Even in the absence of definitive clinical signs for the identification
of the underlying otopathogen(s), most guidelines do not
advocate the systematic use of tympanocentesis, in which fluid is
collected from behind the eardrum and analysed to identify the
infectious organisms involved and perform antibiotic susceptibility
testing. If an antibiotic treatment was to be prescribed, it would be
chosen on empirical grounds based on local epidemiological data.
However, in selected cases (antibiotic treatment failure and complicated
AOM), it is essential to identify the causative otopathogen
accurately and determine its antibiotic susceptibility. Tympanocentesis
will, therefore, be recommended in order to ensure the most
effective treatment course