ear, nose, and throat disorders
Otitis Media (Serous)
Diagnosis of Serous Otitis Media
Examination with pneumatic otoscopy Tympanometry Nasopharyngeal examination Diagnosis of serous otitis media is clinical plus pneumatic otoscopy. For pneumatic otoscopy, an insufflator attached to the otoscope head is used to move the tympanic membrane; fluid in the middle ear, a perforation, or tympanosclerosis inhibits this movement. Hearing Loss may be done to confirm middle ear effusion (by showing reduced mobility of the tympanic membrane). If an effusion persists for> 8 weeks, adults and adolescents must undergo nasopharyngeal examination to exclude malignant or benign tumors. Nasopharyngeal malignancy should be suspected, particularly in patients with unilateral serous otitis media. If malignancy is suspected, imaging studies should be performed. 