Prevalence of Otologic Problems Among Preschool Children on Ikaria through the Last Decade

Background and Aim: Ikaria is a rather small island (255 square km) in the middle of the Aegean Sea, with a small general hospital. The objective of this study is to estimate the change of the prevalence of otologic problems among preschool children on Ikaria through the last decade. Materials and Methods: All children that attended the kindergartens of Agios Kirikos—the capital of Ikaria—were examined several times over the past decade. The examination consisted of otoscopy with a portable otoscope with magnifying lens, tympanometry, physical volume test, and estimation of ipsilateral acoustic reflex thresholds. Results: The prevalence of otologic problems seen among the children at 5-year intervals was: autumn 1998, 66.66%; autumn 2003, 43.47%; autumn 2008, 36.58%. Statistical analysis with the chi-square test shows a statistically significant decrease of the prevalence of otologic problems at the 5% level ( P