Impact of early gastroesophageal reflux disease on childhood otologic outcomes

Recent evidence has suggested that children with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) face increased risk for otologic disease. This study aims to evaluate otologic outcomes in children with GERD using a large pediatric hearing database. Data pertaining to children with GERD in the first year of life were extracted from the Audiological and Genetic Database. Subgroups included children with uncomplicated GERD, complicated GERD (with esophagitis), and GERD requiring surgery (fundoplication or fundoplasty). Main outcome measures included hearing loss (HL) prevalence, type, severity, and progression. Children without GERD in the first year of life served as controls. 5747 children were diagnosed with GERD in the first year of life. Evidence of HL was present in 40.9% children with uncomplicated GERD, 63.1% in children with complicated GERD, 75% in children with GERD requiring surgical intervention, and 43.3% in controls (p