Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media w/ Effusion (Glue Ear)
Clinical Practice Guideline: Otitis Media w/ Effusion (Glue Ear)
A series of up to date information for both patients and clinicians on the latest clinical trials and products.
Series 1
Diagnosis and History
A guideline by the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, educates clinicians and patients about the latest clinical trials and systematic reviews around Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion OME). Most notably, the study includes evidence against the use of steroidal nasal, systemic, topical treatments and adenectomy as a treatment for Glue Ear in children under 4 years old. Interestingly, pneumatic otoscopy procedure is recommended, as well as expectations around speech and language prognosis in Glue Ear sufferers. It is also recommended that you book an appointment for a professional ear cleaning Vale of Glamorgan, South London and Central London locations are available. The guideline also incorporates views from patient advocates and highlights the importance of patient-informed decision making.
Experts in the field of paediatric otology and audiology performed two systematic searches using the synonyms for Glue Ear. The aim was to create an actionable evidence-based guideline to identify children with Glue Ear in children 2 months to 12 years old to aid future diagnoses. It is also critical to document outcomes in a standardised way and it is suggested that a good way would be to use Artificial Intelligence. The authors consider real life problems that arise when screening for hearing loss such as the issue of differentiating transient conductive and Permanent Children’s Hearing Impairment in at-risk children.
The study population includes those with developmental disabilities and limitations which is representatives of the whole population because 30-40% of patients in these categories have repeated episodes of glue ear, 25% of these episodes last over 3 months, and 5-10% continue for more than a year. Comorbidities to glue ear include ear infections, tympanic membrane damage, hearing loss, vestibular issues, as well as poor school and social performance.
Complications can be debilitating so sometime high-risk adjunct procedures are recommended to resolve Glue Ear which include adenectomy and myringotomy, as well as careful monitoring for the detection of retraction pockets and atelectasis of the middle ear.
How we diagnose Glue Ear (OME)
Firstly, to be able to visualise the tympanic membrane clearly and to be able to perform the other diagnostic procedures properly, it is recommended that you book an appointment for a professional ear cleaning Vale of Glamorgan, South London and Central London locations are available.
Pneumatic Otoscopy
This is a strongly recommended and easy to administer procedure that is a relatively cheap way of confirming otoscopic findings where OME, otalgia or hearing loss is suspected or has been reported. Younger children may not stay still long enough to carry out and complete the visualisation. through the pneumatic otoscope so some coaxing and reassurance may be required.
Tympanometry
There is a lot of evidence to support the use of tympanometry in confirming OME glue ear and distinguishing it from other middle ear pathologies. This is especially useful after getting a professional ear cleaning Vale of Glamorgan, London or at home before pneumatic otoscopy. It is a strongly recommended procedure but compared to pneumatic otoscopy, there are costs to maintain and use equipment. Although nearly anyone can perform the tests, expert analysis is needed to interpret the results and recognise contraindications to testing.
Look out for signs of Glue Ear especially if your child failed their Newborn Hearing Screening
The importance of follow-up with children that did not pass their newborn Hearing screening must be stressed to parents and the fact that this communication happen will be documented. It is important to uncover the presence of Permanent Childhood Hearing Impairment which could be masked by glue ear. The clinician will rebook an appointment in 3 months when the effusion should have resolved. The appointment may also include a professional ear cleaning Vale of Glamorgan, in London or at home.
To be continued in series 2
