Otitis Media with Effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What would the patient describe with otitis media with effusion?
A
often asymptomatic sometimes mild ear pain fullness or popping intermittently feeling like talking in a barrel muffled hearing imbalance/dizziness
2
Q
What is seen on physical exam
A
decreased TM mobility dull TM, can bulge or be opaque no landmarks or distorted/fuzzy air fluid level and bubbles retracted TM
3
Q
What would you be concerned about in older patient, smoker with 3-4 months of unilateral otitis media with effusion?
A
nasopharyngeal carcinoma and requires specialty referral.
4
Q
How is the diagnosis of Otitis Media with effusion made?
A
It is made when there is evidence of middle ear effusion without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection.
5
Q
What are the risk factors for hearing loss caused by otitis media with effusion
A
- bilateral otitis media with effusion over 4 months
If 2 or more of the following are present:
*OME present for longer than 8 weeks
*speech development slower than peers
*speech less clear than previously
*child decreases amount of talking
*child less responsive to name and other familiar objects
*child says “huh” or “what” frequently
*child sits close to tv or wants volume louder
*child is hyperactive or overly inattentive
6
Q
When is language and hearing testing recommended?
A
- if OME lasts for 3 months or longer
- or at any point language is delayed
- learning problems
- or significant hearing loss is suspected.
7
Q
What percentage of OME will resolve in 3 months?
A
75%
children considered not at risk should be watched for 3 months from the onset of effusion or diagnosis.
