Question

A 2-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community presents with recurrent ear discharge and hearing difficulty reported by his parents. Otoscopy reveals a chronic perforation of the tympanic membrane with mucopurulent discharge. According to the 2020 otitis media guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, what is the most appropriate management priority?

Accepted Answer

Arrange urgent hearing assessment and commence topical quinolone ear drops

Answer

Reassure that this is normal and will resolve without intervention

Answer

Avoid topical treatment and prescribe oral amoxicillin alone

Answer

Insert cotton buds regularly to keep the ear dry

Answer

Delay any treatment until the child is school-aged

Practice question