Monitoring
According to guidelines, patients with OME undergoing a watchful waiting approach should be reassessed every 3-6 months with otoscopy and audiologic testing.[2][53] Regular surveillance should occur until the OME has resolved, a complication of chronic OME is identified and an intervention is indicated, or when the OME is significantly impacting the patient's quality of life (ear discomfort, or problems with behavior) and they wish to pursue treatment. A complication may include significant hearing loss or structural abnormality of the tympanic membrane or middle ear.[2][53]
Post-surgical monitoring
Surgeons (or other designated healthcare providers) should perform otologic examinations on children within 3 months of tympanostomy tube placement.[53] After the first follow-up appointment, the ears should continue to be examined at periodic intervals based on surgeon and family preference until the tubes are extruded and the drums are healed without recurrence of middle ear disease.
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