Otitis Media With Effusion

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Otitis Media With Effusion


glue ear

  • thick, sticky mucus accumulates in middle ear
  • splints eardrum and ossicles
  • leads to conductive deafness

Examination

  • increased desquamation leading to accumulation of wax
  • eardrum
    • dull
    • may be retracted
    • → loss of light reflex
    • dilated blood vessels running down handle of malleolus and radially
  • fluid behind eardrum
    • may be golden yellow
    • may contain bubbles
  • hearing usually only reduced by 20dB

Course

  • virtually all clear by 8-9 years old

Treatment

  • may need none
    • ensure sit near to front of class
  • if loss 30-50dB then grommets allow glue to dry
    • are allowed to swim

Complications

  • repeated grommets may lead to damaged eardrums and ossicles
  • discharges
    • treat with eardrops for 5 days
 

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