Diagnosis, natural history, and late effects of otitis media with effusion.

This evidence-based report reviews the evidence on the natural history of otitis media with effusion (OME), the impact of otitis media on long-term speech and language development and on hearing, and the operating characteristics of various methods of diagnosing otitis media with effusion. OME is defined as “fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of ear infection.” The evidence compiled in this report is intended to aid clinicians, health care provider organizations, and others to develop clinical practice guidelines or medical review criteria for OME. The report will also identify areas for future research.