■ OBJECTIVES: OME is one of the most common cause of hearing impairment in childhood. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between OME and AR our population.

■ MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we examined 60 children, aged 4-10 years, which approached to our clinic because of suspected hearing impairment, in absence of otalgia. Each of them underwent audiological assessment: PTA, tympanometry, otoscopy. Allergy testing: Eosinofills in nasal smear, increased levels of serum IgE, and inhalation allergen testing. We excluded patients with enlarged adenoids and positive microbiological findings. At least two positive allergy tests were criteria for diagnosing AR.

■ RESULTS: Postitive allergy results were found in 34 of the patients (57%) with OME. Further treatment of the AR was also correlated with the hearing improvement and tympanometric curve normalization.

■ CONCLUSION: These results indicate that proper treatment of allergy rhinitis will reduce the possibility of persistent Eustachian tube obstruction, and consequently development of chronic otitis media with effusion.