Outcomes and Characteristics of Water Exposure in Children with Tympanostomy Tubes.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To investigate the association between specific types of water exposure and the incidence of tympanostomy tube otorrhea (TTO) in pediatric patients following tympanostomy tube placement (TTP).

Study designs

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Tertiary pediatric otolaryngology practice.

Methods

Caregivers of children who had undergone TTP at least 6 months prior were surveyed regarding their child's water exposure habits and episodes of otorrhea since surgery. Survey data were corroborated with medical chart review. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between exposure to "dirty" water (ocean, lake, or untreated pool water) versus "clean" water (chlorinated or salt-treated pool water) and the risk of recurrent TTO.

Results

SUBMITTER: Irace AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12860177 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature