Patient education: Otitis media with effusion (The Basics)

What is otitis media with effusion? — 

Otitis media with effusion, or "OME," is when a person has fluid in their ear without symptoms of an ear infection. The fluid builds up behind the eardrum (figure 1). It is common in children.

OME is also called "serous otitis media" or "glue ear." It usually gets better on its own, but it sometimes needs treatment.

What causes OME? — 

It can happen:

●After an ear infection

●In people who have problems with their Eustachian tubes – These are the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat (figure 2).

What are the symptoms of OME? — 

Many people have no symptoms. When symptoms do happen, they can include:

●Hearing loss

●A feeling of fullness in the ear

●Ringing in the ear

●Problems with balance

In children, if hearing loss lasts for more than a few months, it can sometimes lead to problems with speech and language. This is more likely in those who are already at risk for problems with language or learning. For example, children with certain disorders or disabilities are at higher risk.

Is there a test for OME? — 

A doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you have OME by doing an exam, asking about your symptoms, and looking in your ear.

The doctor or nurse might also do tests, such as:

●Hearing tests

●A test to check how well sound moves through your ear

How is OME treated? — 

OME often gets better on its own within a month or 2. Doctors usually recommend 1 of the following options, depending on the situation:

●"Watchful waiting" – This means waiting to see if OME goes away on its own. In children, the doctor might recommend watchful waiting if the child does not have severe hearing loss and is not at risk for speech, language, or learning problems. Watchful waiting involves getting exams and hearing tests every few months. The doctor will also check the child's speech and development at these visits.

●Surgery to put in ear tubes – These are tiny tubes that go in the eardrum to make an opening (figure 3). They let the fluid drain out of the middle ear. Doctors often recommend ear tubes for children who have severe hearing loss or are at risk for speech, language, or learning problems. They might also recommend ear tubes for adults if OME does not get better on its own.

The goals of treatment are to get rid of the fluid in the ear and let you hear properly.

For adults with OME, doctors sometimes recommend medicines like antihistamines, decongestants, or nose sprays. Most doctors do not recommend these medicines for children.

Antibiotics do not help treat OME.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call the doctor or nurse if you or your child has:

●Ear pain

●Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

●New or worsening hearing loss

●Changes in speech or behavior

More on this topic

Patient education: Ear infections in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear infections in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Eustachian tube problems (The Basics)
Patient education: Ear tubes (The Basics)

Patient education: Ear infections (otitis media) in children (Beyond the Basics)