Otitis media with effusion is one of the leading causes of acquired hearing loss in children. The role of allergy in various disorders of the respiratory tract is well known. However, the relationship between allergy and the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion is still under investigation. Studies with favorable as well as unfavorable results regarding an allergic etiology continue to provide information about the multifactorial nature of the disease process. Therefore, not everyone in the scientific community is convinced. As new data accumulate, new insights can succeed. In the following review, we intend to provide an overview of the recent developments in the relevant areas of research within the past year.