Patients often come into Orlando ENT Hearing Center with problems related to hearing loss. Sometimes, there is a growth or cyst behind the ear. A cholesteatoma is the cause of hearing loss we will be discussing today.
Introduction to Cholesteatoma:
According to Healthline, cholesteatoma is a noncancerous, abnormal growth that can develop in the middle of the ear. The growths develop behind the eardrum. As we have discussed before, ear infections cause issues in the long run.
Often, a cholesteatoma develops as a cyst or sac. The growth sheds layers of old skin. It can increase in size as the dead skin cells accumulate. Unfortunately, the increased size can destroy the delicate bones of the middle ear.
Causes of a cholesteatoma:
Delayed treatment for ear infections create long-term damage. However, even if you receive prompt treatment for ear infections, damage may still be done. Repeated ear infections and poorly functioning eustachian tubes cause a cholesteatoma.
The eustachian tube connects the back of the nose to the middle of the ear. This tube equalizes ear pressure. A eustachian tube allows air air to flow through the ear. This creates the pressurizing effect.
Middle ear infections cause damage to the ear’s physical structure. In turn, the ear infections affect the ear’s function and hearing.
Furthermore, there are multiple reasons why the eustachian tube may not work properly. Chronic ear infections, sinus infections, colds, and allergies cause cholesteatomas. A partial vacuum might occur in the middle ear.
As a result, the partial vacuum may cause a section of the eardrum to be pulled into the middle ear. This creates a cyst that may turn into a cholesteatoma. It can become larger as it fills with old skin cells, waste materials, and fluids.
Cholesteatoma in children:
Although it is rare, babies are sometimes born with a cholesteatoma. Congenital cholesteatomas are considered birth defects. They can form in the middle ear or in other parts of the ear. Nevertheless, cholesteatomas are most commonly caused by repeated ear infections.
Is the growth behind your ear a cholesteatoma?:
There are signs of a cholesteatoma to be informed of. Recognizing the symptoms of this type of growth is important. Your hearing may not be affected permanently if you treat a cholesteatoma quickly.
Symptoms of cholesteatoma are usually mild. Whereas, when the growth increases in size, it can begin to create issues within the ear. Initially, the first symptom may just be a foul-smelling fluid draining from the growth.
Gradually, when the cyst grows, it creates pressure in the ear. Of course, this causes mild to severe discomfort. The aching pain may come from the inside or behind the ear.
The pressure of the growing cyst may eventually cause hearing loss. If you acquire signs of vertigo, facial muscle paralysis, or permanent hearing loss, call a ENT specialist immediately. The conditions will worsen, especially if the growth is left unchecked.
Potential complications:
The dead skin cells that build up in the ear provide an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to flourish. Then, the bacteria will make the ear infected. This will cause inflammation and continual ear drainage.
A cholesteatoma may cause irreversible damage to the eardrum, nerves, and bones inside the ear. The surrounding bone may also be completely destroyed. Permanent hearing loss is a possibility if the bones inside the ear are broken.
Other complications include meningitis, swelling of the inner ear, chronic ear infections, paralysis of facial muscles, or brain abscesses.
Diagnosis and treatment:
An ENT specialist can examine the inside of your ear to determine whether or not you have a cholesteatoma. This examination is performed with a otoscope. The otoscope is a medical device which allows the doctor to see a growing cyst.
A CT scan may be ordered if there are no visible signs. More specifically, a doctor will order a CT scan if you are dizzy and have facial weakness. CT scans are painless and help doctors see inside the ear and skull.
Generally, a cholesteatoma needs to be surgically removed. They do not disappear or downsize naturally. In most cases, the surgery is done outpatient. This means you do not need to stay in the hospital.
Your doctor may prescribe ear drops, antibiotics, and a cleaning regimen leading up to the surgery. A follow-up surgery may be necessary to return the ear structure back to normal. Follow up appointments are usually routine to ensure the cyst has not grown back.
Usually, a cholesteatoma does not cause many complications if treated promptly after recognition. Surgery is safe and effective even if the cyst does grow since diagnosis. Do not let fear get the best of you.
Schedule an appointment at Orlando ENT Hearing Center today for an examination. Have a great week! Stop by next week for more news.
Staff Writer
