Middle Ear Infection

[kane]

Good morning Doctor. I waited two months to see if my middle ear infection would go away on its own until I took antibiotics then . Was this a dangerous choice to wait? What is likelihood that the infection damaged the ossiculur bones, and also went into the inner ear to damage the cochlear ? I haven't had any symptoms of dizziness ,spinning, hearing loss or anything. ‎

I would really appreciate your knowledge as I am quite scared.
Thank you
Kimmal Singh

 

[Dr. Nagler]

I waited two months to see if my middle ear infection would go away on its own until I took antibiotics then . Was this a dangerous choice to wait? What is likelihood that the infection damaged the ossiculur bones, and also went into the inner ear to damage the cochlear ? I haven't had any symptoms of dizziness ,spinning, hearing loss or anything. ‎

Hi Kimmal. Thank you for your question.

I am not an ENT, nor have I examined you, so that's really two strikes against me right there in terms of giving you an accurate responsible response.

That said, I do feel comfortable speaking in a few broad generalities. The type of middle ear infection that could potentially damage the ossicles would typically be a long-standing (i.e., chronic) recurrent process. An otitis media like you seem to be describing would much more likely result in a perforated eardrum than it would result in ossicular damage. And as far as cochlear hair cell damage is goes, I do not think it at all likely that the type of process you are describing would migrate centrally to the cochlea.

But given your concern, who don't you go to an ENT for an examination. It's simple. It's quick. And then your mind will be completely at ease!

Be well.

stephen nagler