Its not an ear infection and doesnt cause pain.
The most prominent symptom is usually hearing loss.
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Why Do Adults Get Otitis Media With Effusion?
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To understand otitis media with effusion, its helpful to know a bit about theanatomy of the ear.
Theeustachian tubeconnects the ear to the back of the throat.
This tube allows fluid to drain into the throat so it doesnt collect in the ear.
OME happens when the eustachian tube becomes closed or blocked.
When this occurs, fluid cant drain, so it remains in the middle ear behind the eardrum.
OME is more common in children than adults.
This is because childrens eustachian tubes are more horizontal, which makes drainage more difficult.
In adults, certain risk factors increase the odds of having otitis media with effusion.
Chronic OME is when the condition lasts longer than three months.
Neither acute nor chronic otitis media with effusion is serious or life-threatening.
They dont require a trip to the emergency room.
However, its important to see a healthcare provider if you or your child experienceschanges in hearing.
Especially in childhood, hearing loss can lead tospeech delaysand may impact social development.
Symptoms: How Does Otitis Media With Effusion Feel?
Theyll look into your ear using a lighted tool called an otoscope.
In addition, your provider may suggest ahearing testto see if youre experiencing hearing loss.
These can include:
You should never give a shot to poke around in your ear to encourage drainage.
When Does Otitis Media With Effusion Get Better?
Most cases of OME resolve within four to six weeks without treatment.
Addressing these factors can clear up the fluid behind your ear drum.
Summary
Otitis media with effusion is a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum.
OME in adults is often linked to other health conditions, like allergies, sinus infection or tumors.
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Knott, L.Otitis media with effusion: Glue ear.Patient UK.
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Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.Otitis media with effusion (OME).
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.Ottis media with effusion: Comparative effectiveness of treatments.
