The influence of chronic persistent otitis media with effusion on language development of 2- to 4-year-olds.

Literature is not conclusive about the effect of otitis media with effusion (OME) on language development in children. As part of a large epidemiological study on OME in preschool children, language development was measured in 52 children with known history of bilateral OME and in 13 children without OME. The test Reynell Developmental language scales-revised (RDLS-r) was performed by one speech therapist under standard conditions. Verbal comprehension scores were not or only slightly reduced in OME children. Expressive language, however, was significantly lower than the standard with the effect being larger when the OME had lasted for a longer period. This is one of the first prospective studies that confirms the hypothesis of an effect of persistent bilateral middle ear effusion on language development.