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Jonathan Hughes | Hemel Hempstead

Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)

Also known as serous otitis media, it is a condition where fluid accumulates in the middle ear behind the eardrum, without an active infection. This fluid buildup often results from an earlier ear infection, allergy, or cold that has caused the Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the throat) to become blocked or dysfunctional. While there may not be active pain or inflammation, common symptoms include a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, or a “popping” sensation. In some cases, there may be mild discomfort, but the condition generally resolves on its own. However, if the fluid persists or causes significant hearing problems, medical treatment or intervention (such as drainage or the placement of ear tubes) may be required.

Acute Otitis Media (AOM)

A common middle ear infection is characterised by sudden inflammation and infection of the middle ear, often caused by bacteria or viruses. It typically develops after a cold, respiratory infection, or sinus infection, which causes fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Symptoms of AOM include sharp ear pain, fever, irritability (especially in children), difficulty hearing, fluid drainage from the ear, and sometimes trouble sleeping. The condition is more common in children but can affect adults as well. Treatment may involve pain relievers, antibiotics (if bacterial), or other supportive care, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be needed to drain the fluid or relieve pressure. Most cases of acute otitis media improve with treatment and do not cause long-term damage.

Chronic Otitis Media (COM)

A long-term, persistent inflammation or infection of the middle ear that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Unlike acute otitis media, which typically resolves with treatment, chronic otitis media may be caused by repeated infections, poor Eustachian tube function, or underlying conditions like allergies or sinus problems. The main symptoms include recurring ear infections, fluid drainage, hearing loss, and sometimes discomfort or pain. Over time, chronic otitis media can lead to more serious complications, such as damage to the eardrum, bones in the ear, or even hearing loss if left untreated. Treatment often involves medication (such as antibiotics or ear drops), and in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the eardrum or drain fluid.

If you think you might have otitis media, get in touch with our ENT specialist in London to book a consultation. Call 020 3897 0667, visit our contact page, or email secretary.jonathanhughes@kmsprofessionals.co.uk 

What is otitis media with effusion (OME)?

OME, often called glue ear, is when fluid builds up in the middle ear behind the eardrum without any active infection. It commonly follows a cold, an earlier ear infection, or a spell of allergy that stops the Eustachian tube from draining properly. The main effect is a feeling of fullness and dulled or muffled hearing rather than pain.

What causes otitis media with effusion?

It usually comes down to the Eustachian tube, the small channel linking the middle ear to the back of the nose, not working properly, so fluid cannot drain away and collects behind the eardrum. This often follows a cold, an upper respiratory infection, or allergies, and in children, enlarged adenoids can play a part. One important point in adults: glue ear that is persistent and on one side only should always be checked, as it can occasionally signal a blockage at the back of the nose that needs ruling out.

What are the symptoms of otitis media with effusion?

Common symptoms of OME include a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, hearing loss (often mild), a feeling of “popping” in the ear, and in some cases, mild discomfort. However, OME may not always cause pain or noticeable symptoms.

What is acute otitis media (AOM)?

AOM is a sudden infection of the middle ear, usually developing after a cold or respiratory infection, where fluid and inflammation build up behind the eardrum. It tends to cause rapid, sharp ear pain and often a fever, and it is much more common in children. Reassuringly, most cases settle on their own within a few days, with pain relief the mainstay and antibiotics reserved for more severe or persistent cases.

What are the common symptoms of acute otitis media?

The hallmark is sudden, often sharp ear pain, frequently with a fever, reduced hearing, and feeling generally unwell. In babies and young children who cannot describe it, watch for tugging at the ear, irritability, poor sleep, and feeding difficulties. Sometimes the eardrum relieves the pressure by bursting slightly, which causes a discharge and usually immediate easing of the pain.

What is chronic otitis media (COM)?

Chronic otitis media (COM) is a long-lasting infection or inflammation of the middle ear that persists for weeks, months, or even years. It is often characterised by recurring ear infections, fluid drainage, and hearing loss. Unlike acute otitis media, it doesn’t resolve quickly and can cause lasting damage to the ear structures.

What causes chronic otitis media?

Chronic otitis media is usually the result of repeated ear infections, poor Eustachian tube function, or underlying conditions like allergies, sinus problems, or a history of ear infections. It can also be caused by a persistent infection that never fully clears up.