Chronic otitis media

Chronic otitis media - "fluid in the middle ear"

Chronic otitis media is a slightly strange term, as the condition is neither an inflammation nor chronic. It is, on the other hand, a condition where there is secretion in the middle ear and which can be easily treated. The condition sometimes goes away by itself, but in some cases the condition does not go away until something active is done, such as e.g. to place a drain in the eardrum.

Chronic otitis media - or "fluid in the middle ear" typically causes both ear pain and reduced hearing, as well as thick secretions running out of the ear. Chronic otitis media is very common among children of institutional age, but adults can also be affected. Children and parents often see the ear doctor after a long period of poor sleep and changed behaviour. This is often a good reason to look in the children's ears.

Regardless of age, chronic otitis media and fluid in the middle ear is very uncomfortable, and can cause many restless and sleepless nights for the whole family.

At Charlottenlund Private Hospital, we treat both children and adults with chronic otitis media (fluid in the ears). If you yourself or your child have symptoms of fluid in the middle ear, Charlottenlund Private Hospital always offers quick appointments for examination and treatment. Contact us for an appointment by clicking here.

Background: What is chronic otitis media?

The ear consists of the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Fluid accumulation can occur in the middle ear - most often in connection with or after a cold.

The most frequent cause of chronic otitis media or fluid in the middle ear is a result of a common cold, where the narrow passage (also called the Eustachian tube) that connects the middle ear to the pharynx swells up and thus closes, which reduces the ability to equalize pressure in the middle ear and negative pressure in the middle ear occurs. Negative pressure in the middle ear is completely normal in small children, but when the middle ear has been exposed to negative pressure over a longer period, the mucous membrane in the middle ear begins to produce a thick secretion which has the consistency of contact glue - hence the English name "Glue Ear". The fluid in the middle ear dampens the movements of the eardrum and therefore causes hearing loss, just as it presses on the eardrum - especially when you lie down where the pressure increases - which causes pain in the ears and often wakes up the small children - and not least the rest of the family - at night.

The condition often disappears on its own, but if there is no progress after a few months of observation, the specialist will typically offer to place a small drain during an operation under full anaesthetic, which relieves the ear. As a result, pain and hearing loss disappear immediately.

See Sundhed.dk's animation of how otitis media works.