Middle ear problems in children with cleft palate: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Cleft lip and/or palate is the most common congenital craniofacial anomaly. Otitis media with effusion is almost universally present in young children with a cleft palate. OME results in a conductive hearing loss and -if persistent- often requires the placement of ventilation tubes or adjustment of hearing aids in selected cases.