SGEM#132: One Balloon for Otitis Media with Effusion

Trials extracted from the podcast by Dr. Ken Milne

• 2015Nasal balloon autoinflation in children with otitis media with effusion in primary careOtherIn 320 children aged 4-11 years with otitis media with effusion, nasal balloon autoinflation increased tympanometric resolution at 3 months compared with usual care alone.
• 2013Autoinflation for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusionOtherIn 702 children and adults with otitis media with effusion, autoinflation improved tympanometry or audiometry beyond one month compared with no autoinflation.
• 2011Antihistamines and/or decongestants for otitis media with effusion (OME) in childrenOtherIn 1880 children with otitis media with effusion, antihistamines or decongestants did not improve effusion resolution versus no treatment but caused more side effects.
• 2012Antibiotics for otitis media with effusion in childrenInfection & AntimicrobialsIn3027 children up to 18 years with otitis media with effusion,oral antibioticsraised effusion resolution modestly versusplacebo or no treatmentwithout improvinghearing.
• 2011Oral or topical nasal steroids for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion in childrenOtherIn945 children with otitis media with effusion,oral or intranasal steroidsdid not improvehearing loss or symptomscompared withcontrol.
• 2010Grommets (ventilation tubes) for hearing loss associated with otitis media with effusion in childrenOtherIn 1728 children with otitis media with effusion, grommets improved hearing only for the first six to nine months compared with myringotomy or non-surgical care.