1. OME affected nearly 9 in 10 children with cleft palate.
2. Tympanostomy tube placement improved average hearing by 14 dB.
3. Most patients had conductive, not sensorineural, hearing loss.
4. Minor eardrum changes occurred but rarely affected hearing long-term.
5. Concurrent tube placement during cleft repair reduced middle ear issues.
6. Larger, prospective studies are needed to confirm results.

Source: Ear, Nose & Throat Journal