Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part F (2014)

Material and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of ENT, Mamata Medical College, Khammam, over a 12-month period. A total of 75 pediatric patients, aged 1-12 years, with a clinical diagnosis of MEE were included. Data collection included clinical history, otoscopy findings, audiological assessment through pure-tone audiometry, and tympanometry. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 3 and 6 months to assess the resolution of effusion and secondary outcomes, including hearing improvement and symptom resolution.

Results: At 3 months, 53.33% of patients showed resolution of effusion, which increased to 60% at 6 months. Improvements in hearing thresholds were observed in 56% of patients, while ear fullness resolved in 45.33% and speech delays in 58.66%. Tympanometry classifications revealed that 29.33% of patients had Type A (normal middle ear pressure), 37.33% had Type B (suggesting MEE), and 33.33% had Type C (negative middle ear pressure). Comparison with earlier studies demonstrated similar patterns in effusion resolution and hearing improvement rates.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management of MEE in pediatric patients. While most patients show resolution of effusion within 6 months, a significant number still require follow-up and further interventions. Improvements in hearing and resolution of symptoms such as ear fullness and speech delays were also evident, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment strategies. Further research is needed to better understand the factors contributing to persistent effusion and optimize treatment outcomes.