Otitis media with effusion: a disability or not?

Abstract

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a disease most commonly affecting the paediatric population. However, it is a condition that is also seen in adults and does lead to significant morbidity. We studied the effect of surgical treatment of OME in an adult population and found that the subjective relief of symptoms exceeded the objective audiometric gain. In children where subjective symptoms are perhaps more difficult to assess the clinician needs to beware of underestimating the effect of a hearing loss.

The assessment of hearing test results following surgery for otitis media with effusion in adults using the Glasgow Benefit Plot: how we do it

“…In our series this was achieved in only 2 patients (6%) and disappointingly 19 patients (61%) never achieved a better, operated ear. Most audiometric gain was between 0 and 29 dB which is consistent with other similar studies referenced 2,3 Table 2. highlights how few patients stood to gain the most from surgery.…”

“…Most audiometric gain was between 0 and 29 dB which is consistent with other similar studies referenced. 2,3 Table 2 highlights how few patients stood to gain the most from surgery. In fact the last row demonstrates that 2 patients had outcomes that would have derived negative benefit according to Browning's study.…”

“…Unsurprisingly therefore it is a common operation performed in paediatric otolaryngology. OME’s predominant manifestation in all age groups is a hearing loss and this is the main indication for surgery 2 . In adults the condition is much less common and can be associated with other pathology, but can still cause significant hearing disability.…”

“…OME's predominant manifestation in all age groups is a hearing loss and this is the main indication for surgery. 2 In adults the condition is much less common and can be associated with other pathology, but can still cause significant hearing disability. Audiometry allows one to assess hearing objectively and therefore can be used to measure the success of grommet surgery.…”