| Description |
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Serous otitis media (SOM) is, after wax impaction, the most common cause of conductive hearing loss in adults.
This condition is characterized by the accumulation of a sterile, thin, watery, clear serous effusion within the middle ear cleft.
Although occasionally seen in children, serous otitis media is primarily a disease of adults.
While it is relatively silent in terms of its minimal symptoms, the affected population, unlike children with mucoid otitis media, are generally quite aware of their symptoms, and usually will seek medical attention.
In addition to the hearing loss, common symptoms include a blocked or stuffy feeling, fullness or pressure in the ear, and clicking or popping on swallowing. |
