Nasal balloon autoinflation can help clear middle ear effusion, improving the quality of life in school-aged children with glue ear (original) (raw)
Randomised controlled trial
Nasal balloon autoinflation can help clear middle ear effusion, improving the quality of life in school-aged children with glue ear
- Anne G M Schilder1,2,
- Roderick P Venekamp2
- 1evidENT, Ear Institute, University College London, London, UK;
- 2Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence to: Dr Roderick P Venekamp, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands; R.P.Venekamp{at}umcutrecht.nl
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Commentary on: Williamson I, Vennik J, Harnden A, et al. An open randomised study of autoinflation in 4- to 11-year-old school children with otitis media with effusion in primary care. Health Technol Assess 2015;19:1–150.
Implications for practice and research
- Autoinflation with a nasal balloon can improve symptoms and clear middle ear effusion (MEE) in school-aged children with recent onset of glue ear.
- Further research is required to determine whether nasal balloon autoinflation reduces the need for grommet surgery.
Context
Otitis media with effusion, commonly known as glue ear, is the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Glue ear usually resolves spontaneously but in persistent or recurrent cases there is a potential impact on the child's speech development and school performance. Current clinical guidance for children diagnosed with glue ear recommends a 3-month period of watchful waiting.1 Grommets, small tubes inserted in the tympanic membrane to drain middle ear …