Chronic Ear Infections and Hearing Loss: Is it Time for a Surgical Operation?

By Dez Duran-Lamanilao

Ear infections are more common in children because of hygiene habits, developing or underdeveloped immune systems, and shorter and narrower Eustachian tubes. Also known as the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube, the Eustachian tube equalizes air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum to prevent damage as well as drains mucus from the middle ear to prevent upper respiratory tract infections that may lead to ear infections. Chronic otitis media is defined as a persistently draining perforation of the eardrum.

Chronic ear infections are usually treated with antibiotics. If medical treatment proves to be not enough, your doctor may recommend surgical procedures to control the infection and prevent grave complications. The following are some of the surgical procedures that are done for chronic ear infections:

1. Myringoplasty –repair of a perforated eardrum with a tissue graft.
2. Ossiculoplasty – repair of the small bones of the middle ear for conductive hearing loss.
3. Stapedectomy – removal of the stapes of the middle ear.
4. Vestibular Nerve Section – an incision behind the ear that is done when the Meniere’s Disease cannot be medicated.
5. Astresia Repair – an incision behind the ear to allow drilling of a new ear canal through the mastoid bone.
6. Tympanoplasty – correction or repair of defects or injuries in the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear.
7. Mastoidectomy – removal of some or all of the mastoid process.
8. Meatoplasty – needed to easily accomplish routine cleaning of the mastoid cavity.
9. Cochlear implant – done for profound hearing loss .

Sources: Michigan Ear Institute, Atlanta Ear Clinic

Our ears have incredible sensitivity and possess a strong threshold of pain, with their superior range of operation. Accurate diagnostic tests are a vital step in determining the right solutions for ear infections. Experts at the Gulf Coast Audiology are here to help you determine them.