Pure tone hearing profiles in children with otitis media with effusion.

OME in children is associated with pure tone hearing thresholds ranging from normal to moderate hearing loss. The hierarchical clustering algorithm proved useful as a novel means of profiling hearing loss in children with OME and may assist in identifying affected children at greater risk of auditory disadvantage. Implications for rehabilitation A hierarchical cluster analysis method can be used to determine audiometric profiles in children with OME. This algorithm assists to identify children at greater risk of auditory disadvantage. Cluster groups with more elevated pure tone thresholds may be targeted for priority in clinical surveillance and medical/surgical intervention.