Otitis media secretoria – glue ear
How to recognize and treat otitis media with effusion?
Otitis media secretoria, also known as otitis media with effusion or glue ear, is a condition that affects the middle ear. It occurs when fluid builds up in the middle ear behind the eardrum, causing a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, as well as mild to moderate hearing loss. Most often caused by insufficiently or inadequately treated acute inflammation of the middle ear, blockage of the Eustachian tube, enlarged third tonsil. Other causes may include allergies, sinus infections, structural abnormalities.
According to statistics, secretory otitis media is a common condition that affects a significant number of children each year. It is estimated that up to 90% of children will experience at least one episode of secretory otitis media by the age of 10. In addition, studies have shown that the incidence of secretory otitis media in children is usually between 6 months and 3 years of age, with the highest incidence around 2 years of age, after which it gradually decreases as children grow up. However, it can still affect children of all ages and even adults.
Symptoms of “glue ear” or otitis media with effusion may include:
- Mild to moderate hearing loss
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Delay in speech development in children
- Balance problems.