Risk factors for the development of paediatric chronic middle ear pathology
A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Chief Investigator
Philip Clamp
Institution
University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Dates
Jul-2016 to Jul-2017
Funding Stream
Above and Beyond Autumn 2015
Amount
£13,691
Summary
Chronic ear disease (chronic otitis media (COM)) is a leading
cause of acquired hearing loss in children and adults. COM has a
number of forms, typified by changes in the shape and function of
the ear-drum. Suppurative forms of COM result in progressive
hearing loss and chronic ear discharge. COM can lead to meningitis,
intracranial abscesses and life threatening infection. It remains
unclear why people develop COM and this has been the source of
research and speculation for many years. The Avon Longitudinal
Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospectively photographed
the ear-drums of over 7000 children at the age of 9. Over 10% of
these children were noted to have some evidence of COM in the
photographs. ALSPAC has a wealth of information about the child and
family's early life. This study will examine potential risk factors
that may be associated with ear-drum changes such as the child's
early health, hearing history, and a range of socioeconomic and
environmental factors. This would constitute the world's most in
depth cohort study of the risk factors associated with COM. The
ultimate aim is to inform the debate on how and why chronic ear
disease develops in some children, in order to; (a) reduce the risk
of COM developing; (b) guide treatment for early stages of COM.
