Otitis media with effusion

Template

Tap a choice or type a Repertoire Line to see how the note changes. Defaults are what the template inserts on its own.

Try a Repertoire Line

Practice wording only: leave out patient details. Nothing typed here is saved or sent.

LateralityChoose oneFirst line

FindingsChoose any

DiagnosisChoose one

DurationChoose one

Developmental riskChoose one

MedicinesChoose any

PlanChoose one

Language counselingChoose any

HearingChoose any

Follow-upChoose one

Follow-up reasonChoose anyJoins the line above

Counseling

Fluid behind the eardrum is common after colds and ear infections and usually clears on its own over weeks to a few months. Medicines do not help it clear. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on facing your child and speaking clearly while hearing may be muffled. Return precautions given including ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, concerns about hearing or speech, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

CounselingNot in the note with these choices

Because the fluid has lasted or may be affecting hearing or development, an ENT doctor will discuss options such as ear tubes. Medicines do not help the fluid clear. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on facing your child and speaking clearly while hearing may be muffled. Return precautions given including ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, new concerns about hearing or speech, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

CounselingNot in the note with these choices

The fluid behind the eardrum has cleared, and no further checks are needed for it. Return precautions given including ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, concerns about hearing or speech, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

Note when inserted as is

Otitis media with effusion
• No bulging, erythema, or other signs of acute otitis media
• No speech, language, hearing, or learning concerns
• Antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids not indicated
• Watchful waiting given the high rate of spontaneous resolution
• Follow up in 3 months to recheck middle ear fluid

Fluid behind the eardrum is common after colds and ear infections and usually clears on its own over weeks to a few months. Medicines do not help it clear. Recommended supportive care with an emphasis on facing your child and speaking clearly while hearing may be muffled. Return precautions given including ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, concerns about hearing or speech, new symptoms, prolonged symptoms, worsening symptoms, and other concerns. Caregiver expressed understanding and agreement with plan. Answered all questions.

What the sources cover

MEE without AOM
After AOM or duration < 3 or ≥ 3 months
Developmental risk
No antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, steroids
Observation vs ENT for persistence, hearing loss, developmental risk
Hearing evaluation

Return precautions in the template

ear painfeverdrainage from the earconcerns about hearing or speech

Sources

Few formal guidelines cover this topic, so the template also leans on expert opinion.