International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is a common symptom of chronic otitis media?

1. Severe bells palsy

2. Bulging tympanic membrane

3. Persistent ear pain

4. Fluid drainage from the ear

The correct answer is: Fluid drainage from the ear

In cases of chronic otitis media, one of the hallmark symptoms is fluid drainage from the ear. This condition often results from a prolonged inflammation or infection of the middle ear, which can lead to the accumulation of fluid. As the infection persists over time, it may create a situation where the eardrum (tympanic membrane) can rupture, allowing the infected fluid to drain out of the ear. This symptom can be quite noticeable and is often accompanied by other issues such as hearing loss or sensation of fullness in the ear. While persistent ear pain is also a symptom, it tends to be more associated with acute episodes rather than chronic cases, where drainage might be more prominent. Similarly, the bulging tympanic membrane is typically noted in acute otitis media when fluid accumulates behind the eardrum but is less characteristic of the ongoing conditions seen in chronic otitis media. Severe Bell's palsy is unrelated to otitis media and pertains to facial nerve paralysis instead. Hence, fluid drainage specifically indicates ongoing chronic inflammation within the ear, making it the correct choice for a common symptom associated with chronic otitis media.