What is the likely diagnosis for an 18-month-old with a history of ear infections and poorly mobile tympanic membranes?

The scenario describes an 18-month-old child with a history of ear infections and poorly mobile tympanic membranes. The presence of poorly mobile tympanic membranes typically indicates the presence of fluid in the middle ear, which is characteristic of Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the middle ear without signs of acute infection.

In cases of OME, children often have a history of recurrent ear infections, as fluid can develop as a sequela to prior infections. The lack of acute symptoms or signs of inflammation differentiates it from Acute Otitis Media, where symptoms like fever and ear pain would be more prominent, and the tympanic membranes would usually be bulging and inflamed rather than poorly mobile.

Chronic Otitis Media involves persistent infection or inflammation in the middle ear, which usually presents with more pronounced symptoms than what would be described as "poorly mobile." A normal examination would not show any issues with tympanic membrane mobility, further distinguishing it from OME.

Considering these details, the diagnosis of Otitis Media with Effusion is appropriate for this case, reflecting the child's history and the current examination findings.