Spontaneous Improvement of Secretory Otitis:A Long-term Study

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Abstract
Six repetitive tympanometric screenings were performed on 1842-year-old. otherwise healthy children (368 ears) between November 1977 and February 1980. Between each examination half of the ears changed tympanogram type: during summer and spring more ears improved than deteriorated and during winter and autumn the reverse took place. Type B representing flat curve without impedance minimum improved at each examination in more than half of the ears. but a large number of new ears received a type B tympanogram. In all. 39% of all ears had type B at one examination at least. 7% had type B at two examinations. 4% at three. 4% at four. and 2% at five examinations: only one ear (0.3%) had a type B tympanogram at all six examinations. The investigation revealed a very high total frequency and spontaneous improvement of secretory otitis. In this period of 2 1/2 years. 70% of ears had types B or C2 at one examination at least. On account of the pronounced spontaneous improvement, the results of any method of treatment—when the indications are wide—will be good. although even studies on controlled materials. comparing two methods of treatment, are encumbered with considerable uncertainties.

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