There are different levels of severity of otitis media, and complications, particularly if not monitored and treated where necessary, can result in hearing loss. Some forms of otitis media are treatable either through antibiotics or surgery, but public health strategies focus on prevention, awareness and early identification for best results (Burns and Thomson 2013; DoHA 2015). Generally, the incidence of otitis peaks in two age groups: between 6 and 24 months (when many infants are weaned and exposed to environmental conditions); and at 4-5 years (when children start kindergarten) (Kong and Coates 2009; Burns and Thomson 2013). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under three years of age are at the highest risk of ear disease this is the most critical development period for speech — development, underpinning communication, learning, and social and emotional development (Aithal, Yonovitz and Aithal 2008; Brouwer et al. 2005; Couzos, Metcalf and Murray 2007; Williams and Jacobs 2009). Severe cases of otitis media can lead to ongoing medical complications that negatively affect a child’s early acquisition of language, intellectual development, social skills and educational attainment, and employment outcomes later in life. Hearing loss can have long term effects on overall wellbeing (AIHW 2014; WHO 2016). Factors identified as increasing the risk of ear health issues include: social disadvantage; limited access to primary health care and treatment (see section 8.1); nutritional problems (see section 8.5); crowded housing conditions (see section 10.1); inadequate access to water, functioning sewerage and waste removal systems (see section 10.3); and passive smoking (see section 8.4). Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of otitis media (Bowatte et al. 2015; Burns and Thomson 2013). Prevalence of hearing conditions in children Figure 6.7.1 Prevalence of hearing conditions in children aged 014 years, by age, 2001 to 2014-15a
There are different levels of severity of otitis media, and complications, particularly if not monitored and treated where necessary, can result in hearing loss. Some forms of otitis media are treatable either through antibiotics or surgery, but public health strategies focus on prevention, awareness and early identification for best results (Burns and Thomson 2013; DoHA 2015). Generally, the incidence of otitis peaks in two age groups: between 6 and 24 months (when many infants are weaned and exposed to environmental conditions); and at 4-5 years (when children start kindergarten) (Kong and Coates 2009; Burns and Thomson 2013). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under three years of age are at the highest risk of ear disease — this is the most critical development period for speech development, underpinning communication, learning, and social and emotional development (Aithal, Yonovitz and Aithal 2008; Brouwer et al. 2005; Couzos, Metcalf and Murray 2007; Williams and Jacobs 2009). Severe cases of otitis media can lead to ongoing medical complications that negatively affect a child’s early acquisition of language, intellectual development, social skills and educational attainment, and employment outcomes later in life. Hearing loss can have long term effects on overall wellbeing (AIHW 2014; WHO 2016). Factors identified as increasing the risk of ear health issues include: social disadvantage; limited access to primary health care and treatment (see section 8.1); nutritional problems (see section 8.5); crowded housing conditions (see section 10.1); inadequate access to water, functioning sewerage and waste removal systems (see section 10.3); and passive smoking (see section 8.4). Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of otitis media (Bowatte et al. 2015; Burns and Thomson 2013). Prevalence of hearing conditions in children Figure 6.7.1 Prevalence of hearing conditions in children aged 014 years, by age, 2001 to 2014-15a