Auditory ossicle alterations associated with Chronic Otitis Media (COM) provide a proxy for reconstructing middle ear health in osteoarchaeological remains. Although the aetiology of COM is well understood, interpreting ossicular changes is difficult because these bones remodel minimally during life; consequently, pathological modifications persist regardless of whether disease was active or healed. This study analysed auditory ossicles from 96 individuals, comprising 38 preadults and 57 adults, from pre-Roman Pontecagnano and Casella (Campania, Italy; 8th-4th century BCE) to assess COM-related bone changes and their interpretive value. Stereomicroscopic observation of lesions, including pitting, erosion and bone resorption, revealed an overall COM prevalence of 38.5%. Similar frequencies were observed in preadults (42.1%) and adults (36.8%), while males (46.4%; 13/28) showed higher rates than females (25.9%; 7/27), without statistically significant differences. These moderate frequencies suggest community-wide exposure to pathogens, potentially exacerbated by environmental stressors such as humidity, allergens, and particulate matter. Preadult patterns align with clinical expectations, reflecting increased anatomical susceptibility to middle ear infection, whereas adult interpretation is more complex. Given the limited reparative capacity of auditory ossicles, lesions in adults may represent either active disease or past, possibly recurrent infections. Accordingly, ossicular changes should be considered indicators of overall infection burden and evaluated within a life-course framework rather than simple age-based comparisons. Limited recovery and preservation highlight the need for larger comparative studies. Future research should integrate large sample sizes, refined diagnostic criteria, and environmental data to clarify temporal patterns, recurrence, and the broader health implications of COM in past human groups.
Tracing life-course patterns of Chronic Otitis Media through auditory ossicles alterations in pre-Roman Italy
Giulia Riccomi;Valentina Giuffra
2026-01-01
Abstract
Auditory ossicle alterations associated with Chronic Otitis Media (COM) provide a proxy for reconstructing middle ear health in osteoarchaeological remains. Although the aetiology of COM is well understood, interpreting ossicular changes is difficult because these bones remodel minimally during life; consequently, pathological modifications persist regardless of whether disease was active or healed. This study analysed auditory ossicles from 96 individuals, comprising 38 preadults and 57 adults, from pre-Roman Pontecagnano and Casella (Campania, Italy; 8th-4th century BCE) to assess COM-related bone changes and their interpretive value. Stereomicroscopic observation of lesions, including pitting, erosion and bone resorption, revealed an overall COM prevalence of 38.5%. Similar frequencies were observed in preadults (42.1%) and adults (36.8%), while males (46.4%; 13/28) showed higher rates than females (25.9%; 7/27), without statistically significant differences. These moderate frequencies suggest community-wide exposure to pathogens, potentially exacerbated by environmental stressors such as humidity, allergens, and particulate matter. Preadult patterns align with clinical expectations, reflecting increased anatomical susceptibility to middle ear infection, whereas adult interpretation is more complex. Given the limited reparative capacity of auditory ossicles, lesions in adults may represent either active disease or past, possibly recurrent infections. Accordingly, ossicular changes should be considered indicators of overall infection burden and evaluated within a life-course framework rather than simple age-based comparisons. Limited recovery and preservation highlight the need for larger comparative studies. Future research should integrate large sample sizes, refined diagnostic criteria, and environmental data to clarify temporal patterns, recurrence, and the broader health implications of COM in past human groups.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
