INTRODUCTIONThe normal ear has a thin drum, often semi-transparent, showing at times though it is the yellowish grey colour of the promotrium. Not infrequently, the incudostapedial region is also seen. Blood vessels are sparse; when present they are rather thin.In the presence of a tympanic mucoid effusion, the drum loses all or most of its semitransparency and acquires a grey whitish full, dull colour and a thick texture. Frequently there are prominent blood vessels mostly at the annular circumference, where the blood vessels can be seen extending to the nearby external canal. This description is typical for the majority mucoid effusions.
1At times, yellow regions or spots are seen within the drum mostly slightly posteriosuperior to the umbo. These spots are pathognomonic for mucus, which through the drum looks yellow, and they have chicken fat like texture. In the presence of a frank serous fluid (about 10% children majority of adult), the drum often retains some its transparency. At times a fluid can be seen and more often, several air bubbles appear, irregularly located, although the anterio-superior region is a favourable location for the bubble. If the effusion persists for years or has recurred many times, the drum may began to sink. In fresh cases, where this is not seen, here some as suggested by the definition in its quiescent phase secretory otitis media has none of the signs and symptoms. When latent in infants and young children it may present with impaired speech and language development. There may be behavioural difficulties and scholastic retardation only young children complain of having difficulty. 3,4 Most affected by secretory otitis media are children who more often than not do often know that something is wrong with their ears. It is the most common hearing disorder in children starting mostly before school age. Affected ears harbour middle ear effusion which causes hearing, loss, but usually no other otologic symptoms. As ABSTRACT Background: Most affected by secretory otitis media are children who more often than not do often know that something is wrong with their ears. It is the most common hearing disorder in children starting mostly before school age. Affected ears harbor middle ear effusion which causes hearing, loss, but usually no other otologic symptoms. Methods: The fifty cases were chosen in different age group and sex, based on their symptoms, and confirmed by otoscopic finding and pure tone audiometry. And these were further studied in detail as per the proforma enclosed. Results: On otoscopic examination the predominant sign was the prominence of handle of malleus and short process, flashing movement of the tympanic membrane. The tympanic membrane was found as full, lusterless and amber coloured. Conclusions: Secretory otitis media can be diagnosed clinically to the accuracy of 90%.
