Otitis Media

Definition: Otitis Media is the inflammation or infection of the middle ear. This can be caused from a cold, sore throat, or other respiratory problems that spread to the ear. These can be either a bacterial or viral infection. The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear cavity to the outside and acts as a pressure equalizer. They also drain any fluid and mucus out of the middle ear cavity. When the infection moves to the Eustachian tubes, they become inflamed and the fluid and mucus becomes trapped. The four most common causes are allergy, infection, blockage of Eustachian tubes, and nutritional deficiency. There are two types of otitis media; acute and chronic. Acute usually occurs suddenly and only lasts for a short while. Chronic otitis media is a persistent infection and lasts for a minimum of a month. Children are at a higher risk of getting otitis media because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal. At least two-thirds of all children experience at least one infection before the age of two. Because it occurs usually in younger children, it may be hard to recognize symptoms. These may include loss of hearing, loss of balance, pulling at ears, fever, or fluid drainage. To treat otitis media, there are several options. The most common is to treat the infection with antibiotics. If the infections occur over and over, tubes may be placed in the Eustachian tubes to keep them open. If the conditions worsen, surgery may become an option. These may include myringotomy, adenoidectomy, or tonsillectomy.

Implications: Because most cases of otitis media are temporary and not too severe, most teaching techniques may not need any change. However, if there is a case of chronic, there are several things I would do. First off, I would have a meeting with the child and his/her parent(s). I would speak to them about how they communicate and such. If the child knew or wanted to learn sign language, I would help him/her and learn it myself. I would also concentrate on speaking slower so that if they could read lips, it would make it easier. The next step would be to get an IEP. This student may need extra help including some of the following technologies or certain people. I would use many different visual aids. This would not only help them understand, but I believe it would be helpful for the entire class.

Specific Technology:

Hearing Aids: May be needed for individuals that can hear somewhat but needs it to be louder

Cochlear Implants: This device is surgically placed under the skin behind the ear to stimulate the auditory nerve.

TDD: (telecommunication device for the deaf) This could be used on a telephone line for people to use text to communicate over the telephone.

Telephone Ring Signalers: This device plugs into your phone directly and causes a lamp to flash when your phone rings.

Door Signalers: This unit requires wiring, but also flashes a lamp when someone rings your doorbell.

Annotated Bibliography:

The Health Central Network. (2009). Health Encyclopedia- Diseases and Conditions. Otitis Media. Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/611/main.html.

This online encyclopedia provided detailed information about the causes of otitis media. It also gave explanations of the different treatments including surgery options. The website had basic information also.

NIDCD Information Clearinghouse. (2008). National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Otitis Media. Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/otitism.asp.

This institute also provided basic information on otitis media. It was a very helpful collection including prevention, treatment, research, and such. The section on symptoms deemed to be very informative.

Perlstein, D. (2009). Medicine Net. Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection or Inflammation). Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://www.medicinenet.com/otitis_media/article.htm.

This author included many visual aids to enhance this article. The information on different types of otitis media was in-depth. It also had information about the treatment, causes, and risk factors.

Potomac Technology, Inc. (2009). Potomac Technology. Assistive Devices. Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://www.potomactech.com/browse/assistive-devices.phtml.

This corporation provided a list and a brief description of some of the assistive devices for the deaf or hard of hearing. This company was actually a place where devices such as these could be purchased.

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. (2009). Wikipedia. Telecommunications Device for the Deaf. Retrieved March 25, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_device_for_the_deaf.

This online encyclopedia had useful information about TDDs. It described what they are, how they are used, and why they are useful. It also had pictures, history, and etiquette for using a TDD.