Chronic otitis media is a very complex disease, typically initiated by perforation of the tympanic membrane. It is often a result of chronic eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear negative pressure. The middle ear and mastoid become chronically infected. This condition leads to decreased hearing and potentially leads to facial paralysis, meningitis, brain abscess and death. Chronic otitis media is a serious illness and must be evaluated and treated.
Evaluation includes consultation with an otolaryngologist.
It is commonly treated with antibiotics and with ear drops. Hearing tests to document the degree of hearing impairment are mandatory. Ultimately, surgical repair is required to eradicate infection and protect and restore hearing. Serous Otitis Media Serous otitis media is a very common illness of young children typically during the ages of 1 to 5, but occasionally extending through puberty and has been increasingly discovered in adults as well. A symptom of serous otitis media is hearing loss.