Patient discussions

Avoiding known risk factors for fluid build-up in the ears may aid in the resolution of OME. Such risk factors include smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and exposure to allergens.[1][20][25] However, there is a paucity of evidence that directly links risk factor modification to OME resolution. The patient may also try Eustachian tube autoinflation during the watchful waiting period. This can be done by blowing up a balloon with the nose or by using a specially designed device (for example, the Politzer device).[1] Receiving yearly influenza vaccinations is helpful in avoiding influenza-related illness, which can predispose to ear infections and subsequently, fluid build-up in the ears.[42][43][44][45][46] See Prevention.

In addition to follow-up for regular ear assessments, it is important for the patient to self-monitor for worsening of symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and ear drainage. For children, it is important for the parents or teachers to monitor, where possible, for appropriate speech and language development, as well as communicate regularly to the child's school teachers to facilitate early detection of academic issues. Furthermore, it is important to make the teachers aware of the child's condition so that they can make appropriate classroom accommodations (e.g., sitting closer to the teacher, utilisation of an FM-wave assisted listening system, etc).

After tympanostomy tube placement, explain that there is a need for routine, periodic follow-up to examine the ears until the tubes extrude.[53] It is not necessary for patients to avoid swimming or water sports. With the exception of dirty water sources or deeper water swimming, precautions such as ear plugs are typically not needed, in otherwise healthy children with tympanostomy tubes.[53]

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