A 2-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with persistent bilateral ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Otoscopy shows chronic pe...

Question

A 2-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with persistent bilateral ear discharge and hearing difficulty. Otoscopy shows chronic perforations with discharge, consistent with chronic suppurative otitis media. According to Australian Indigenous ear health guidelines, what is the most appropriate management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Long-term topical antibiotic ear drops and referral to an ENT service or ear and hearing program

Answer

Reassure; condition will resolve without treatment

Answer

Short course of oral amoxicillin only

Answer

Avoid all water exposure and no further treatment

Answer

Immediate grommet insertion in all such cases

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Chronic suppurative otitis media in Aboriginal children