P.E.A.R.L.S Practical Evidence About Real Life Situations
Autoinflation for otitis media with effusion helpful in the short term
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Clinical Question |
Is autoinflation effective for hearing loss in adults and children with otitis media with effusion? |
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Bottom Line |
Evidence for the use of autoinflation in the short term (up to 3 months) is favourable. Given the low cost and absence of adverse effects it is reasonable to consider autoinflation whist awaiting natural resolution of otitis media with effusion. |
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Caveat |
All of the studies were small, of limited treatment duration (3 weeks to 3 months) and short follow-up. The long-term effects of this treatment cannot be determined. |
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Context |
Otitis media with effusion (“glue ear”) is the most common cause of acquired hearing loss in children, and can lead to problems of language, development and behaviour. Although there are a number of treatment option (steroids, antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines and grommet insertion), the best treatment strategy remains controversial as the condition often resolves spontaneously within a few months. Autoinflation is a technique whereby the Eustachian tube is reopened by raising pressure in the nose, encouraging drainage of the fluid. |
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Cochrane Systematic Review |
Perera R et al. Autoinflation for hearing loss assciated with otitis media with effusion. Cochrane Reviews, 2006, Issue 4 . Art No. : CD006285. DOI :1002/1465 1858. CD005608. This review contains 6 studies with 558 participants. |
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PEARLS No. 22, November 2007, written by Brian R McAvoy |
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Atencion Primaria 