The 12 chapters of this book provide a synthesis of what is currently known about otitis media and its sequelae on aspects of child development. Chapters are grouped into four sections: definition, prevalence, and diagnosis; auditory, language, and learning sequelae; medical and surgical management; and international perspectives and future directions. Chapters include the following titles and authors: (1) "Definition and Epidemiology of Otitis Media" (Kathleen A. Daly); (2) "Diagnosis of Otitis Media" (Frederic W. Henderson and Jackson Roush); (3) "Hearing Loss among Children with Otitis Media with Effusion" (Judith S. Gravel and Robert J. Nozza); (4) "Effects of Otitis Media with Effusion on Auditory Perception" (Joseph W. Hall, III and others); (5) "Phonological Acquisition and Otitis Media: Speech Perception and Speech Production" (Richard G. Schwartz and others); (6) "Language and Otitis Media" (Joanne E. Roberts and Ina F. Wallace); (7) "Otitis Media and Its Impact on Cognitive, Academic, and Behavioral Outcomes: A Review and Interpretation of the Findings" (Ina F. Wallace and Stephen R. Hooper); (8) "Family-Professional Partnerships in Managing Otitis Media" (Pamela J. Winton and others); (9) "Medical Management of Otitis Media" (Frederick W. Henderson); (10) "Surgical Management of Otitis Media with Effusion" (Douglas H. Todd and Sylvan E. Stool); (11) "An International Perspective on Otitis Media with Effusion: Incidence, Prevalence, Management, and Policy Guidelines" (Richard Maw and Anthea Counsell); and (12) "Developmental Outcomes in Relation to Early-Life Otitis Media: Present and Future Directions in Research" (Jack L. Paradise). Appended is the clinical practice guideline jointly developed by the American Academies of Pediatrics, Family Physicians, and Otolaryngology. (Individual chapters contain references.) (DB)