Chronic otitis media symptoms are very similar to those of acute middle ear infections, but these can last longer and occur more frequently.
Symptoms can include fever, swelling or tenderness of the ear, and difficulty hearing, especially when the eardrum has perforated (holed). Children with chronic otitis media often have trouble learning because the infection disrupts the normal way sound is transmitted from the outer ear to the inner ear.
Ear Pain
The most common symptom of a chronic middle ear infection is ear pain, which can range from mild to severe. The ear pain may be accompanied by a discharge from the ear that is cloudy or foul-smelling.
A doctor can diagnose chronic otitis media by looking at the ear and taking a sample of drainage fluid to test in a laboratory. He or she will also examine the inside of your ear with an otoscope to check for fluid build-up.
Otitis media with effusion is a very common condition, usually seen in young children. It is caused by a blockage of the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage that helps control airflow and pressure in the middle ear. This can happen when your child has a cold, allergies, or another type of ear infection.
Most cases of otitis media with effusion clear up on their own in a few weeks to months, without needing treatment with antibiotics. However, some people develop a condition called chronic otitis media with effusion, or COME, which is a persistent (recurrent) middle ear infection that does not respond to conventional ear medicine.
If you have a chronic middle ear infection, talk with your doctor about treatment options. These may include medication, ear drops, or surgery.
The doctor will probably do an otoscope exam of your ear, to check the inside of the eardrum. He or she will also check for swelling, redness or pus behind your ear.
You may also be given a CT scan of your head to look for fluid build-up in your middle ear or other problems. If the doctor finds fluid, he or she will probably prescribe an antibiotic to treat your infection.
Cholesteatoma & Tympanic Membrane Dysfunction
In rare cases, chronic otitis media can cause serious problems with the inner ear or the tympanic membrane. In addition, it can lead to a hole in your eardrum or a build-up of fluid and mucus in your ear (called cholesteatoma). This is a dangerous condition that can destroy your ear bones.
It can also make your ears more susceptible to new ear infections, which can affect your hearing and cause other health problems. It can even increase your risk for having a stroke.
Your doctor may need to remove the fluid from your ear, or put in tubes that are used to drain the fluid and keep it out of your ear. He or she may also prescribe antibacterial ear drops to reduce the inflammation and bacteria that can cause these conditions.
