Adhesive Otitis Media

Adhesive otitis media (adhesive middle-ear disease) is adherence of the tympanic membrane to the medial wall (promontory) of the middle ear, from chronic Eustachian-tube dysfunction and negative pressure, causing conductive hearing loss. Treatment: treat underlying Eustachian dysfunction; ventilation tube/grommet insertion; hearing aid for conductive loss; surgical lysis/ossiculoplasty if significant; difficult to reverse established adhesions.

Common Symptoms

Conductive hearing loss; adherent TM on otoscopy; chronic Eustachian dysfunction history

Causes and Pathogenesis

Chronic negative middle-ear pressure adheses the TM to the promontory.

Treatment

Treat Eustachian dysfunction; grommet; hearing aid; surgical lysis/ossiculoplasty if significant

Preventive Measures

Treat Eustachian dysfunction; early grommet for persistent effusion.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.