Otitis Media With Effusion: Comparative Effectiveness of Treatments Executive Summary Background Definition of Otitis Media With Effusion

Otitis media with effusion (OME) is defined as a collection of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection.1 OME has several potential causes. The leading causes include viral upper respiratory infection, acute otitis media (AOM), and chronic dysfunction of the eustachian tube.2,3 However, other potential explanations include ciliary dysfunction, proliferation of fluid-producing goblet cells, allergy and residual bacterial antigens, and biofilm.4 More recent research suggests that mucoglycoproteins cause the hearing loss and much of the fluid presence that is the hallmark of OME.5,6 The presence of fluid in the middle ear decreases tympanic membrane and middle ear function, leading to decreased hearing, a “fullness” sensation in the ear, and occasionally pain from the pressure changes.