Otitis media with effusion (OME) can be defined as "The presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection" (Pediatrics, 2004). OME can be said to be an invisible disorder, as there are no immediate signs or symptoms of an acute ear infection such as ear pain, fever, or discomfort (Williamson, 2007). However, OME can have very significant consequences in a child's life. Early identification and monitoring of OME can combat possible speech and language delays, as well as protect against further structural damage to the middle ear. From a diagnostic point of view, OME must be differentiated from acute otitis media (AOM), as the appropriate treatment will depend on whether a child suffers from OME or AOM. Acute otitis media can be separated from OME based on the following diagnostic criteria: acute signs and symptoms; existence of middle ear effusion; or signs and symptoms of inflammation of the middle ear space (Pediatrics, 2004). These symptoms will not be seen in cases of OME. In the United States alone, approximately 2.2 million people are diagnosed with OME each year, making it the most common form of otitis media. The age of peak incidence is typically between 6 months and 4 years, with approximately 90% of children suffering from OME before the age of 5 (Pediatrics, 2004). In children younger than 1 year, approximately more than 50% will experience OME. Most episodes of OME resolve spontaneously within 3 months, but between 30 and 40% of children will have recurrent OME. Of children with OME, only 5-10% will have episodes that last more than 1 year (Pediatrics, 2004). There are numerous causes of otitis media with effusion. The most common cause is effusion after...... middle of paper.......ME can fight against possible hearing loss, speech and language delays and can further protect against structural damage to the 'middle ear.Works CitedAmerican Academy of Family Medicine, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Otitis Media with Effusion. (2004). Clinical practice guidelines: otitis media with effusion. Pediatrics, 113(5), 1412-1429. Boudewyns, A., Declau, F., Van den Ende, J., Van Kerschaver, E., Dirckx, S., Hofkens-Van den Brandt, A. & Van de Heyning, P. (2011). Otitis media with effusion: an underestimated cause of hearing loss in infants. Otology and Neurotology, 32, 799-804.Robb, P.J. (2006). Childhood otitis media with effusion. Clinical Otolaryngology, 31(6), 535-537.Williamson, I. (2007). Otitis media with effusion in children. Clinical evidence, (8), 1-15.