Cochrane Systematic Review: Identification of children in the first four years of life for early treatment for otitis media with effusion

Cochrane Systematic Review: Identification of children in the first four years of life for early treatment for otitis media with effusion

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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this review was to assess evidence from randomised controlled trials about the effect, on language and behavioural outcomes, of screening and treating children with clinically important OME in the first four years of their life. The focus was on the first four years of life because this is the time of most rapid language development. The consequences of hearing loss are likely to be most serious during this time. In addition, children of this age are least likely to be able to report or seek help for impaired hearing, particularly if these problems have a slow onset and are subtle.