Question

A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has had persistent middle ear effusion with conductive hearing loss documented for 4 months. Otoscopy shows dull, retracted tympanic membranes bilaterally. According to the 2020 Otitis Media Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent referral to an ENT service for consideration of tympanostomy tubes and hearing support

Answer

Reassure the family and review in 6 months as effusions usually resolve

Answer

Start oral amoxicillin-clavulanate for 3 months

Answer

Insert topical steroid ear drops for 4 weeks and review

Answer

Advise no treatment is needed until the child starts school

Practice question