14
Treatment
Table 7. Shared Decision Grid for Parents and Caregivers
Regarding Surgical Options for OME
Frequently asked
questions
Watchful waiting
(surveillance)
Ear
(tympanostomy)
tube placement Adenoidectomy
Are there any age
restrictions?
Watchful waiting
can be done at
any age
Ear tubes can be
done at any age
Adenoidectomy is
not recommended
below age 4 years
for treating ear fluid
that persists for ≥3
months
What does it
involve?
Checking the
eardrum every 3-6
months in your
doctor's office.
Periodic hearing
tests may also be
performed.
Placing a tiny tube
in the eardrum
to reduce fluid
build-up that causes
hearing loss, then
checking the tube
in your doctor's
office until it falls
out.
Removing most
of the adenoids, a
clump of tissue in
the back of the nose
that stores germs
then checking the
ears in your doctor's
office to be sure the
ear fluid is gone.
How long does the
treatment take?
Regular check-ups
until the fluid in
the middle ear goes
away (months to
years).
e operation
takes about 10-20
minutes and usually
requires general
anesthesia.
e operation takes
about 30 minutes
and requires general
anesthesia.
How long does it
take to recover?
Does not apply. A few hours. About 1 or 2 days.
What are the
benefits?
Gives your child a
chance to recover
on his/her own.
Relieves fluid
and hearing loss
promptly and
prevents relapse of
fluid while the tube
is in place and stays
open.
Reduces time
with fluid in the
future, reduces the
need for future ear
surgery. Relieves
nasal blockage
and infections (if
applicable).
