrophy on tympanometric findings in children without hearing loss

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the effects of adenoid hypertrophy on negative middle ear pressure and diagnostic efficiency of tympanogram in the detection of otitis media with effusion in children without parental suspicion of hearing loss. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-six children (26 boys, 30 girls; mean age 5.9±2.2 years; range, 3 to 12 years) who underwent adenoidectomy were analyzed using otoscopy, nasal endoscopy, and tympanometry (before 1 week and 3 months after adenoidectomy). RESULTS: The median negative middle ear pressure before the adenoidectomy was significantly higher from after adenoidectomy (p=0.045). Type B tympanogram were detected in 13 of the 112 ears preoperatively. About 17.9% (n=20) of the ears with otitis media with effusion were confirmed by myringotomy. CONCLUSION: Our study findings suggest that the adenoid hyperthrophy is associated with increased negative pressure in the middle ear. We believe that it is necessary to perform the middle ear examination and tympanometry in children before adenoidectomy and in children without parental suspicion of hearing loss, even.