There is a paucity of information regarding the prevalence and natural history of OME. This makes reaching decisions regarding screening and management difficult. Two longitudinal studies are in progress. One involves the application of strict diagnostic criteria to evaluate OME and hearing in a small population of preschool children. The other follows newborn twins for 3 years to establish the influence of genetics and/or environment on the etiology of otitis media, but will also provide information on the incidence and natural history of the disease.
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