Screening

Screening for OME

Children who have the following conditions are at risk of developmental sequelae as a result of OME, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery:[53]

  • Permanent non-OME related hearing loss

  • Speech and language delay or disorder

  • Autism-spectrum disorder

  • Genetic syndromes or craniofacial disorders associated with cognitive or language delays

  • Blindness or uncorrectable visual impairment

  • Cleft palate

  • Developmental delay

  • Intellectual disability, learning disorders, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

They should be screened for OME at the time of diagnosis of the at-risk condition, as well as at age 12 to 18 months.[2]

Children who are not at risk of developmental sequelae that may result from having OME and who have no symptoms of OME should not undergo routine screening for OME.[2] There are no recommendations to screen for OME in adults.

Hearing screening

Babies should be screened for hearing loss no later than 1 month of age (at the birth hospital before discharge, where possible). If a baby does not pass a hearing screening, arrange a full hearing test as soon as possible (and no later than 3 months of age).[65][66] The goal is to exclude or confirm hearing loss by 3 months of age.

A hearing screen in children is recommended at school and at routine appointments through primary care. Children with OME may be identified if they fail a hearing screen.

  • The American Academy of Audiology recommends hearing screening through the educational system at preschool, kindergarten, grades 1, 3, 5, and either 7 or 9.[67]

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends hearing screening at well-child visits at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 years.[65]

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