Chronic otitis media and mastoiditis are both related to ear issues, specifically affecting the middle ear. These conditions are quite common, with chronic otitis media being the leading cause of antibiotic prescriptions in the US, particularly affecting infants, with up to 80% diagnosed by the age of 3. While middle ear infections can occur at any age, they are less frequent in older children and adults. Ear infections are typically associated with colds and are not contagious between individuals.
There are three main types of acute or chronic otitis media:
- Non-infected chronic otitis media: Characterized by a persistent hole or perforation in the eardrum without infection or effusion. Symptoms may include mild pain or discomfort in the ear, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms at all.
- Suppurative chronic otitis media: Involves the presence of liquid effusion in the middle ear.
- Chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma: Involves the formation of a tumor.
Each type presents with different symptoms and requires individualized treatment and management.
Initial signs of chronic otitis media, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, include persistent ear blockage or fullness, mild hearing loss, chronic ear drainage, balance problems, facial weakness, deep ear pain or headache, fever, confusion or sleepiness, drainage or swelling behind the ear, and irritability.
In infants, symptoms may be harder to discern but can include irritability, changes in mood and behavior, fever, pulling or rubbing of the ear, poor feeding, restlessness at night, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, unresponsiveness to quiet sounds, and loss of balance.
Fluid build-up in the ear, termed serous otitis media, may cause temporary hearing loss and deafness in the affected ear, often occurring after a cold when the Eustachian tube becomes blocked.
Long-lasting ear infections with perforation of the eardrum may result from various factors such as blocked Eustachian tube, heat or chemical burns, or injury from pressure changes or foreign objects entering the ear. Swimming or bathing can exacerbate these infections by allowing water into the ear canal.
Prolonged infections can lead to complications such as damage to the middle ear bones and spread to surrounding organs, potentially causing inflammation.
Consultation with a doctor is necessary if symptoms persist for over 24 hours or if an infant or child displays symptoms such as pain and ear drainage. A detailed clinical examination by a medical professional is essential in such cases.