what happens when the mastoid keeps getting infected
Mastoiditis is a bacterial infection of the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone, which sits behind the ear, consists of air spaces that help drain the middle ear. When the mastoid cells become infected or inflamed, often as a result of an unresolved middle ear infection (otitis media), mastoiditis can develop. In acute mastoiditis, infection may spread outside of the mastoid bone and cause serious health complications.
Located in your middle ear, your mastoid is made up of many air filled spaces that help keep pressure in your ear balanced. An infection in your middle ear can spread to your mastoid and eventually damage the bone. Often a pocket of cells grows from your outer ear into your middle ear causing infection, discharge, swelling and hearing loss. To prevent further damage your consultant may recommend mastoid surgery.