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Patient case: Acute Glue Ear and Grommets

Discussion

A 6-year-old boy presented to the pediatric clinic with complaints of hearing difficulties and occasional discomfort in his ears over the past 3 months. His parents reported that he had been turning the television volume up louder than usual and frequently asking them to repeat what they were saying. The boy had also experienced intermittent episodes of mild ear pain, particularly after a recent upper respiratory infection.

On examination, the child appeared healthy, but otoscopic examination revealed a dull and retracted tympanic membrane in both ears, with visible fluid behind the eardrum, consistent with bilateral otitis media with effusion (glue ear). A hearing test showed mild conductive hearing loss.

Given the chronic nature of the symptoms and the impact on his hearing, the ENT specialist recommended the insertion of grommets (tympanostomy tubes) to ventilate the middle ear and drain the fluid. The parents agreed, and the procedure was successfully performed.

At a follow-up visit 4 weeks later, the boy's hearing had improved significantly, and his symptoms had resolved. His parents were advised to monitor his ears and return for regular check-ups to ensure the grommets were functioning properly.

Questions
1. What was the primary symptom that led the parents to seek medical attention for their child?

A. Ear discharge

B. Difficulty hearing

C. High fever

D. Dizziness

2. What was the most likely cause of the child’s hearing difficulty?

A. Earwax buildup

B. Chronic otitis media with effusion (glue ear)

C. Ear infection with perforation

D. Meniere’s disease

3. What procedure was recommended to treat the child’s condition?

A. Tonsillectomy

B. Tympanoplasty

C. Grommet insertion (tympanostomy tubes)

D. Cochlear implant

4. What was the outcome of the treatment after the follow-up visit?

A. The child’s hearing had worsened

B. The child’s hearing had significantly improved

C. The child continued to experience ear pain

D. The child required further surgery

Reveal answers

Answers

1. B). Difficulty hearing

2. B). Chronic otitis media with effusion (glue ear)

3. C). Grommet insertion (tympanostomy tubes)

4. B). The child’s hearing had significantly improved

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