The occurrence of secretory otitis media in allergic children.

One hundred and forty-four ears (72 patients), forming part of the computer controlled respiratory allergy group of the University of Turku, were analyzed with tympanometry and audiometry to diagnose secretory otitis media. Effusion was found in 3 ears (2 patients) and a pathological tympanogram in a total of 15 ears (10 patients). The incidence of secretory otitis media was 3% and of pathological tympanograms 14%. This study supports the opinion that immediate allergy is not an aetiological factor in secretory otitis media.