[Cleft palate with problems of middle ears].

OBJECTIVE: To gain a clear idea of the function of middle ears and hearing loss in cleft palate.

METHODS: 59 cleft palate cases, including 117 ears are investigated by tympanogram and hearing threshold.

RESULTS: In 80.4% of patients the function of middle ears are abnormal. 59.4% ears are conductive hearing loss in various degrees.

CONCLUSION: Function of middle ears in cleft palate should be regularly examined as early as possible. If it is secretory otitis media, the tympanostomy pressure equalization tubes should be inserted to compensate inadequate function of the eustachian tube so as to avoid adhesive otitis media. The methods for the prevention and reduction of the middle ear problems with cleft palate are also suggested.