Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community is seen in a primary care clinic. He has a history of recurrent otitis media and currently has persistent bilateral middle ear effusions with hearing loss noted on screening. According to otitis media guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, what is the most important next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange formal hearing assessment and early ENT referral

Answer

Reassure and review in 12 months as this usually resolves

Answer

Immediate insertion of grommets in all such cases

Answer

Start long-term oral macrolide prophylaxis without further assessment

Answer

Treat with topical decongestants only

Practice question