Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal girl from a remote community presents with delayed speech and inattentiveness in preschool. Otoscopy reveals bilateral tympanic membrane retraction with air-fluid levels. Pure tone audiometry demonstrates bilateral conductive hearing loss. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange early ENT referral and consider hearing support services and classroom accommodations

Answer

Reassure that this is normal for her age and no action is required

Answer

Start oral decongestants and antihistamines

Answer

Wait for her to reach school age before formal hearing assessment

Answer

Treat with topical steroid ear drops only

Practice question