Otitis Media with Effusion in Young Children

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion is one of the most common problems of infancy and early childhood and is responsible for substantial morbidity and expense. Most children will have one or more episodes during early childhood, and a significant number will have repeated episodes. Conductive hearing loss is frequent with this condition but is usually transient. Otitis media with effusion and its related hearing loss have been associated with delayed language development, particularly if the disease is recurrent or of long duration, although available data are insufficient to establish a causal linkage. Because the prevalence, incidence, and management of otitis media with effusion vary with the age of the patient, the Panel focused on the age group at high risk of these long-term effects of otitis media with effusion: children age 1 through 3 years. To promote appropriate management of otitis media with effusion in young children, the Guideline presents recommendations based on extensive reviews of the relevant medical and health-related literature and on expert opinion and Panel consensus. Recommendations are given for diagnosis and hearing evaluation; control of environmental factors; and sequencing of management interventions, including observation, use of antibiotics or other medications, and the appropriateness and timing of surgery.