What is "serous otitis media" or "middle ear effusion"?

What is "serous otitis media" or "middle ear effusion"?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: What is an ear infection?; What ear infection symptoms do children and teens experience?; What activities should I avoid if I have an ear infection? and more...

Serous otitis media is a condition where fluid is in the middle ear space but there's no bacterial infection. Serous otitis media is often called a Eustachian tube disfunction, where negative pressure is created in the middle ear and fluid leaks from the capillaries into that space. In and of itself, it's not dangerous, but if left unmonitored it can lead to otitis media, if bacteria get involved. Or, it can lead to hearing loss if the fluid fills the middle ear completely.