Chronic middle ear infection in children

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Chronic middle ear infection results from recurring infections that may damage the eardrum or lead to formation of a cholesteatoma, which in turn promotes more infection.

• Chronic middle ear infections can be caused by acute middle ear infections, blockage of the eustachian tube, injuries, burns, or placement of tubes through the eardrum.
• Children usually have hearing loss and ear discharge.
• A doctor diagnoses chronic middle ear infection based on examination findings.
• Treatment usually includes antibiotic drops and sometimes antibiotics taken by mouth, insertion of ear tubes, or both.

(See also Overview of Middle Ear Infections in Young Children and Otitis Media (Chronic) in adults.)