Variations in tympanograms in children attending group-care during a one-year period.

During a 1-year period, 151 children, 1/2-6 years old, attending group care, were followed by monthly tympanometry in order to describe spontaneous variations in the tympanograms in relation to age and time of the year. Furthermore, the number of spontaneous variations during the year was assessed. Significantly more flat curves were seen in children 1/2-1 year old than in the older age groups, indicating a high frequency of spontaneous remission about the age of 2 years. In all age groups more normal tympanograms were seen during late summer than during the rest of the year. Spontaneous variations in the tympanograms were taking place 2.9 times (mean) during the period of observation. Correlation was found between the presence of catarrh and flat curves. Furthermore, in children greater than or equal to 3 years old, a correlation between case history signs of enlarged adenoids and flat curves lasting for 3 months or more was found. It was concluded that persistence of flat curves in children 1/2-1 (2) years old usually requires no treatment, as spontaneous remission can be expected, whereas persistence of flat curves for greater than or equal to 3 months in children greater than or equal to (2) 3 years old indicates that treatment (adenoidectomy) should be performed.