Otitis media with effusion

Question 1

What is another name for otitis media with effusion

Answer 1

Glue ear

Question 2

What is otitis media with effusion

Answer 2

The middle ear fills with fluid causing conductive hearing loss

Question 3

Cause of otitis media with effusion

Answer 3

Eustachian tube that normally drains middle ear secretions becomes blocked causing fluid build up in middle ear.

Question 4

Otitis media with effusion presentation

Answer 4

<6yrs with reduced hearing in affected ear. May have delayed language development/behavioural problems

Question 5

Why is otitis media with effusion more common in children

Answer 5

Eustachian tube is more horizontal in children so drainage is harder.

Question 6

Otitis media with effusion differentials

Answer 6

Acute otitis media, Otitis externa, Referred pain

Question 7

Otitis media with effusion investigation

Answer 7

Dull, retracted tympanic membrane with air bubbles or visible fluid level. May be normal

Question 8

Otitis media with effusion management

Answer 8

Audiometry to establish extent of hearing loss. Usually resolves within 3 months. May require grommets - tubes inserted into tympanic membrane to drain middle ear. Usually fall out within a year.