A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has had persistent bilateral otitis media with effusion for 4 months, with documented conductive h...

Question

A 3-year-old Aboriginal boy from a remote community has had persistent bilateral otitis media with effusion for 4 months, with documented conductive hearing loss and delayed speech. The family are reliable but live 600 km from the nearest tertiary centre. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Arrange early referral to ENT/audiology for consideration of hearing support and tympanostomy tubes

Answer

Reassure and review in 6 months as spontaneous resolution is likely

Answer

Commence long-term oral macrolide prophylaxis without further assessment

Answer

Prescribe topical nasal decongestant spray and antihistamines

Answer

Immediate IV antibiotics and hospital admission

au-racgp MCQ (SBA): Chronic otitis media with effusion in Aboriginal child