Diagnosis, Natural History, and Late Effects of Otitis Media with Effusion: Clinical Focus

Otolaryngology, Respiratory, and Allergic

June 2002

Clinical Focus*

What is the natural history of otitis media with effusion (OME)?
What are the long-term effects of early-life otitis media, defined as positive otitis media history at less than three years of age, on speech and language development?
What are the long-term effects of early-life otitis media on hearing?
What are the operating characteristics of various methods of diagnosing otitis media with effusion?

*Addressed in the summary or evidence report.

Diagnosis of Otitis Media
Summary (Publication No. 02-E026, June 2002)
Evidence Report (Publication No. 03-E023, May 2003)
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Selected Publications

EPC: Southern California-RAND
Topic Nominator: American Academy of Family Physicians