[Causes of erroneous diagnosis in SOM]

During the years of 1988-1990, 230 ears were diagnosed as secretory otitis media (SOM), with intact data, in which 23 ears failed to be diagnosed. Atypical symptom, carelessness in collection of history and in examining the tympanic membrane were considered as one of the important causes of erroneous diagnosis. Analysis of pure tone audiogram should be combined with the age and the former history of patients. "B" type tympanograph has 88% positive rate in diagnosing SOM. So in children, acoustic impedance should be used as a routine audiometric measurements, even if with clear history of receiving ototoxic drug.