Chronic otitis media is an ear condition that differs from an acute (short-term) ear infection that soon goes away. Instead, someone with chronic otitis media experiences frequent flare-ups and ear drainage.
Since this condition is often painless, it’s important to get a professional evaluation if symptoms appear. When left untreated, it can result in long-term hearing problems.
Here’s what you need to know about long-term middle ear infections.
What Is Chronic Otitis Media?
Chronic otitis media is a problem that affects your middle ear. It’s defined by inflammation, frequent or long-term ear infections, and fluid drainage. When left untreated, chronic otitis media can even cause growths to form in your ear.
The timeline is what distinguishes chronic otitis media from a standard middle ear infection. Symptoms can last months and may worsen with time.
Common Causes
Triggers for chronic otitis media include viral infections like the common cold, sinus problems, and certain lifestyle factors like smoking. Anything that persistently irritates or inflames your middle ear can cause this condition. It can also develop when an acute middle ear infection doesn’t completely resolve.
Your eustachian tubes drain fluid in the middle ear down into your throat. When they become blocked during an ear infection, pressure builds up. Over time, this pressure and fluid backup can cause a perforation (hole) in your eardrum.
In people with chronic otitis media, the eardrum perforation does not heal as it should. This causes persistent, recurring ear infections, inflammation, and drainage.
Symptoms of Chronic Otitis Media
Some symptoms to watch for include:
- Pus-like drainage from the ear
- Pressure and fullness in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Balance problems
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
- Hearing loss
Some with chronic otitis media also develop white growths in their middle ear called cholesteatomas. These growths are noncancerous, but they can harm the bones in the ear over time.
How Chronic Otitis Media Can Affect Hearing
Chronic otitis media can cause temporary hearing loss or permanent hearing damage.
During the initial stages, your hearing might sound muffled due to inflammation and fluid buildup in your ear. This should resolve once the condition is treated.
However, untreated chronic ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss, which requires advanced solutions from hearing specialists and physicians.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Complications from chronic otitis media can eventually cause conductive hearing loss.
Conductive hearing loss occurs when the structures that transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear are damaged. Untreated chronic otitis media can break down bone tissue, eventually preventing sound from reaching your inner ear structures.
If you’ve developed a cholesteatoma, this can further degrade important bone structures that carry sound to your inner ear. That’s why prompt treatment is essential for preserving your hearing health.
When to See a Hearing Specialist
If you suspect you have chronic otitis media, you should see an ENT or other hearing specialist right away. They can treat the underlying infection and help your ear heal. The next step is to visit an audiologist so they can assess you for hearing damage.
These specialists are trained to spot both acute and long-term hearing problems. They’ll perform an in-depth hearing exam and address any ear-related balance or vertigo symptoms.
Audiologists also monitor for new developments as time goes on. They collaborate with ENTs and primary care doctors when needed to provide comprehensive treatment. You’re in good hands when you visit a qualified hearing specialist after chronic otitis media.
FAQs About Chronic Otitis Media
Have questions about chronic otitis media? We’re here to help!
Can Chronic Otitis Media Cause Permanent Hearing Loss?
With prompt treatment, most hearing loss from ear infections is reversible. When left untreated for a long time, however, infections can result in permanent conductive hearing loss. An audiologist may be able to improve your hearing with the right treatments and devices.
How Is Chronic Otitis Media Diagnosed?
A physician will ask about your symptoms and examine your ear to diagnose chronic otitis media. They’ll look for eardrum perforations, growths in your ear, and pus or fluid drainage to make the diagnosis. The doctor will also take your prior history of ear infections into account.
Will My Hearing Return After Repeated Infections?
The sense of pressure or fullness in your ear should go away after the infection is treated. If you haven’t experienced major damage to your middle and inner ear structures, your hearing should eventually return to normal. Severe repeated infections may result in permanent partial hearing loss.
How Happy Ears Hearing Center Can Help
At Happy Ears Hearing Center, we specialize in comprehensive hearing care. We use a holistic, patient-centered approach to manage long-term hearing problems and improve your quality of life. We’re happy to be a trusted provider in this space.
Our highly experienced audiologists treat a wide range of ear conditions. We assess your hearing and recommend effective, convenient solutions that match your lifestyle.
If you’re wondering whether you have chronic otitis media or need help managing hearing complications, we’re here for you. Book a consultation with us today!