This booklet is about middle ear fluid in children ages 1 through 3 who have no other health problems. Tests for middle ear fluid and hearing. Treatments for middle ear fluid and hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid. How to work with your child's health care provider to find the best treatment for your child's middle ear fluid. Another name for middle ear fluid is otitis media with effusion.
Otitis media means middle ear inflammation, and effusion means fluid.
If your child has middle ear fluid, it means that a watery or mucous-like fluid has collected behind the eardrum. Many children get middle ear fluid during their early years. But middle ear fluid is not the same as an ear infection. An Ear Infection usually happens in only one ear at a time. With a middle ear infection your child may have fever and sharp ear pain.