Monitoring
Clinicians should determine appropriate follow-ups. Follow-up exam of asymptomatic patients at the completion of treatment is not necessary. It is recommended that a follow-up exam be done in 3-4 weeks or within the next 4-6 weeks. Middle ear effusion can persist for up to 1 month in 50% of patients and up to 3 months in 10% of patients even if there is a bacteriologic cure. Persistence of middle ear effusion is not an indication for continued treatment or for another course of antibiotics. A hearing test should be performed if effusion is still present in 3 months post-AOM. Refer to an otolaryngologist if hearing loss persists.