Understanding the long-term effects of ear fluid on children's hearing and development

Hearing Loss, Prognosis, and Long-Term Impact of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children

NIH-funded research Father Flanagan's Boys' Home · NIH-10898262

This study looks at how fluid in the ears, which is common in kids, can affect their hearing and development over time, helping us understand which children might need extra support with their speech and language skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFather Flanagan's Boys' Home NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boys Town, United States)
Project IDNIH-10898262 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how otitis media with effusion (OME), a common condition in children, affects hearing and long-term development. It aims to determine the relationship between the degree of hearing loss caused by OME and potential long-term deficits in speech, language, and auditory processing. By assessing the hearing status of children with OME, the study seeks to identify which children are at greater risk for these long-term effects. The approach includes evaluating the variability in hearing loss and its impact on developmental outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with otitis media with effusion.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have otitis media with effusion or those with other unrelated hearing conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better treatment strategies for children with OME, potentially improving their long-term speech and language development.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown variable outcomes regarding the long-term effects of OME, indicating that this area is still under investigation and may yield novel insights.

Where this research is happening

Boys Town, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.