The management of otitis media with effusion in adults

The management of 38 patients with idiopathic adult onset otitis media with effusion was evaluated retrospectively. Data from 50 ears were reviewed. The standard treatment consisted of myringotomy and grommet insertion. The patients were followed up for an average period of 27 months. Only 2 ears maintained a significant improvement in the air-bone gap when reviewed approximately 3 months following grommet extrusion. In all of the others, the hearing impairment recurred, and continued to recur despite multiple grommet insertions in several patients. It is concluded that adult onset otitis media with effusion has a low tendency to resolve, and that conventional surgical measures have little to offer in its management.