The Doctor Is In
Your questions about child health answered
by David Tejeda, M.D., chief of pediatrics,
Physician Foundation at California Pacific Medical Center
David Tejeda, M.D.,
chief of pediatrics
Q: There is a new monitor sold
at drugstores that apparently
checks for fluid in the ear. Is this type
of device effective for diagnosing ear
infections? Would you recommend that
parents of an infant or toddler use it?
A: These monitors, which sell for
about $50, cannot diagnose ear
infections or replace an exam by an
experienced clinician. They use sound
waves to determine the probability of
fluid behind the eardrum. Fluid in the
middle ear is fairly common with colds.
This fluid typically resolves on its own
and does not usually develop into an
ear infection. If fluid is present and
the child has a fever and/or is complaining
of ear pain, then an infection
is more likely and you should consult
your pediatrician.
The monitor can be useful to help
determine if fluid is persisting, though
it is not typically necessary to do so.
It is not reliable in children less than
6 months of age, or with ear tubes,
perforated eardrums and/or ear drainage.
I do not recommend use of this
device as a routine for my patients.
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