The Effects of the Early-Onset Otitis Media on Cognitive Skills in Children: A Systematic Review

           Background and Objectives: Some children are at risk of middle ear infections; however, the impact of the fluctuating hearing sensations on cognitive systems and immature central auditory is not fully recognized. Therefore, we reviewed and discussed the impact of early-otitis media on the cognitive skills of affected school-aged children. Methods: A computerized search of the databases was conducted between January 2000 and December 2020 using the following keywords, including "otitis media" and "cognition" or "attention" or "memory" or "working memory" or "short term memory". Results and Conclusion: The results of review 7 included studies show that some articles reported a relationship between otitis media with effusion (OME) and cognitive deficits in 5-year-old children and the other studies did not have a significant relationship. Hence, the relationship between early childhood otitis media with effusion (OME) and cognitive skills in school-age children is not yet definitive and needs more comprehensive and organized studies.