Secretory Otitis Media

Secretory (nonsuppurative) otitis media is middle-ear effusion without signs of acute infection, common in children after URI/adenoid hypertrophy, causing conductive hearing loss. Treatment: observation for 3 months (most resolve); treat nasal/allergic cause; autoinflation; grommet (ventilation tube) insertion if persistent >3 months with hearing loss/speech delay; adenoidectomy if indicated.

Common Symptoms

Conductive hearing loss; ear fullness; fluid behind intact tympanic membrane; child after URI

Causes and Pathogenesis

Eustachian-tube dysfunction causes serous/mucoid effusion in the middle ear.

Treatment

Observe 3 months; treat rhinitis/allergy; autoinflation; grommet if persistent with hearing loss

Preventive Measures

Treat rhinitis/adenoids; follow hearing in children.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.