Although tympanostomy tube insertion can be associated with short-term quality of life improvements, the natural history of otitis media with effusion (OME) is sufficiently favorable and most OME in children will spontaneously resolve within 3 months. Cases of OME which last longer than 3 months are typically chronic in nature, and less likely to resolve without intervention. Limited data exists regarding the efficacy of tympanostomy tube insertion in children with OME for less than 3 months. By delaying the consideration for tympanostomy tube insertion, potentially unnecessary procedures are avoided, along with the associated risks, tube related side effects, and costs. Children excluded from this recommendation include those who have risk factors for developmental difficulties such as trisomy 21, Autism-spectrum disorder, blindness, and permanent hearing loss independent of OME. For more information:
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