What is a common sign of mucoid otitis media as seen during examination?

A common sign of mucoid otitis media during examination is the presence of visible fluid behind the eardrum. This condition is characterized by a thick, mucoid fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which typically manifests as a bulging or opaque appearance of the tympanic membrane. When observing otitis media with effusion, practitioners often notice the ear drum is not clear or normal in appearance but may display signs of fluid, such as a change in color or bulging.

While the clear tympanic membrane and normal appearance options suggest a health status typically not associated with fluid or infection, they do not accurately represent the observable signs in a case of mucoid otitis media. Moreover, discoloration of the outer ear is not a feature associated with this condition, as mucoid otitis media primarily affects the middle ear and tympanic membrane rather than the external ear structures.