Implications of Different School Systems or Seasons on Tympanometry Results for School-age Children in Jordan

Background and Objectives: This study aims at investigating different school systems (public schools, private schools, and United Nations Relief and Works Agency “UNRWA” schools) and whether different seasons can affect outer/middle ear function in school-age children in Jordan. Patients and Methods: Otoscopic examination and tympanometry were performed to test outer and middle ear functions for 1578 children (938 boys, 640 girls) with a mean age of 8 years from different school systems; public schools, private schools, and UNRWA Schools. Children were either tested during autumn, winter, or spring. Differences in outer/middle ear function across children studying in different school systems and in different seasons were investigated. Results: From a total of 1578 children, 429 (27%) were found to have abnormal outer/middle ear function according to the tympanometry test results. The percentage of children with abnormal outer/middle function in public schools (38.1%) was significantly higher than that in UNRWA (23.3%) and private schools (22%). The Percentages of children with abnormal outer/middle function in Spring (29.05%) and in Autumn (28.87%) were significantly higher than that in Winter (19.07%) p=0.001. Conclusion: The relatively high percentage of abnormal outer/middle ear function among school-age children in Jordan; specially in the public schools, might negatively impact their performance at school, if the cause is left untreated. Regular screening, including tympanometry for school-age children, is essential to ensure children continue their school life without sustaining disabilities caused by outer and middle ear disorders.