No abstract

SummaryBackground: Growing interest in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with otitis media has brought the need to study the currently available HRQoL instruments with respect to their results and their applicability in clinical practice and research of otitis media. Objective: To review existing literature on health-related quality of life research in children with otitis media with respect to: (1) the measured impact of otitis media on HRQoL; and (2) the applicability of HRQoL instruments used in research and clinical practice based on their characteristics and contents.

Recurrent AOM has a considerable negative impact on the quality of life of children and causes concern to their caregivers. These effects are proportional to the severity of the condition. Professionals involved in the care of children with OM should be aware that OM not only affects physical functioning but also general well-being of the child and its family. These outcomes should therefore be included in the evaluation of the child with otitis media both in the clinical and research setting.