space via the eustachian tube, leading to infection and inflammation. Chronic otitis media • Usually results from recurrent acute otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction, but may also be due to trauma or other disea
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space via the eustachian tube, leading to infection and inflammation. Chronic otitis media • Usually results from recurrent acute otitis media and eustachian tube dysfunction, but may also be due to trauma or other diseases • Involves permanent perforation of the tympanic membrane, with or without recurrent pus formation • Often accompanied by changes in the mucosa and bony structures (ossicles) of the middle ear • May lead to formation of a cholesteatoma (non-cancerous cyst or mass that contains epithelial cell debris), which can cause conductive hearing loss • Incidence of cholesteatoma is highest in children and young adults. • Treatment may include surgical repair of the perforated tympanic membrane (tympanoplasty) to restore sound conduction and the integrity of the middle ear or surgical removal of cholesteatoma
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Symptoms
Acute otitis media:
• Mild to severe pain in the affected ear • Fever • Diminished hearing • Dizziness • Vertigo • Tinnitus • Pus in the mastoid air cells often causes mastoid tenderness. • Tympanometry or air insufflation (blowing air into the ear) may reveal decreased movement of the tympanic membrane. • Tympanic membrane rupture, or perforation, may release a purulent discharge. • Myringotomy (surgical incision of the tympanic membrane) may be performed to relieve the pressure. Recurrent acute otitis media:
• Refers to repeated incidences of acute otitis media, such as three in 6 months or four in 12 months. Serous otitis media:
• Fluid in the middle ear without inflammation • Reported sensation of “snapping” or “popping” and acute hearing loss in the affected ear • May cause severe vertigo (sensation of whirling or rotation) • Sometimes becomes chronic (continuing for more than 3 months) and is more often linked to development of sensory hearing loss
Risk Factors
Otitis media occurs more frequently during winter months. Certain factors may increase a child’s risk for developing otitis media, including:
• Allergies • Attendance at child care centers • Exposure to tobacco smoke • Pacifier use, which can alter dental structure and lead to eustachian
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