Otitis media with effusion (OME), commonly known as glue ear, is a prevalent cause of hearing loss in children, affecting 1 in 5 preschoolers in the UK at any given time. This condition, characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear, can significantly impact speech and language development. In light of the recent study, "An evaluation of the Hear Glue Ear mobile application for children aged 2–8 years old with otitis media with effusion," we explore how practitioners can leverage the outcomes of this research to enhance their clinical practice.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved 60 children aged 2-8 years, both with and without OME, and assessed the usability and acceptability of the Hear Glue Ear app. The results were promising:
- Significant correlation between the app’s hearing test and clinic pure tone average (PTA) values (r22=-0.656, p=0.000251).
- 73.1% of caregivers supported their child using the app regularly.
- 85% of caregivers believed the app enabled them to provide more accurate reports to clinicians.
- 100% of children liked the app, and 93.3% found it easy to use.
- 77.8% of clinicians supported patients using the app regularly.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can integrate the Hear Glue Ear app into their clinical workflows to provide continuous support for children with OME. Here are some practical steps:
1. Encourage Regular Use
Recommend the app to parents and caregivers, emphasizing its role in monitoring hearing levels and supporting speech and language development. The study showed that 87% of families downloaded and used the app at home, indicating high acceptance.
2. Utilize Data for Informed Decisions
The app's game-based hearing test provides a valid estimate of fluctuating hearing levels. Clinicians can use this data to make more informed decisions about a child's treatment plan. The app’s analytics section allows for tracking hearing trends over time.
3. Support Parental Engagement
Engage parents in their child's hearing and language development by guiding them on how to use the app effectively. The study found that 85.7% of families felt the app provided useful strategies to help their child.
4. Enhance Speech and Language Therapy
The app includes features such as audiobooks, songs, and games designed to improve auditory processing and exposure to speech sounds. Speech therapists can upload personalized support videos, enhancing the therapy's effectiveness.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Hear Glue Ear app shows great promise, continued research is essential to optimize its features and assess long-term outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in further studies and share their findings to contribute to the collective knowledge base.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: An evaluation of the Hear Glue Ear mobile application for children aged 2–8 years old with otitis media with effusion.
