Q&A

Subject: What type of middle ear problems can be medically cured

From: AA

My mother recently underwent a full audiologist's hearing test, and was told that the majority of her problems seem to be medically caused; location, middle ear. The audiologist told us that she will send a report to my mother's insurance carrier recommending a visit with an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

While we are awaiting news from them, we are left with questions. What type of medical help is available to treat middle ear problems? We were told it could even be that the eustachian tube is not functioning properly. Can this be medically treated? Would it involve the use of medication, or is she likely to be looking at surgery?

I realize that you can't give specific advice about her situation without having a full background, but we are very interested in obtaining some general idea of what she could be facing in the arena of treatment options.

I think our main question is simply: Is it likely that medical help will be possible?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Sincerely, AA

Dear AA,

You are right in that more information is needed. "Middle ear problems" tells us the anatomical area involved but not the medical cause. Middle ear fluid, for example, can have allergies as an underlying cause. Treat the allergies, and hearing should improve! Some individuals who have had chronic ear infections can have erosion of the bones behind the ear drum and that often requires surgery to get even a partial correction.

There is also a bone condition called "otosclerosis" which amounts to "arthritis of the ear"... a stiffening and enlargement of the tiny bones of the middle ear. Again surgery is the treatment and it is often spectacularly successful. Your ear doctor will take into account your medical history, the audiologist's test results and the physical examination of your ears and be able to advise you on the causes and treatments of your particular problems.

Most problems of the outer and middle ears can be medically treated.

Good luck!
Solveig