How are you taking part in this consultation?

You will not be able to change how you comment later.

You must be signed in to answer questions

    The content on this page is not current guidance and is only for the purposes of the consultation process.

    Otitis media with effusion in under 12s

    Closed for comments This consultation ended on at   Request commenting lead permission

    4 Key issues and draft questions

    While writing this scope, we have identified the following key issues and draft review questions related to them.

    The key issues and draft questions will be used to develop more detailed review questions, which guide the systematic review of the literature.

    4.1 Risk factors for OME

    4.1.1 What are the modifiable risk factors for developing OME in children under 12 years?

    4.2 Recognition of OME (to help identify when to refer for further investigation)

    4.2.1 What symptoms or signs are associated with OME in children under 12 years?

    4.3 Natural history of OME (to help identify when intervention and follow-up is needed)

    4.3.1 What is the progression, resolution and recurrence (natural history) of OME without hearing loss at presentation in children under 12 years?

    4.3.2 What is the progression, resolution and recurrence (natural history) of OME with hearing loss at presentation in children under 12 years?

    4.4 Interventions for children with OME

    4.4.1 What is the effectiveness of ventilation tubes for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.4.2 What is the effectiveness of adenoidectomy (with or without ventilation tubes) for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.4.3 What is the effectiveness of antibiotics for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.4.4 What is the effectiveness of non-antimicrobial pharmacological interventions (such as steroids, antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, mucolytics, and decongestants) for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.4.5 What is the effectiveness of auto-inflation for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.4.6 What is the effectiveness of air conduction and bone conduction hearing aids for children with OME under 12 years?

    4.5 Care during and after surgery

    4.5.1 What intraoperative or postoperative interventions are effective at preventing otorrhoea (ear discharge) after surgery for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.5.2 What interventions are effective for treating otorrhoea (ear discharge) after surgery for OME in children under 12 years?

    4.5.3 What should the content, duration and frequency of follow-up after surgical treatment be?

    4.6 Information for children, parents and carers

    4.6.1 What information is valued by children under 12 years with suspected or confirmed OME and their parents and carers?