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Fluid in the middle ear (present for more than 12 weeks)
Recurrent ear infections despite efforts of prevention (more than three infections in six months)
Ear infections that don't improve after two to three rounds of using the appropriate antibiotics
Symptoms include:
Persistent ear pain
Ear drainage
Hearing loss (over a three-month period)
Review Date 1/1/2025
Updated by: Charles I. Schwartz, MD, FAAP, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, General Pediatrician at PennCare for Kids, Phoenixville, PA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
