Middle ear effusion.

Acute otitis media and middle ear effusion are among the most common illnesses of childhood. Accuracy in identification and diagnoses, and awareness of the epidemiologic risk factors, the resultant hearing loss and possible language impairment are of paramount importance to the pediatrician and otolaryngologist alike. The goals of management are prompt and effective treatment and follow up to restore hearing and avoid speech and language impairment and other long term sequelae.