The optimal solution for the treatment of secretory otitis media
Ear infections can be easily and quickly cured with appropriate antibiotics and bed rest, but if the infections return consecutively, a different method of treating these complaints is needed.
Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract is not a rare occurrence, especially on colder days. During this period, we spend more time indoors and are exposed to various viruses and bacteria.
Ear, nose and throat infections can be unpleasant, and the constant repetition of the same problems can result in deterioration of hearing, poor speech and breathing problems.
The airways are interconnected, which means that an inflammatory throat infection could very easily spread to the ear through the Eustachian tube that connects them.
Ear infections often cause the most disturbances, from pain, temperature and poor hearing, to the inability to equalize pressure and dizziness.
Ear infections can be easily and quickly cured with appropriate antibiotics and bed rest, but if the infections return consecutively, a different method of treating these complaints is needed.
Placing a ventilation tube in the ear is one of these methods.
Disruption of the function of the Eustachian tubes leads to the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear (secretory otitis) resulting in impaired hearing.
By placing a tube, the accumulation of fluid in the ear is prevented, and thus the possibility of developing an infection is lower.
Secretory otitis is more common in the pediatric population due to obstruction of the Eustachian tubes by adenoids and due to frequent respiratory infections.
Long-term secretory otitis, in addition to hearing loss, can lead to chronic ear infection.
The human ear consists of three parts, each of which has a specific function essential for the proper functioning of the upper respiratory tract and nervous system.
The outer ear consists of an auricle and an ear canal that leads all the way to the eardrum. The ear is used for better recognition of sound signals, and the ear canal is obliged to conduct these signals to the eardrum. There are also hairs in the outer ear that protect the ear from external influences.
The middle ear is made up of the eardrum, eardrum, mastoid, auditory bones, and Eustachian tube. The eardrum divides the middle and outer ear, and its role is to vibrate during the passage of sound signals.
Three ossicles are connected to the eardrum, a hammer, an anvil and a stirrup. The stirrup is connected to the eardrum, and its vibration is transmitted to the other ossicles all the way to the inner ear.
There is also an Eustachian tube in the middle ear. It connects the ear to the oral cavity and serves to equalize the pressure in the ears with atmospheric pressure.
The inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, is made up of the cochlea and semicircular canals. They are part of the so-called vestibular system and are responsible for the sense of balance. The cochlea and semicircular tubes are filled with endolymph, a fluid that signals a change in body motion.
There are several types of inflammatory infection, and they differ in the affected part of the ear. Accordingly, we share the inflammation of the outer, middle and inner ear.
Inflammation of the outer ear is caused by bacteria and fungi, and often occurs due to residual fluid in the ear canal. Symptoms are most often severe pain and sensitivity to touch, itching, and impaired hearing is also possible.
Due to the remaining fluid in the canal, swimmers often suffer from inflammation of the outer ear. High temperatures can also result in moisture and sweating of the ear, thus creating favorable conditions for the development of inflammation.
Inflammation of the outer ear is first treated with local therapy (topical antibiotics or antifungals), it is necessary to contact a doctor to get the appropriate treatment.
Inflammation of the middle ear often occurs due to an existing upper respiratory tract infection. Inflammation of the eardrum or otitis is recognized by ear pain, impaired hearing, fever and pus leakage in the event of a rupture of the eardrum.
The appearance of inflammation is the result of an infection of the throat or nose, which is directly connected to the ear through the Eustachian tube. In the case of blockage of the Eustachian tube, fluid retention occurs in the eardrum and the development of infection.
If otitis media is treated too late, mastoiditis, an infection of the bone behind the ear, can occur. Also, constant otitis media can lead to hearing impairment.
A middle ear infection is treated with antibiotics, painkillers, and airway blockage drops.
This infection is usually less common than inflammation of the outer and middle ear, but it can be very uncomfortable. Inflammation is mainly viral, and is preceded by a respiratory tract infection. Other causes can be tumors, head trauma, meningitis and a reaction to certain medications.
If the causative agent is bacteria, there is a high chance of permanent hearing loss (purulent labyrinthitis).
Inflammation of the inner ear is recognized by symptoms such as: tinnitus, hearing impairment, dizziness, balance disorders, nausea and vomiting.
Inflammation is mainly treated with corticosteroids, and if it is recognized in time, it often has a positive outcome.
Otitis media is not a complicated disease and is most often successfully treated with antibiotics. However, if the inflammation recurs frequently, it is necessary to apply some of the preventive methods.
In the middle ear there is an Eustachian tube that connects the ear and oral cavity. Inflammation of the middle ear can lead to thickening of the tubes and poor patency of the canals.
To prevent secretions from being retained in the middle ear, a ventilation tube is placed in the eardrum. The middle ear will thus remain unclogged, and the chances of suffering from inflammation will be lower.
