Otitis Media With Effusion

Question 1

What is glue ear?

Answer 1

Chronic ear effusion lasting over 3 months, inadequate drainage of the fluid that accumulates as a result of the inflammation from otitis media.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for otitis media?

Answer 2

Male gender, Down’s syndrome, cleft palate winter, atopy, primary ciliary dyskinesia, parental smokers.

Question 3

What is this a presentation of?
Hearing impairment noticed by parents, poor speech, language delay, poor progress, inattention, poor behaviour, balance problems, conductive hearing loss.

Answer 3

Otitis media with effusion

Question 4

How is otitis media with effusion diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. Otoscopy shows loss of normal tympanic membrane translucency.
2. Membrane looks dull , yellow/grey and bulging/retracted.
3. Bubbles or a fluid level
4. Refer for formal assessment of hearing.

Question 5

What is the management for otitis media with effusion?

Answer 5

Usually mild, transient and resolve spontaneously.

1. Active observations for 3 months
2. If persistent than tympanostomy tube (grommet)
3. Infection - ear cleaning and topical antibiotics