A cohort study of point prevalence of eardrum pathology in children and teenagers from age 5 to age 16.

The aim of this prospective study was to estimate the prevalence of different types of eardrum pathology in a cohort of children and teenagers up to the age of 16. Among this initial group of 373 subjects, repetitive screening trials including otomicroscopy and tympanometry were performed from age 5 to 16 years. All clinical pathology of Shrapnell's membrane and the pars tensa was recorded systematically. At age 5 years, pathology of the eardrum was found in 19% of ears examined. At succeeding follow-ups until the age of 16 years, the prevalence of eardrum pathology increased to 33%. The tympanometric profile improved significantly from 49% of children with negative middle ear pressure at age 5 years to 4% at age 16 years. The patency of the eustachian tube was estimated in the group with eardrum pathology and compared to the group with no eardrum pathology. Our findings show that, despite improvement of middle ear ventilation through childhood, the prevalence of pathological changes of the eardrum seems to increase. The reason for this increase is discussed.