Assessment of Middle Ear Function in Patients with Cleft Palate Treated Under "Smile Train Project"

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the middle ear function in patients of cleft palate treated under "Smile Train Project". Materials and Methods: Sixty patients (120 ears; 32 male and 28 female) of cleft palate with or without cleft lip were evaluated in pediatrics and ENT OPD in preoperative period. A general medical check up was performed in pediatrics OPD to evaluate the associated craniofacial anomalies. Middle ear function was evaluated in ENT OPD. Otoscopy was done in all patients. Cases under five years of age were evaluated for middle ear function by tympanometry and cases with more than five years of age were evaluated by tympanometry for middle ear function and pure tone audiometry to establish the type of hearing loss. The results are presented as number of ears. Results: A total of 50% of the patients in the study group were in zero- to two-year age group. Otoscopy findings in 120 ears showed that 66.66% of the patients had dull tympanic membrane suggesting a diagnosis of otitis media with effusion. Tympanometry was done in 110 ears, of which, 72.72% of ears had type B tympanogram suggesting otitis media with effusion. Pure tone audiometry in more than five years age group showed that 81.25% ears had conductive hearing loss. Conclusion: This study suggests the need of preoperative ENT check up and audiological assessment in patients of cleft palate undergoing palatal surgery under "Smile Train Project". The association of otitis media with effusion in patients with cleft palate appears strong and a high degree of suspicion for the disease should be kept in them. The anatomical defect and possible causative pathophysiology also supports the inference. Otitis media with effusion causing hearing loss in these patients causes speech delay and unfavorable outcome despite aggressive speech therapy in postoperative period. A co-ordinate team approach of concerned specialists involved in managing these patients would definitely improve their outcome.