Secretory otitis media in childhood. a silent disease

Abstract

Introduction: Secretory otitis media is one of the most common reasons for visits to pediatric otorhinolaryngology clinics worldwide, and is also the leading cause of hearing loss in children. Its manifestations are subclinical in this population group, so its timely diagnosis and proper management is essential to reverse its effect on the child's hearing.

Objective: To expose the most innovative knowledge of secretory otitis media in children.

Methods: A bibliographic review was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines of the literature published in the PubMed, SciELO, Elsevier, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases.

Analysis and synthesis of information: The diagnosis of secretory otitis media is based on clinical symptoms and signs, complemented by pneumo-otoscopy and tympanometry results.

Conclusions: Secretory otitis media is a subclinical disease in children. Its diagnosis is based on the complementation of the clinical and audiological findings, drainage and artificial ventilation of the middle ear through transtympanic drainage tubes, together with loco-regional surgical treatment if necessary, continue to be the therapeutic option of choice.