Otitis media with effusion

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Ear anatomy

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

OME; Secretory otitis media; Serous otitis media; Silent otitis media; Silent ear infection; Glue ear

The hallmark of OME is the lack of obvious symptoms in those who most commonly have the condition. Older children and adults often complain of muffled hearing or a sense of fullness in the ear. Younger children may turn up the television volume. Most often OME is diagnosed when someone examines the ear for another reason, such as a well-child physical.

A direct inspection of the ear with an otoscope may show dullness, air bubbles, or fluid behind the eardrum. Pneumatic otoscopy reveals a decrease in the normal mobility of the eardrum. An ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) might use otomicroscopy for improved visualization.

A tympanometer is a more accurate tool for diagnosing OME. A soft rubber probe is placed in the ear with an airtight seal. Reflected sound from the eardrum is measured as the machine varies the pressure in the ear canal, altering the stiffness of the eardrum. The results of the test suggest the amount and thickness of the fluid present.

An acoustic otoscope or reflectometer is a more portable device that does not require an airtight seal. It accurately detects the presence of fluid in the middle ear.

An audiometer or some other type of formal hearing test may be important to help decide what treatment is warranted.

Review Date: 05/10/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP, Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.