Abstract:Abstract:ObjectiveTo prompt the diagnosis of otitis media with middle ear effusion in the ENT outpatient department, and to explore the clinical value of acoustic reflex in the diagnosis of otitis media with effusion.MethodsThe clinical data of 169 adult patients diagnosed with secretory otitis media with middle ear effusion in the ENT outpatient department were retrospectively analyzed, and the tympanogram, ipsilateral acoustic reflex and pure tone audiometry were compared between normal and Impaired Hearing.ResultsOf the 169 cases (237 ears) with middle ear effusion confirmed by tympanic puncture, 223 ears (94.1%) were not elicited acoustic reflex, 14 ears(5.9%) were elicited; 200 ears(84.4%) were with abnormal tympanogram, 37 ears(15.6%) were normal; conductive hearing loss was observed in 216 ears (91.1%) and normal hearing in 21 ears (8.9%). Regardless of hearing loss, the rate of negative ipsilateral acoustic reflex was significantly higher than the ratio of abnormal tympanum (P<0.05). There was no difference in the ratio of negative acoustic reflex between the groups with different hearing levels and tympanograms(P>0.05).ConclusionAcoustic reflex is a favorable way to help diagnose otitis media with middle ear effusion in adults. It has the advantages of noninvasive, rapid and objective, which can better help clinical workers to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis of secretory otitis media.