Learning Disabilities and Conductive Hearing Loss Involving Otitis Media

This article examines the relationship between mild conductive hearing loss associated with otitis media and auditory, language, and academic performance of children. The nature of conductive hearing loss in children is explained. A review or research studies focuses on the following topics: (1) prevalence of otitis media among learning disabled children, (2) effects of early-onset, persistent otitis media on auditory, language, and academic skills of children, and (3) effects of early onset, resolved otitis media on auditory, language, and academic skills of children. Suggestions are made for identifying children who may be at risk for developing psychoeducational sequelae. In addition, approaches to intervention with at-risk children and directions for future research are presented.