Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone located behind the ear. This honeycomb-like structure becomes infected due to a persistent middle ear infection, also known as otitis media. The infection causes the porous bone to break down, which often requires antibiotics. If the antibiotics do not work and the infection spreads, a surgical procedure called a mastoidectomy may be needed.
Symptoms of Mastoiditis
- Hearing loss
- Pain and swelling behind the outer ear
- Fluid leakage from the ear
- Headaches
If left untreated, mastoiditis can cause serious complications, which may include:
- Blood clots
- Meningitis
- Brain abscess
What is a Mastoidectomy?
A mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure that removes diseased bone from the mastoid part of the skull located behind the ear.
FAQs
This is a procedure carried out by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) consultant and requires a general anaesthetic. The operation typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.
Full recovery from a mastoidectomy can take up to 3 months, although most people are able to return to school or work after 2 weeks.
As with any surgery, a mastoidectomy often results in mild discomfort. The incision behind your ear may be sore, and you may experience a feeling of fullness in the ear.
There may already have been some hearing loss prior to the procedure. It's uncommon to lose all hearing after a mastoidectomy. However, if the infection has damaged the inner ear, there is a higher risk of total permanent hearing loss.
Mastoiditis will not go away without treatment. If left untreated, the infection will continue to spread and can ultimately become life-threatening.
Mastoiditis is typically treated with a course of antibiotics to control the infection. If the infection spreads, further treatment or surgery may be required.
