Otitis Media - Research Paper Example

Otitis Media Otitis media Inflammation of the middle ear is called Otitis media. Media means middle and otitis refers to the inflammation in the ear. The inflammation in the ear usually starts with infections that give rise to cold, sore throat or any other respiratory problems which in turn spreads to the middle of the ear. The infections can be caused by bacteria or viruses and the severity can be either chronic or acute. Otitis media that sets a rapid onset and that lasts for a short duration is called Acute Otitis media.

This type of infection is usually caused by the accumulation of fluid in the middle of the ear together with symptoms and signs of ear infection. The symptom includes a perforated eardrum with drainage of pus (purulent material) or the bulging of eardrum accompanied by pain. It is also likely that the patient also suffers from fever. On the other hand persistent inflammation in the middle ear is called Chronic Otitis media which lasts for at least a month. The difference from acute ear infection is that acute otitis media stays only for few weeks.

In the case of chronic otitis media, an acute infection is followed by the effusion of fluid behind the ear drum in the tympanic membrane that can last for about three months. Chronic otitis media is likely to develop negative pressure at the back of the eardrum due to prolonged effusion. It can also cause continuing damage to the eardrum and middle ear and may continue drainage in the eardrum through the hole in the middle. Chronic otitis media usually begins without pain and fever. Popping and ear pressure can last for months leading to a mild loss of hearing (Otitis Media 2011).

Treatment of Otitis Media On diagnosing a person with Otitis Media, treatment is planned by considering factors such as the age of the patient, risk factors involved with the resistant bacteria, hearing status and immunization status. Preferred treatment for low risk children is to give antibiotics for twenty four hours and then check the following day. Children usually improve when treated with analgesic eardrop to cure pain and in that case antibiotics are not needed. High risk children are usually given antibiotics.

If the antibiotics do not cure the infection and the infection turns chronic with symptoms of hearing loss, the doctor might recommend a surgery. Common surgery for otitis media is myringotomy. In this process a small incision is made in the eardrum and the fluid drained to stop the recurrence of infection. Adenoidectomy is another method through which the adenoids are removed. This method is recommended for children who are four years and above and if the infection has lasted for more than three months.

Tonsillectomy is another method of surgery whereby the tonsils are removed. This is recommended for kids aged four years or above. Tympanoplasty is used to repair the eardrum using a tissue graft to cure infection. If the patient suffers hearing loss, a method called stapedectomy is used to replace the stapes with prosthesis (Health Encyclopedia - Diseases and Conditions 2011). Effects on hearing The buildup of fluid in the middle ear blocks sound and thereby causes temporary hearing difficulties.

A child tends to talk louder, does not respond to sound or appear inattentive at school. In certain cases hearing difficulties are not evident or obvious (Signs of Hearing Difficulties 2011). Effects on speech If a child has recurring infections or otitis media, a speech specialist and an audiologist must be consulted. The assessment of a speech language pathologist is essential to measure the child’s language skills and speech because a child learns to speak by hearing and if there is hearing problem it is likely that the child may not develop speech skills and the speech pathologist is required to suggest remedial programs (Causes of Hearing Loss in Children 2011).

Reference Causes of Hearing Loss in Children 2011 Available: http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/disorders/causes.htm. Retrieved on March 21, 2011 Health Encyclopedia - Diseases and Conditions 2011 Available: http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/611/main.html. Retrieved on March 21, 2011 Otitis Media 2011 Available: http://www.medicinenet.com/otitis_media/article.htm. Retrieved on March 21, 2011 Signs of Hearing Difficulties 2011 Available: http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/ear/otitis_media.html#. Retrieved on March 21, 2011