Outcomes for Paediatric Patients Awaiting Bilateral Myringotomy and Ventilation Tube Insertion for Otitis Media with Effusion Listed Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT

Aim: The decline in the incidence of otitis media with effusion (OME) during the COVID-19 pandemic has become apparent. This review investigates the outcomes for children with OME awaiting bilateral myringotomy and ventilation tube (BMT) who were referred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: All patients were reviewed in otolaryngology clinics between 1st February and 30th April 2021. Patients included were referred due to hearing, vestibular or developmental disorders prior to the first COVID-19 lockdown on 23rd March 2020. Analysis of routine consultation and audiological assessment was completed from records. Results: There were a total of 48 patients awaiting BMT. The average age was 6.8 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.381. Most initial referrals (54.2%) were due to hearing loss, followed by recurrent ear infections (33.3%). Forty-four patients were diagnosed with OME. Of those, only 9% remained awaiting BMT. All others were removed from the waiting list. One patient remained listed for an adenotonsillectomy, 30 were discharged, and nine required follow-up appointments. Conclusion: Our review demonstrates a significant reduction of BMT for OME following COVID-19. Further research on public health measures and changes in clinical practice during the 2020 lockdown would clarify the impact on OME.