otitis media with effusion Flashcards
what is otitis media with effusion ?
middle ear is filled with fluid instead of air but with no signs of infection
what are the different names denoting otitis media with effusion ?
secretory otitis media
glue ear
what are the most common age groups associated with otitis media with effusion ?
age 2
age 5
bimodal distribution
what is the most likely prognosis of OME ?
will resolve spontaneously within 3 months without treatment
what is the cause of OME ?
mainly due to eustachian tube dysfunction:
in infants: adenoids, cleft palate
in adults - especially if unilateral, hugh suspicion of nasopharyngeal tumors
what is the relation between cleft palate and OME ?
due to poor formation of tensor veli palatine , which would normally be used to open the eustachian tube
what are the symptoms of OME ?
asymptomatic
parents may bring in child complaining of prolonged hearing loss
in older patients- pressure sensation
popping/clicking sounds
what are the signs of OME ?
poor speech and language development
on otoscopy thee TM will appear dull and may show bubbles beneath the surface of the TM
what aree the investigations that can be done for OMEE ?
pure tone audiogram
typmpanometry
nasopharyngoscopy in adults
X-ray in children to check fro adenoids
why is it important to perform a nasophayngoscopy in adults with OME ?
to exclude the presence of any nasopharyngeal carcinomas
what type pf curve would be present in a tympanometry ?
flatt curve type B
due to the reduced compliance of the TM
what is the treatment for OME ?
watch and wait as 50% of cases resolve within three months
if not
adenoidectomy
myringotomy and ventilation tube insertion (grommet tube)
what is the most common cause of OME in children ?
Adenoids
what does the pure tone audiogram show in cases of OME ?
conductive hearing loss
