Treatment:

Unless there are also signs of an infection, most health care providers will not treat OME at first. Instead, they will recheck the problem in 2 - 3 months.

Some children who have had repeat ear infections may receive a smaller, daily dose of antibiotics to prevent new infections.

Certain changes may help clear up the fluid behind the eardrum:

• Avoiding cigarette smoke
• Encouraging breastfeeding for infants
• Treating allergies by staying away from triggers (such as dust). Older children may be given allergy medications.

Most often the fluid will clear on its own. You doctor may suggest waiting and watching to see if the condition worsens.

If the fluid is still present after 6 weeks, treatment might include:

• Further observation
• A hearing test
• A single trial of antibiotics (if not given earlier)

If the fluid is still present at 8 - 12 weeks, antibiotics may be tried, although they are not always helpful.

At some point, the child's hearing should be tested.

If there is significant hearing loss (> 20 decibels), antibiotics or ear tubes might be appropriate.

If the fluid is still present after 4 - 6 months, tubes are probably needed, even if there is no significant hearing loss.

Sometimes the adenoids must be removed to restore proper functioning of the Eustachian tube.

Expectations (prognosis):

Otitis media with effusion usually goes away on its own over a few weeks or months. Treatment may speed up this process. Glue ear may not clear as quickly as OME with a thinner effusion.

OME is usually not life threatening. Most children do not have long-term damage to their hearing or speaking ability, even when the fluid remains for many months.

Complications:

• Acute ear infection
• Cyst in the middle ear
• Permanent damage to the ear with partial or complete hearing loss
• Scarring of the eardrum (tympanosclerosis)
• Speech or language delay (rare)

Note: Permanent hearing loss is rare, but the risk increases the more ear infections a child has.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if:

• You suspect you or your child might have otitis media with effusion. Continue to monitor the condition until the fluid has disappeared.
• New symptoms develop during or after treatment for this disorder.