Paukendrainagen, persistierender Paukenerguss und Sprachentwicklungsstörungen

Background: The insertion of tympanostomy ventilation tubes is one of the most common surgical procedures usually performed when an otitis media with effusion (OME) is accompanied by a conductive hearing loss which may endanger speech development. Material and Methods: A selective literature search was carried out using evidence-based recommendations with special consideration of currently published Danish and American guidelines. Results: An accurate assessment of any adverse effects of an OME-associated hearing loss on speech development appears almost unachievable, because hearing impairments can neither be accurately monitored nor compared with respect to their extent and duration in everyday clinical practice. Various research approaches are explained. Conclusion: The difficulties in planning and carrying out studies with a high level of evidence are reflected in the current guidelines. In these guidelines in general a watchful waiting approach is recommended. In children with speech development disorders or with risk factors for speech development disorders, however, the indications for paracentesis and insertion of tympanostomy tubes should be established more promptly.