What should be the follow-up plan for a 12-month old child with fluid levels in one ear after prior otitis media treatment?

In the context of a 12-month-old child who has had prior treatment for otitis media and is currently presenting with fluid levels in one ear, a follow-up evaluation of the ears in 2 months is an appropriate approach. Monitoring the situation over a short period allows clinicians to assess whether the fluid resolves on its own, which is often the case in young children. Otitis media with effusion (OME) frequently resolves without aggressive intervention, particularly in children, and a 2-month follow-up is standard practice to determine if further action is necessary.

This timeframe provides a balance between ensuring that the child's ear health is monitored while avoiding potential unnecessary treatments or referrals. If the fluid persists beyond this period or if the child exhibits worsening symptoms such as hearing loss or recurrent infections, then further evaluation, possibly leading to intervention or referral, can be considered.

Other options may not be the best initial approach in this scenario. For example, a consultation with an audiologist is typically indicated if there are concerns regarding hearing loss but is not the first step when simply monitoring fluid levels. Prescribing an oral decongestant may not effectively resolve the fluid build-up as it does not directly address the underlying issue and is not typically recommended for young children in this context