Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has recurrent runny ears and hearing difficulties. Otoscopy shows bilateral tympanic membrane perforations with purulent discharge. There is a history of overcrowded housing and tobacco smoke exposure. According to current guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, which intervention is most important to prevent long-term hearing loss?

Accepted Answer

Prompt treatment with appropriate topical and/or systemic antibiotics plus regular ear health checks and audiology review

Answer

Short 3-day course of oral amoxicillin for each episode

Answer

Watchful waiting as most cases resolve spontaneously

Answer

Long-term low-dose oral antibiotic prophylaxis without audiology follow-up

Answer

Insertion of grommets in all children with any ear discharge

Practice question