Glue ear (Otitis media with effusion?)

I believe that I have fluids in my middle ear that are affecting my hearing.  I have had my hearing reduced in my right ear for about 4 months.  And now my left ear filled up in the last few days.  I can still understand people.  But sometimes I can't understand whispers or soft voices especially when I am eating.  I find the hearing level to be tolerable.

1.  How long is it likely to take to clear up on its own?
2.  Are there cases where it will not clear up on its own?
3.  Which path has fewer complications/problems - waiting for the fluids to clear up on their own or getting a surgery to drain the fluid and put in grommets?

Thanks.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

After 4 months, I doubt this problem is going to go away on its own. In fact, I predict that it will only get worse.

You need to viisit an ENT and have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist.

That really is the bottom line. No on-line source can really help you at this point.

Surgery, tube placement, antibiotics all of that is pending on the results of you evaluations.

Good luck

[OtoHNS_MD]

If the fluid has not gone away in 4 months, it probably wont.  
Are you sure it's fluid though?
You should definitely see an Otolaryngologist.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

"You need to viisit an ENT and have your hearing evaluated by an audiologist. "

"Are you sure it's fluid though? "


That is why one should consult with an ENT that has an Audiologist available....  otherwise, this could be a mixed loss, could be a retro cochlear pathology.... the list can go on, regarding what could be wrong here. But if ther is not a licensed Audiologist in the diagnostic team an acurate diagnosis can not be made.

[OtoHNS_MD]

I agree that an audiogram with an audiologist would be helpful here.

My approach would be
- binocular microscopic exam of the ears and tuning fork exam
followed by an audiogram (the result of which should be consistent with the exam)

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Tympanometry is also waranted in this case, and yes using the cross checking principle, all results should be consistent. (one hopes)

Not to bore folks here...

But there is no single auditory diagnostic test that provides all infomation regarding the audiory system.

So what one does is several different tests, coupled with case history, etc, and combine the information to form a diagnossis, treatment & prognosis.

In this case,

Case history
Otoscopy or binocular microscopic exam (more modern)
Weber (tuning fork)  (ANCIENT but very useful)
Tympanometry
Complete Audiogram

would be warranted. With the information provided by the above a good diagnossis etc could be formed.

[OtoHNS_MD]

Good point.
In my mind I automatically combine tympanometry with audiogram since it is so rare that I don't get tympanometry.

[Wear/a/Jimmy]

Good for you, I am thinking you are above average.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Listen to OtoHNS_MD and Wear/a/Jimmy they've got great advice, it could be something other than otitis media with effusion