Table 4

Diagnostic criteria in guidelines for acute otitis media (AOM) management from five developed countries

CountryUSA*ITAJPN†ZAFAUS
TM characteristics
(contour, colour, translucency)		+++++
Otorrhoea+++−−
Fever+++++
Otalgia+++++
Use of pneumatic otoscopy (mobility)‡§++++−
Use of tympanometry−+¶++−
Hearing loss, dizziness−−−+−

  • *Distinction between severe and non-severe AOM.

  • †AOM severity is classified as mild/moderate/severe, according to age, fever, crying, TM hyperaemia or protrusion and otorrhoea.

  • ‡Mobility: normal/increased/decreased/absent.

  • §After removal of cerumen, if present.

  • ¶Limited to uncertain cases.

  • AUS, Australia; ITA, Italy; JPN, Japan; TM, tympanic membrane; ZAF, South Africa.