ASSESSING THE CLINICAL FEATURES, DIAGNOSTIC APPROACHES, AND TREATMENT MODALITIES IN SUBJECTS WITH SECRETORY OTITIS MEDIA

Abstract

Background: One of the most common hearing difficulties encountered in children by otologists is SOM(secretory otitis media) which has a characteristic picture of effusion in the middle ear cavity owing to the
alteration in the mucociliary system in the Eustachian tube and middle ear. Objectives: The present study
was conducted to assess the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and treatment modalities in subjects
with secretory Otitis media. Methods: The present study included 60 subjects with a confirmed diagnosis
of secretory otitis media of age <13 years where detailed history and demographics were noted followed
by the clinical examination. For complete otolaryngological examination, throat, nose, ET function, TFT,
and ear were assessed along with radiological examination, urine investigations, impedance audiometry,
pure tone audiometry, urine examination, and blood investigations. DNE (diagnostic nasal endoscopy)
and ear effusion microbiological testing was done. Medical treatment was given to all the subjects for 4
weeks, and refractory cases were managed with surgery including adenotonsillectomy with grommet
insertion, adenoidectomy with grommet insertion, and myringotomy with grommet insertion. with
grommet insertion and adenotonsillectomy with grommet insertion. Results: The study results showed
that the majority of the subjects showed significant improvement in the symptoms and signs of the
secretory otitis media. Better clinical outcomes were concerning hearing threshold were seen in subjects
managed with adenoidectomy with grommet insertion and adenotonsillectomy. The most common
postoperative complications seen were atelectasis changes and mucopurulent discharge following
grommet insertion. Conclusion: The present study concludes that focus should be kept on the parental
concern for hearing patterns in their child, especially in subjects with a recent history of secretory otitis
media.