When is it appropriate to obtain a baseline hearing test following the onset of otitis media with effusion?

Obtaining a baseline hearing test following the onset of otitis media with effusion is most appropriate after three months. The rationale behind this timing is that otitis media with effusion often impacts hearing, but the effusion may resolve on its own over time. Waiting three months allows for an adequate period to assess whether the effusion is persistent or if it has resolved spontaneously, which can be particularly common in children.

If the effusion remains after this period, a hearing test can provide crucial information regarding the extent of any resulting hearing loss and guide subsequent management decisions, such as considerations for interventions like tympanostomy tube placement. Obtaining a hearing test too early, such as at one month, may not reflect the true status since the effusion might not have had enough time to resolve or stabilize. Therefore, three months serves as an optimal timeframe to evaluate the situation and make informed decisions regarding further treatment.