Middle Ear Fluid Serous Otitis Media Tympanotomy/Grommet
Serous otitis media is the medical term for 'fluid in the middle ear.' Its symptoms—primarily hearing loss with pressure or pain—are frequently experienced by children and adults alike and typically follow an upper respiratory infection.
In most cases, the symptoms of serous otitis media disappear, but in some children and adults, especially those with enlarged adenoids or allergies, symptoms may persist.
Generally, the problem is found to be a blockage of the Eustachian tube. This narrow canal connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and allows air to enter the middle ear cavity, allowing the hearing mechanism to function properly.
When the symptoms of serous otitis media, such as hearing loss, persist, particularly at a time when a child is learning to speak, medical evaluation and treatment are recommended.
If you or your child is experiencing prolonged symptoms of serous otitis media, it's essential to seek expert care. Early intervention can prevent complications, especially during critical speech development years. Schedule a consultation with the best ENT doctor in Hyderabad today and get the right treatment for lasting relief.
Eustachian Tube Function
An upper respiratory infection or allergy can interfere with Eustachian tube function. Tubes may swell and close, preventing drainage.
In addition, adenoids at the back of the nose can become enlarged, blocking the Eustachian tube opening.
Child Anatomy
A child's Eustachian tube is shorter and more horizontal; its opening is often blocked by adenoids.
Adult Anatomy
An adult's Eustachian tube is longer and more angled. Adenoids are usually small or absent.
Child Treatment
In children, treatment improves Eustachian tube function, allowing air to enter the middle ear to restore hearing. Antihistamines, decongestants, antibiotics, nasal sprays, and allergy management may reduce swelling and fluid secretion. Surgical myringotomy, with or without tube insertion, and adenoidectomy may also be recommended.
What Are The Symptoms Of Otitis Media?
The most prominent symptom of acute otitis media is earache, associated with a feeling of pressure and blockage in the ear. Children who cannot describe an earache may simply tug or rub the affected ear. Fever often accompanies earaches, especially in the children.
Adult
Antihistamines, decongestants, and steroids may be used to reduce swelling of the Eustachian tube. Myringotomy and allergy management are sometimes recommended.
Surgical Treatment
If hearing loss or fluid in the middle ear persists, an operation, called a myringotomy, with or without tube insertion, may be recommended in order to remove middle ear fluid.
This procedure requires a general anaesthesia for young children. Also in children, surgery to remove enlarged adenoids - adenoidectomy-may be done at the same time as myringotomy.
Your Myringotomy
After your anaesthesia takes effect, the doctor, using an operating microscope, makes a tiny incision in your eardrum through the outer ear canal. Fluid, if present, will be removed. A tiny ventilating tube may be inserted (tympanotomy).
This tube (Grommets tube) takes care of ventilation of the middle ear more than allowing drainage of fluid. The tube usually stays for 26 months. Then it gets expelled automatically by the body.
Going Home
You'll be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Children must be accompanied by parents. If you have a general anaesthesia, you may feel temporarily drowsy or nauseated.
Discharge Instructions
Keep water out of your ear to avoid infection. Check with your doctor at DECC Clinic about showering or swimming.
Call your doctor if :
- You have drainage of pus or blood that lasts more than a few minutes.
- You have pain unrelieved by prescribed medication.
- You have a fever over 101°F/38.3°c
After Myringotomy
An improvement in hearing is usually noticed right away and the incidence of middle ear infections should decline. In about 6 to 12 months, the tympanostomy tube will automatically expel into the outer ear canal to be removed by the doctor during a follow-up visit.
Caution
After myringotomy, it is important to keep water out of the ear, especially when the tube is in place. Water in the middle ear increases the chance of infection.
Don't place your head under water, or expose your ear directly to shower spray (wear a shower cap). To help prevent recurrences of serous otitis media, your ENT doctor may recommend that you take decongestants and antihistamines at the first sign of nasal or sinus congestion.
Follow-Up Care
Your ENT specialist in Secunderabad will schedule a follow-up visit to ensure your ear is healing properly. To support a complete and speedy recovery, be sure to follow all of your doctor's instructions carefully.