Untreated persistent middle ear effusion

Seventy-nine children have been followed with persistent middle ear effusion (MEE). They were scheduled for myringotomy and insertion of ventilating tubes (VT). Several factors delayed elective surgery for two-and-a-half years in a closed population. After that period, the children were again examined otomicroscopically and hearing tests were performed. MEE persisted in 69 per cent of the ears, but was absent in 31 per cent. Atelectasis appeared in 26 per cent of the ears; in only a very few cases did severe atelectasis develop. Complications following delay of myringotomy and introduction of VT are minor.