Chronic otitis media is a long term infection of the middle ear for more than six weeks.

What is the Pathology of Chronic Otitis Media?

The pathology of chronic otitis media is:

-Etiology: The cause of chronic otitis media is recurrent or persistent discharge (otorrhea) through a perforation in the tympanic membrane, which can lead to thickening of the middle ear mucosa and mucosal polyps. Chronic otitis media may also be a complication of persistent acute otitis media.

-Pathogenesis: The sequence of events that lead to chronic otitis media is that the middle ear can become inflamed or infected when the eustachian tube becomes blocked. Chronic otitis media results from persistent atelectasis or tympanic perforation, recurrent infection, and chronic effusion.

-Histology: The histology associated with chronic otitis media shows granulation tissue that may be soft or fibrous, and they may contain hemorrhage or cholesterol. 

How does Chronic Otitis Media Present?

Patients with chronic otitis media typically are children. The symptoms, features, and clinical findings associated with chronic otitis media include popping, ringing, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Children may rub their ears trying to relieve pressure. 

How is Chronic Otitis Media Diagnosed?

Chronic otitis media is diagnosed by doing a physical exam, particularly an ear exam. Other tests may include hearing tests, tympanometry, tympanocentesis, or blood tests.

How is Chronic Otitis Media Treated?

Chronic otitis media may be treated with surgery called tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy. There are no medicines that will cure this disease and the primary goal of surgery for chronic otitis media is to remove all infection. 

What is the Prognosis of Chronic Otitis Media?

The prognosis of chronic otitis media is good.