It should be noted that ventilation of the eardrum is not a method of treating otitis media, but a method that seeks to prevent its development.
This problem most often occurs in children, and an enlarged third tonsil also contributes to the development of the disease. If otitis media are still present after third tonsil surgeries, the placement of a ventilation tube is considered the best solution.
Before we decide to install a ventilation tube, it is necessary to perform several diagnostic examinations.
An ENT examination is considered a basic examination for the diagnosis of any disorders in the ear, throat and nose. The doctor examines the eardrum and ear canal in detail.
To make sure that the Eustachian tube is blocked, the doctor must check the mobility of the eardrum by doing tympanometry, which gives accurate information about the mobility of the eardrum and the condition of the middle ear.
This examination consists of several hearing test techniques. Some methods seek to diagnose the type of hearing impairment (qualitative methods), and some seek to determine the degree of impairment (quantitative methods).
Also, under this category of examinations, we divide subjective and objective methods of hearing testing.
Subjective methods require your cooperation, while objective methods are suitable for conducting tests on babies and children.
Subjective methods of hearing testing include:
Objective methods of hearing testing:
After the doctor has checked the work of your eardrums and informed you about the necessary procedure, you should attach the following findings before the operation:
With these findings, we will gain insight into your health condition, previous ailments and, above all, assess how safe it is to undergo surgery.
If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder, we will have to postpone the operation until we find an adequate solution.
The same applies to allergies to anesthesia, which you must inform us about before the procedure.
After the examinations and the submitted findings, you will need to sign a consent that describes in detail the procedure of the operation, possible risks and information on the use of general anesthesia.
By signing the consent, you accept all possible risks and the use of anesthetics. Fortunately, the placement of ventilation tubes on the eardrum is a quick and easy operation, and if done correctly, complications are rare.
In adults, the placement of ventilation tubes is done under local anesthesia and no additional blood tests are required.
Since ventilation tubes are more often placed in children, it is necessary to apply an appropriate approach so that the child comes to the operation as relaxed and fearless as possible.
Adequate communication between parents is crucial here because the way a parent reacts can significantly affect the child’s behavior.
Before the operation , do not hide anything from the child. No matter how young, children feel when something is “not right”. Tell your child why they are having surgery and what the benefits of the procedure are.
Tell him that he will no longer have a “buggy” ear and that he will have better hearing from the tube, just like his/her favorite superhero.
As far as our staff is concerned, at the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic we will do our best to make your child feel as comfortable as possible. Before the operation, they will be able to have fun with various toys and coloring books that will be ready in front of the office.
Upon arrival at the polyclinic, you will be directed to the operating room. The anesthesiologist will give you general anesthesia. The operation will be painless and you will not remember anything.
If it is a local anesthesia (adult), the ear canal will be filled with an anesthetic (spray) that will be removed with a pump after a few minutes.
The operation is performed with an operating microscope , with which the surgeon finds the eardrum. Once located, the surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum and pulls out the contents that were behind the eardrum with aspirator. After extracting the remaining secretion in the ear, the surgeon places a tube at the incision site.
When the tube is positioned and the operation is completed, the anesthesiologist wakes you up from your unconscious state and you are allowed to go home.
The operation usually takes no more than 10 minutes.
After the operation, you are allowed to go home the same day. Be sure to come accompanied because the action of general anesthesia can stun you. Driving is not an option you should opt for.
The tube will be placed in the ear for 6-8 months. This will normalize the pressure in the ears over time, and inflammation should not be frequent.
The removal of the tube is performed under local anesthesia, and it is not uncommon for the ear to expel them on its own.
While you have a tube in your ear, prevent water from entering your ear during activities such as bathing and showering.
In addition to the standard side effects typical of any surgical procedure, such as bleeding, infection and allergic reaction to anesthesia, other complications can occur during the placement of the ventilation tube:
It arises as a reaction of the eardrum to a foreign body. It is treated with corticosteroid drops and antibiotics.
It can occur by frequent repetition of the procedure or even due to the retention of the ventilation tube for a longer period.
Pulling the eardrum deeper into the ear canal is a more common side effect. Fortunately, it does not cause hearing loss.
This is a condition in which hyalinated connective tissue is formed, during which sclerotic plaques are formed. It most often occurs as a result of trauma to the eardrum.
Ear discharge is the most common side effect after the placement of the ventilation tube. It usually lasts 2-4 weeks after surgery.
At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we perform ear, throat and nose surgeries on a daily basis. Our team of ENT specialists and neck and head surgery will make sure that the procedure goes smoothly and that you leave our office healthier and more beautiful.
The operation of installing a ventilation tube is the optimal solution for the treatment of cerrettoral otitis. Complications are generally rare and harmless, and the procedure is quick and painless.
If you have poor hearing and there is a suspicion of secretory otitis, make an appointment by calling +3851 2444 646 or fill out our online form.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.
