Impact of Otitis Media With Effusion in Early Age on Auditory Processing Abilities in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Early-onset otitis media with effusion (OME) can affect the development of the auditory nervous system and thus lead to auditory processing abnormalities. This study aims to review the effect of childhood OME on auditory processing abilities in children. Methods: A systematic review of the literature, restricted to the English language from 1990 to 2022 was conducted using search engines like PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. After selecting the articles following predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, the data were extracted and meta-analysis was performed. Results: A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Children with a history of OME had poorer performance in most behavioral and electrophysiological tests. Pooled analysis of various tests such as the gap in noise test, frequency pattern test (verbal and nonverbal), and latencies of auditory brainstem response-I, V, I to III, and I to V showed a difference between the 2 groups. Conclusion: Childhood OME can significantly affect auditory processing abilities in children.