Treatment

Chronic suppurative otitis media may be treated initially with antibiotics to clear any persistent infection. Longer-term use of antibiotic eardrops has been shown to reduce the amount of pus discharging from the ear in adults. However surgical repair of the eardrum (tympanoplasty) provides a more permanent solution.

For children with recurrent otitis media with no perforation a drainage tube (grommet) may be inserted to help clear residual fluid from the middle ear.

Adenoids or tonsils may need to be removed if they are obstructing the opening of the eustachian tube in the throat.

Management of hearing loss and assessment and treatment of tinnitus forms part of the treatment strategy of the condition.

Amended February 2009