Otitis media with effusion (OME) can be defined as “the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute ear infection” ( Pediatrics, 2004). OME can be said to be an invisible disorder because there are no immediate signs or symptoms of an acute ear infection such as ear pain, fever, or displeasure (Williamson , 2007). However, OME can have very significant consequences in a child's life. Early identification and monitoring of OME can combat possible speech and language delays, as well as protect against further structural damage to the middle ear. Diagnostically, OME must be differentiated from acute otitis media (AOM), as appropriate treatment will depend on whether the child has OME or AOM. Acute otitis media can be distinguished from OME by the following diagnostic criterion: acute signs and symptoms; existence of a middle ear effusion; or signs and symptoms of inflammation of the middle ear space (Pediatrics, 2004). These symptoms will not be seen in cases of OME. In the United States alone, approximately 2.2 million people are diagnosed with OME each year, making it the most common form of otitis media. The peak age of incidence is generally between 6 months and 4 years, with approximately 90% of children suffering from OME before the age of 5 years (Pediatrics, 2004). In children younger than 1 year, approximately more than 50% will experience OME. Most episodes of OME resolve spontaneously within 3 months, but between 30 and 40% of children will have recurrent OME. Among children with OME, only 5-10% will have episodes lasting more than 1 year (Pediatrics, 2004). There are a number of causes of otitis media with effusion. The most common cause is effusion following a...... middle of paper...... EM can combat possible hearing loss, speech and language delays, and can further protect against structural damage to the middle ear. Academy of Family Physicians, American Academy of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Otitis Media with Effusion. (2004). Clinical practice guideline: Otitis media with effusion. Pediatrics, 113(5), 1412-1429. Boudewyns, A., Declau, F., Van den Ende, J., Van Kerschaver, E., Dirckx, S., Hofkens-Van den Brandt, A. & Van de Heyning, P. (2011). Otitis media with effusion: an underestimated cause of hearing loss in infants. Otology and Neurotology, 32, 799-804.Robb, PJ (2006). Otitis media in children with effusion. Clinical Otolaryngology, 31(6), 535-537. Williamson, I. (2007). Otitis media with effusion in children. Clinical evidence, (8), 1-15.