A large-scale mouse-mutagenesis program in Harwell, UK, recently turned up two new models for the most common form of childhood deafness. Otitis media (OM), as the name implies, is an inflammation of the middle ear. Although believed to be triggered by infection, studies of twins indicate a complex genetic predisposition.1 Children who have malformed eustachian tubes--those with cleft palate or Down syndrome, for instance--seem to be particularly vulnerable.
When OM is accompanied by the buildup of fluid, it is called OM with effusion, or "glue ear," and most children will experience at least one episode of this in their lives. The condition presents as partial deafness, and affected children cannot hear human speech, which can result in impaired social development. Surgery, which is recommended for the worst cases, involves drilling a tiny hole in the eardrum to allow the fluid to escape. As with all surgeries, however, the procedure carries ...
