Ventilation tube (grommet) insertion in adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis: A case report

Background: Effusion Otitis Media (OME) is a condition where there is an accumulation of fluid in the middle ear without signs of acute infection which can cause hearing loss and complications such as atelectasis. Even though it occurs more often in children, it does not rule out the possibility that OME can occur in adults, although it is less common, OME in adults can cause complaints such as decreased hearing, discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the ears. Management of OME includes conservative treatment with antibiotics, decongestants or topical corticosteroids as well as medic procedures such as installing grommet tubes as well as identifying underlying causative factors such as sinus infections or eustachian outflow disorders.

Objective: To report a case of ventilation tube (grommet) insertion in adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis

Case Report: A 27 year old woman came with complaints of bilateral hearing loss, complaints accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the ears and tinnitus, especially in the left ear. From the results of the otoscopic examination, it was found that the tympanic membrane was retracted and tympanometry showed type B on both ears. Surgical procedure was then carried out for the installation of a ventilation pipe (grommet).

Clinical question: How is the management of and adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis with ventilation tube (grommet) insertion?

Methods: Evidence-based literature study of ventilation tube (grommet) insertion in adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis.

Result: Grommet tube placement improved hearing in the left ear, with audiometry showing a reduction in hearing threshold from 42 dB to 37 dB.

Conclusion: Installation of ventilation tubes (grommets) in adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis has proven effective in reducing symptoms such as decreased hearing and a feeling of fullness in the ear and can prevent long-term complications. Grommet tube placement is an effective management option for adult patients with stage III tympanic membrane atelectasis who do not respond to conservative therapy.