OBJECTIVETo discuss the diagnosis of middle ear abnormality in infants and young children.

METHODSTo analyze retrospectively the data of audiology (including ABR, tympanometry) and CT scanning in 31 infants and young children who presented middle ear abnormality.

RESULTSWave I latencies of ABR were delayed in 38 of 62 ears and not delayed in 15 ears, but CT scanning showed high density in 6 ears of these 15 ears. Wave I could not be elicited in 9 ears. Tympanometries were tested in 16 cases and were abnormal in 17 ears. CT scanning was carried out in 15 cases who's ABR and tympanometries showed abnormal. High signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in both ears of 12 cases and unilateral ear of 3 cases. Wave I latency of ABR was delayed and High signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in CT scanning of 13 ears. Wave I latency of ABR was normal, but high signal intensity was present in mastoids and middle ear cavities in CT scanning of 4 ears, there was no any ear which Wave I latency was delayed but CT scanning was normal. And disaccord among ABR, Tympanometry and CT scanning were showed. A typical case was reported.

CONCLUSIONSThe most abnormality of the middle ear could be found used the tympanometry and I latency of ABR in infant and young children, but still there were some abnormality of the middle ear could not be showed. Some quandaries were existed and more sensitivity tests were needed in the diagnosis of abnormality in middle ears of infant and young children.