Summary
Otitis media with effusion (OME, or glue ear) is middle-ear fluid without the acute inflammatory/infective features of AOM. It can fluctuate and resolve spontaneously; persistence for at least 3 months is termed chronic OME.
In children, assess hearing and its day-to-day effect, not only the presence of fluid. Offer information and hearing support while agreeing monitoring, autoinflation, amplification or surgery. NICE NG233
Persistent unilateral adult OME requires assessment for an underlying cause, including a nasopharyngeal or skull-base lesion.