If there is fluid in the ear, it simply indicates otitis media with effusion. There is fluid in the ear but no indication of an acute infection. This is common among children after an ear infection has cleared up. Remember that this occurs most often in children below 2 years old but can occur at any age.
What are the causes?
Children usually end up with fluid in the ear due to a shorter Eustachian tube. The tube is part of the anatomical structure of the middle ear which allows fluid to drain out of the ear and down the throat.
Nevertheless, the tube in children are often undersized, more level in position and partly obstructed by large-sized adenoids. In such cases, fluid has the tendency to back up and remain in the tube instead of draining properly.
Indications of fluid in the ear
Many children do not have any symptoms once there is fluid in the ear. In most cases, it is not painful and will not even cause a fever. Some of the symptoms that might be evident include the following:
- Older children or adults often experience fullness or popping sensation in the ear
- Younger children might adjust the volume on the TV to a higher level or less receptive to soft noises
Nevertheless, most cases of fluid in the ear are diagnosed once a doctor is assessing the ear for other possible causes such as routine check-up or follow-up from a previous ear infection.
Treatment for fluid in ear
In most circumstances, treatment is not required for fluid in the ear. Remember that the fluid usually drains on its own within a few weeks. Nevertheless, if not, treatment depends on several factors such as the following:
- In case fluid is present for 6 weeks, the treatment might include a hearing test, antibiotics or further monitoring
- Adenoids might require removal if they are large and triggers significant blockage of the Eustachian tube
- If fluid is present after 12 weeks, a hearing test is required. If there is evident hearing loss, the doctor might condition antibiotics or placement of tubes in the ears.
- If fluid is present after 4-6 months, tubes are needed even without hearing loss
Possible complications
In most cases, fluid in the ear does not result to any serious complications. Nevertheless, there are conditions to watch out for such as acute otitis media, damage to the ear, cyst in the middle ear, speech or language delays as well as scarring of the eardrum.