Otitis media with Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is the lay term for otitis media with effusion?
A
Glue ear
2
Q
What are risk factors for OME?
A
Cleft palate
Down’s syndrome
Primary ciliary dyskinesia
Allergic rhinitis
Environmental -
- Acute otitis media, household smoking, sibling history, frequent upper resp tract infections, bottle feeding
3
Q
What are complications of OME?
A
- Conductive hearing loss
- Educational, developmental, behavioural, social difficulties
- Chronic damage to tympanic membrane
4
Q
What are symptoms of OME?
A
- Hearing loss aka mishearing, listening to tv on high
- Ear fullness or popping
- Aural discharge (urgent referral)
- Recurrent ear infections
5
Q
What will otoscopy show in OME?
A
- Could look normal
- No signs of inflammation or discharge on examination commonly
- Effusion in middle ear
6
Q
What investigations could be undertaken?
A
Tympanometry - assesses ability of eardrum to react to sound to improve accuracy of diagnosis
Audiometry
7
Q
What is the management for OME?
A
- Active observation for 6-12 weeks is appropriate for most as spontaneous resolution is common (at least 2 audiometrys)
- Refer to ENT if no resolution
- If Down’s syndrome/cleft palate, refer immediately
8
Q
What are the non surgical treatment options for OME?
A
- Active observation
- Hearing aids (bilateral)
- Autoinflation
9
Q
What are the surgical options for OME?
A
- Myringotomy and insertion of grommets, improves hearing
