Otitis media in early childhood and cognitive, academic, and behavior outcomes at 12 years of age.

Examined the association between otitis media with effusion (OME) during the first 3 years of life and cognitive and academic performance and behavioral outcomes at 12 years of age in 56 socioeconomically disadvantaged children attending a research childcare program. OME history was prospectively documented from birth through 3 years during well and illness periods. Standardized tests of intelligence and academic achievement and measures of behavior were administered when children were 12 years of age. OME during early childhood was not related to intellectual performance, academic achievement, behavior, or attention. Results do not support a long-term relationship between a history of OME and later developmental outcomes. Generalizations of these findings to other populations should be done cautiously.