Chronic Ear Infection

Chronic Ear Infection Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Chronic Ear Infection

Chronic ear infection refers to recurring bouts of acute otitis media which refuse to heal. The eustachian tube responsible for draining fluid from the middle ear can become clogged, leading to an infection with fluid build-up and pain.

Children having smaller eustachian tubes are more prone to developing this condition. Unlike acute otitis media, chronic ear infection does not subside on its own and needs expert treatment. Consult an ENT specialist near you for management and follow-up. You can also visit an ENT hospital near you.

What is chronic ear disease?

The air-filled space just behind the eardrum is generally referred to as the middle ear. This part contains the smaller bones – the malleus, incus and stapes – covered by the eardrum (tympanic membrane). These bones are responsible for sound vibrations. Sound is thus passed to the inner ear, wherein nerve impulses for hearing are created, and the signal is sent to the brain. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat and controls the air flow and pressure inside the middle ear.

Infection develops in the middle ear when a person catches cold or any allergy (upper respiratory tract infection). This blocks the eustachian tube, thus retaining fluid in the middle ear. This condition is called chronic serous otitis media.

What are the symptoms of chronic ear disease?

Symptoms of a chronic ear infection include:

• Constant feeling of pressure in the ear
• Persistent pain in the ear, albeit mild
• Drainage from ears
• Mild fever
• Loss of hearing due to accumulated fluids
• Sleeping issues due to constant discomfort
• Change in appetite for babies
• Babies pulling their ears constantly

What causes chronic ear disease?

• Primary infections like cold, flu, allergies
• Fluid deposition and accumulation in eustachian tube
• Children more prone to developing secondary ear infection
• Genetic factors may also contribute to development of such conditions

When do you need to see a doctor?

Any persistent symptom of an ear infection needs medical attention. Especially,

• Acute ear infection not responding to first line of treatment recommended by a doctor
• Worsening of symptoms
• Recurring infections in the ear

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

What are the complications?

A chronic ear infection can cause several problems if left untreated. Possible complications include:

• Hearing loss
• Perforation of the eardrum
• Damage to the bones of the ear
• Tympanosclerosis – scarring and hardening of ear tissue
• Cholesteatoma – a type of cyst formed in the middle ear
• Spread of the infection to the meninges of the brain
• Facial paralysis in the most severe cases

How is chronic ear disease treated?

• Medication includes topical antibiotic ear drops and over-the-counter pain relief medication; please do not self-medicate, especially with regard to young children.
• Surgical intervention may range from inserting ear-tubes through the eardrum to drain the fluids from the inner ear to surgical repair/replacement of damaged bones. One such surgical procedure is called mastoidectomy.

Conclusion

Chronic ear infection needs the expert opinion of an ENT specialist. It can present with mild but persistent symptoms and can cause more damage if not taken care of appropriately.