Improved Hearing and Resolution of Otitis Media with Effusion Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation

Objective: The chiropractic care of a child with upper cervical vertebral subluxation, ear pain, and hearing loss after unsuccessful allopathic treatments for recurrent chronic otitis media with effusion is described. Clinical Features: A three year old girl had bilateral ear pain and hearing loss after three unsuccessful implantations of tympanostomy tubes and multiple medications. Intervention and Outcome: Contact-specific, high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments (i.e. Diversified Technique) were applied to the sites of vertebral subluxation. Cervical distraction exercises were also recommended as an adjunct to care. The patient reported an increase in hearing and the child’s mother reported the child had less ear pain, was less irritable, and had better speech after the initiation of chiropractic co-management. Medical audiology reports document speech and hearing improvements after the implementation of chiropractic care. Conclusion: The chiropractic care of a child with chronic recurrent otitis media, effusion, bilateral hearing loss and upper cervical subluxation is presented. Marked resolution of the patient’s chief complaint was observed and confirmed by a re-evaluation with her pediatrician and audiology tests. Reduction of an upper cervical vertebral subluxation of C1 aided the restoration of hearing and normal eustachian tube physiology Key Indexing Terms: child, otitis media, effusion, hearing loss, upper cervical subluxation, chiropractic J. Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health – March 25, 2009 1 Otitis Media tubes is the cause of further irritation to the ear and has been documented to be the cause of greater than 20 dB of hearing loss and other developmental disorders of speech and language development. 10-12 The cost-effectiveness of current allopathic treatments for otitis media is under scrutiny and the most beneficial treatments for the condition are still heavily debated. A need for a more cost-effective treatment option with decreased risk of side-effects is warranted. The objective of this case report is to examine a more conservative method of care for this condition through chiropractic management. Children are often seen by chiropractors for asthma, ear, nose and throat disorders, colic, allergies, enuresis and general preventative care. The chiropractic approach to OME may support a decrease risk of side-effects and help to lower health care costs to both the government and the public.