Question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has chronic suppurative otitis media with persistent otorrhoea and hearing impairment. Despite several courses of oral antibiotics, discharge persists. What is the most appropriate next step according to otitis media guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Refer urgently to ENT and audiology for consideration of surgery and hearing support

Answer

Continue repeated short courses of oral antibiotics only

Answer

Advise swimming is safe and needs no restriction

Answer

No further intervention is needed if the child is not in pain

Answer

Use long-term topical steroid drops only

Practice question

A 4-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has chronic suppurative otitis media with persistent otorrhoea and hearing impairment. Despite several courses of oral antibiotics, discharge persists. What is the most appropriate next step according to otitis media guidelines?