Referral for surgical management of children with otitis media with effusion (OME)
| Date published: | February 2008 |
| State: | Published |
Otitis media with effusion or ‘glue ear’ is defined as a middle ear effusion without any sign of inflammation or infection. It is common in preschool children, and 10 to 30% of children younger than 3 years will suffer from OME at any one time.
The main symptom associated with OME is usually transienthearing loss, but not all children with this condition will be perceived to have hearing impairment by their parents/carers. Most cases of OME will resolve spontaneously.
OME in children can be managed medically or surgically. Medical management may include active observation (watchful waiting), hearing aids, nasal decongestants, nasal steroids, antihistamine and antibiotics. Surgical management involves myringotomy with or without the insertion of ventilation tubes (grommets), and adenoidectomy if indicated.
Groups that will be covered
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a) Children younger than 12 years with a suspected diagnosis of OME and suspected hearing loss including:
- Children with all types of cleft palate
- Children with Down’s syndrome
For general enquiries, please contact us at enquiries@ncc-wch.org.uk.
Updated 27 Feb 2008