Otitis media; chronic

Alternative names:

chronic ear infection; chronic otitis media; ear infection, chronic; middle ear infection, chronic

Definition:

A recurrent or persistent inflammation or infection of the middle ear.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Any acute ear infection may become chronic. A chronic ear infection (chronic otitis media) may be more dangerous than acute ear infection because its effects are prolonged or repeated and may cause permanent damage to the ear. Chronic infections may show less severe symptoms and may not be noticed, so the infection may remain untreated for long periods of time.

Occasionally, trauma or other disorders may cause chronic ear infection. Swelling of the adenoids blocks the eustachian tubes (the passage between the inner ear and the back of the nose/ upper throat) and may cause chronic inflammation (serous otitis). This is most common in children. The eustachian tube may be blocked repeatedly or may be scarred from previous infections, allergies, or swelling in the back of the throat.

Chronic otitis media, where the middle ear is actually infected with bacteria (or, occasionally, viruses) rather than just inflamed, is more serious. It may be the result of an acute ear infection that does not clear completely, or the result of recurrent ear infections. The infection may spread into the mastoid bone (mastoiditis), or pressure from fluid build-up may rupture the eardrum or damage the bones of the middle ear.

Chronic ear infection is much less common than acute ear infection. It affects approximately 2 out of 10,000 people.