H66.0
DESCRIPTION
A sequeale of acute middle ear infection, an entrapment in the middle ear cleft of mucus or mucopus. An intact tympanic membrane. No otalgia, no fever. May be associated with mild hearing loss and speech delay. May be associated with clumsiness.
DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA
- Bubbles or air-fluid interfaces.
OR at least two of following:
- Abnormal color of tympanic membrane: white, yellow, amber, blue.
- Opacification not due to scarring and retraction.
- Decreased or absent mobility.
GENERAL AND SUPPORTIVE MEASURES
- Avoid getting the inside of the ear wet.
- Advice parents and caregivers that most cases resolve spontaneously with no medication required. Review after 12 weeks.
In the absence of acute inflammation, antibiotics and antihistamines are not indicated.
REFERRAL
- All cases lasting longer than 3 months should be referred to Audiology for hearing testing and ENT specialist review.
- OME with delayed speech development or poor school performance.