Otitis Media with Effusion

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME) can be defined as, “The presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection” (Pediatrics, 2004). It can be said that OME is an invisible disorder, as there are no immediate signs or symptoms of an acute ear infection such as ear pain, fever, or displeasure (Williamson, 2007). However, OME can have very significant consequences in the life of a child. Early identification and monitoring of OME can combat against possible speech and language delays, as well as protecting against further structural damage to the middle ear. From a diagnostic standpoint, OME must be differentiated from Acute Otitis Media (AOM), as the appropriate treatment will depend on if a child is suffering from OME versus AOM. Acute Otitis Media can be separated from OME by the following diagnostic criterion: acute signs and symptoms; existence of middle ear effusion; or signs and symptoms of inflammation of the middle-ear space (Pediatrics, 2004). These symptoms will not be seen in cases of OME.

In the United States alone, approximately 2.2 million individuals are diagnosed with OME annually, making it the most common form of Otitis Media. The peak age of incidence is typically between 6 months and 4 years of age, with roughly 90% of children suffering from OME before the age of 5 (Pediatrics, 2004). In children under 1 year, approximately more than 50% will experience OME. Most episodes of OME spontaneously recover within 3 months, yet between 30-40% of children will have recurrent OME. Of children with OME, only 5-10% will have episodes lasting longer than 1 year (Pediatrics, 2004).

There are a number of causes of Otitis Media with Effusion. The most prevalent cause is effusion following a...

... middle of paper ...

...ME can combat against possible hearing loss, speech and language delays, and can further protect against structural damage to the middle ear.

Works Cited

American Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Otitis Media With Effusion. (2004). Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media With Effusion. Pediatrics, 113(5), 1412-1429.

Boudewyns, A., Declau, F., Van den Ende, J., Van Kerschaver, E., Dirckx, S., Hofkens-Van den Brandt, A. & Van de Heyning, P. (2011). Otitis media with effusion: An underestimated cause of hearing loss in infants. Otology & Neurotology, 32, 799-804.

Robb, P.J. (2006). Childhood otitis media with effusion. Clinical Otolaryngology, 31(6), 535-537.

Williamson, I. (2007). Otitis media with effusion in children. Clinical Evidence, (8), 1-15.