Otitis media can be detected by laboratory tests, imaging tests, acoustic conductance testing, and tympanocentesis.
1. Laboratory tests: Acute otitis media may present with elevated white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and neutrophil percentages in the blood count.
2. Imaging tests: CT of the temporal bone can scan the middle ear and surrounding tissues and is used to differentiate the type and extent of the lesion.
3. Acoustic impedance testing: Normal acoustic impedance maps tend to be bell-shaped (type A), and secretory otitis media show a flat pattern.
4. Tympanocentesis: It can clarify whether there is fluid in the middle ear and determine the nature of the fluid or the type of infection through the test.
If otitis media is suspected, it is recommended to go to the hospital in time to get a clear diagnosis.