We have examined secretory otitis media of children since the autumn of 1976. A computer system has been utilized for data analysis because of increased quantity of data. Investigations were performed twice a year, in spring and in autumn. Until the end of 1980, the data obtained from 204 seven years old, children, 212 eight years olds, and 181 ten years olds have been recorded in the computer system. Two programs for selection of groups and individual histories have been designed. The data at each examination were stored in the files of the computer system, and kept separately for two programs. It is also possible to access the data according to several different parameters. Five examples of the search programs are shown in this paper. Periodic collection of data in screening investigations and periodic input of them in the computer system is particularly useful in analyzing patients' history.
