OME

Full Definition

OME is the accepted clinical abbreviation for Otitis Media with Effusion, widely used in audiology reports, ENT letters, and paediatric health records. Editors must ensure it is expanded on first use and must not confuse it with AOM (acute otitis media) or COM (chronic otitis media). In documents addressing multiple otitis media subtypes, it is best practice to introduce each abbreviation separately to avoid reader ambiguity.

Usage

Usage note: Always expand as 'Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)' on first occurrence. Do not use interchangeably with AOM.

In Context

• "OME is the leading cause of acquired hearing loss in school-age children." — Public health report
• "The audiologist noted bilateral OME and recommended a watchful-waiting approach." — General practice referral note