Chronic or recurrent otitis media

Otitis media means inflammation of the middle ear. It is the most frequent diagnosis for children who see an ENT doctor. Otitis media is the most common cause of hearing loss for children. The condition can be very serious because it can cause severe earache and hearing loss. If left untreated, it can cause a child’s capacity to learn and delay their speech development.

The doctor will use and otoscope to examine the ear. She will check for any redness in or near the ear region, fluid behind the eardrum, and whether or not the eardrum moves. If your child is diagnosed with otitis media, the doctor will discuss treatment options including medication, placement of tubes, or removal of infected adenoids or tonsils.