Symptoms:

OME often does not have obvious symptoms.

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.

Signs and tests:

Most often OME is diagnosed when the health care provider examines the ear for another reason, such as at a well-child physical.

A general ear examination may show:

• Air bubbles
• Dullness
• Fluid behind the eardrum
• Reduced movement of the eardrum

A test called tympanometry is a more accurate tool for diagnosing OME. The results of the test can help tell the amount and thickness of the fluid.

An acoustic otoscope or reflectometer is a more portable device that accurately detects the presence of fluid in the middle ear.

An audiometer or some other type of formal hearing test may help the health care provider decide what treatment is needed.