Acute Otitis Media Clinical Pathway – All Settings
Acute Otitis Media Clinical Pathway – All Settings
Diagnostic Criteria for AOM (All 3 Required)
| Onset | Acute onset of signs and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Bulging Membrane | Best predictor of bacterial infection |
| Middle Ear Effusion | Reduced TM mobility with pneumatic otoscopy |
|
AOM should be diagnosed in children with new onset otorrhea without otitis externa OME diagnosis is based on a middle ear effusion w/o middle ear inflammation |
|
![]() Mild Bulging |
![]() Moderate Bulging |
Severe Bulging |

