Otitis media with effusion is middle-ear fluid without signs of acute infection. It is not the same as water entering the outer ear and may reduce hearing without pain.
A child may turn up sound, miss responses or have speech difficulties. Otoscopy, tympanometry and hearing tests are interpreted together. Follow-up depends on hearing and daily impact; hearing support or tubes may be discussed. Antibiotics, steroids and decongestants are not routinely used just to clear fluid. Persistent one-sided fluid in adults may require investigation including the area behind the nose.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment