Hearing aids versus ventilation tubes in persistent otitis media with effusion: a survey of clinical practice

A postal survey was carried out to determine the current clinical practice amongst consultant otolaryngologists in the UK, regarding re-insertion of v entilation tubes or recommendation of hearing aids in cases of recurrence o f otitis media with effusion (OME) after ventilation tube extrusion. Amongst the 319 respondents, 15 (4.70 per cent) routinely, 146 (45.77 per c ent) sometimes, and 158 (49.53 per cent) either never, or very rarely, reco mmend hearing aids. Hearing aids and ventilation tubes were both suggested to be equally good options by some consultants but they preferred surgery f or a number of reasons. There were inconsistencies in practice and some of the reasons for re-inser ting ventilation tubes are not evidence-based. A hearing aid is a non-invas ive option and this survey shows a need for a randomized control trial of h earing aids and ventilation tubes in the management of persistent and recur rent OME.