Otitis media with effusion (OME) is one of the most common illnesses of early childhood, with a higher prevalence among many children with disabilities. Accompanying OME is typically a mild to moderate conductive hearing loss, which, when recurrent or persistent in early childhood, has been linked to late delays in the development of speech, language, and learning. This link has particular importance for children with disabilities who are already at risk for speech, language, and learning difficulties. This article describes the implications of OME for management of children with disabilities. The results of a survey of early childhood special educators on management of young children with OME and the role of the early childhood special educator in intervening with children with disabilities who have OME are discussed.
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