Retrospective review of grommet insertions for otitis media with effusion in children in Singapore

Otitis media with effusion is one of the most common childhood infections, and grommet insertions are done for chronic otitis media which have failed medical therapy. The aims of this study were 1) to determine the patient profile of children needing grommet insertion and 2) to determine if grommet insertion is safe and effective. A retrospective review of 105 children with myringotomy and grommet insertions for chronic otitis media with effusion between 2006 and 2008 was performed. Seventy two percent of patients were younger than 6 years old. Male to female ratio was 4:3. Twelve percent of patients were syndromic. In children with otitis media with effusion, hearing and academic performance improved after grommet insertion. Allergic rhinitis and cleft palate are risk factors for chronic middle ear effusion.