Chronic Otitis Media With Effusion and Your Hearing Health

Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) is an illness which affects hearing health. Children are the most susceptible due to their smaller Eustachian tubes. In this article we will go over this condition, and how it may result in loss of hearing.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), there are signs that you should look for in your child that might suggest he or she suffers from this type of ear infection.

The signs include:

· Tugging or pulling at the ear(s)

· Fussiness and crying

· Trouble sleeping

· Fever (especially in infants and younger children)

· Fluid draining from the ear

· Clumsiness or problems with balance

· Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds

Prevention of this condition and avoidance of hearing damage is very important. Prevention begins by reducing risk factors that lead to an ear infection. Make sure your child is vaccinated against the flu every year. Other suggestions given by NIDCD include “Wash[ing] hands frequently, avoid exposing your baby to cigarette smoke.

Never put your baby down for a nap, or for the night, with a bottle. Don’t allow sick children to spend time together.”

It is important to take care of your child’s hearing health, as to prevent conditions that might result in hearing loss.