Prevalence of Middle Ear Dysfunction in Children With Cleft Palate in Lagos, Nigeria

This study investigates the prevalence of middle ear dysfunction in children with cleft palate compared to a non-cleft control group. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 45 children with cleft palate and 45 age-matched controls without cleft palate. Tympanometric assessments were performed to evaluate middle ear function. The findings revealed a significantly higher prevalence of middle ear dysfunction in the cleft palate group (73.3%) compared to the control group (26.7%). Type B tympanograms, indicative of middle ear effusion, were predominant in the cleft palate group (64.4%). The prevalence of middle ear dysfunction 3 months pre and post operatively was 63.8%, thus cleft participant did not show any remarkable improvement in their middle ear function 3 months after palatoplasty [p value =1.0]. The study underscores the importance of regular otologic evaluations and timely interventions to prevent hearing loss and support speech and language development in children with cleft palate.