Epidemiology of otitis media in Chinese children.

From May to July 2001, 3013 Chinese children, aged 3-6 years old, from 19 kindergartens in Kaohsiung were examined for the prevalence of otitis media. A senior paediatric otolaryngologist performed examinations. Tympanometric and otoscopic records were combined for assessment of middle ear status. The prevalence rate of otitis media was 9.82% for all children, 5.24% for middle ear effusion and 5.34% for retracted tympanic membrane. The prevalence rates of otitis media in different age groups were as follows: 11.3% for 3-year-olds, 12.4% for 4-year-olds, 11.8% for 5-year-olds, and 6.1% for 6-year-olds. Considering the genetic factors and the previous history of otitis media, there was a significant difference between the normal group and the sick group.