Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Key Features ++ Middle ear effusion with decreased tympanic membrane (TM) mobility No signs or symptoms of acute inflammation May precede or follow an episode of AOM +++ Clinical Findings ++ Presence of fluid in the middle ear space without signs or symptoms of acute inflammation Acute pain is not characteristic but there may be some discomfort +++ Diagnosis ++ A retracted or neutral TM with decreased mobility is seen on pneumatic otoscopy The TM may be opacified or may have a whitish or amber discoloration +++ Treatment ++ An audiology evaluation should be performed after approximately 3 months of continuous bilateral effusion in children younger than 3 years Children with hearing loss or speech delay should be referred to an otolaryngologist for possible tympanostomy tube placement Absolute indications for tympanostomy tubes include Hearing loss greater than 40 dB TM retraction pockets Ossicular erosion Adhesive atelectasis Cholesteatoma Antibiotics, antihistamines, and corticosteroids have not been shown to be useful Your Access profile is currently affiliated with [InstitutionA] and is in the process of switching affiliations to [InstitutionB]. Please select how you would like to proceed. Keep the current affiliation with [InstitutionA] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Switch affiliation to [InstitutionB] and continue with the Access profile sign in process Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Error: Incorrect UserName or Password Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Sign in Forgot Password? Forgot Username? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth You already have access! Please proceed to your institution's subscription. Create a free profile for additional features.