Otitis Media with Effusion
Pronunciation: oh-TY-tis MEE-dee-uh with EF-yoo-zhun
Also written as: OME — Otitis Media with Effusion
A condition characterised by the accumulation of non-infectious fluid in the middle-ear space, causing a conductive hearing loss; commonly called 'glue ear' in lay contexts.
Full Definition
Otitis media with effusion (OME) is the most prevalent cause of acquired hearing loss in children and is a frequent trigger for pediatric aural rehabilitation referrals. The middle-ear fluid impedes tympanic membrane and ossicular movement, resulting in a mild-to-moderate conductive hearing loss that may fluctuate. OME is diagnosed using tympanometry (Type B tympanogram) and may resolve spontaneously or require grommets (ventilation tubes). Editors working on pediatric audiology content should use 'OME' in clinical copy and reserve the lay term 'glue ear' for patient-facing materials only.
Usage
Usage note: Abbreviate to OME on second reference in clinical documents. 'Glue ear' is a lay synonym acceptable in patient-facing materials but should not appear in peer-reviewed manuscripts without editorial justification.
In Context
- "The child's fluctuating hearing loss was attributed to recurrent otitis media with effusion, necessitating close audiological monitoring." — Pediatric audiology report
- "In the patient information leaflet, 'glue ear' is appropriate; in the clinical article, use 'OME' from second reference onward." — Editorial style note