Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma and mastoiditis are conditions linked to infections and complications within the middle ear.
Treatment typically begins with a thorough clinical examination by a doctor or specialist. This may be followed by hearing tests, tympanometry (to measure ear pressure), and imaging scans like CT or MRI if the condition is complex.
The goal of treating these conditions is to alleviate symptoms and minimize their recurrence. Initially, over-the-counter pain relievers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen are often recommended for pain management.
Antibiotics may not be immediately prescribed, especially for ear infections, and pain relief may be attempted first. However, in cases such as infants, antibiotics may be necessary.
Amoxicillin is commonly prescribed as it’s effective, safe, and relatively inexpensive. Liquid forms of antibiotics are often administered orally. If there’s a perforation in the eardrum, antibiotic eardrops or dilute acidic solutions like vinegar mixed with water may be used.
Specialist may perform clinical cleaning (debridement) if needed. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended to address symptoms observed during otoscopy or tympanometry.
Surgical objectives typically involve resolving the issue and preventing recurrence, preserving and improving hearing, and sometimes reconstructing the middle ear and mastoid bones.
Surgeries may include mastoidectomy, repair or replacement of middle ear bones, eardrum repair, or ear tube surgery.
The prognosis is generally positive. Most cases of middle ear infections clear up within 72 hours without treatment. Chronic infections usually respond well to treatment, with prompt antibiotic administration resulting in excellent outcomes.
For more severe cases requiring surgery, healing can take several weeks. Surgery is successful in repairing the eardrum in about 90% of cases, with infections typically resolving afterward.
Hearing improvement may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the issue, presence of cholesteatoma, ossicular erosion, mastoid disease, and eustachian tube function. Hearing reconstruction surgeries may take several weeks for improvement.
Regular checkups with the doctor are advised post-surgery to monitor healing and maintain optimal health.