Sources of Evidence

In adults there should be no persistent loss of function without any ongoing need for help with personal bodily functions or difficulties with walking. Application of ear drops and cleansing of the ear aperture may be needed in some instances but unless there is another disabling condition to prevent the individual carrying out this activity there should be no need for help. Therefore, further evidence would not usually be required.

In cases where complications have occurred there may be some ongoing disability. Intracranial infection may produce longer term neurological effects and in such cases medical evidence should be available to confirm any ongoing disability and this should be assessed on its own merit.

Disruption of the inner ear caused by infection spreading from the middle ear may lead to hearing loss or disturbances of balance. Such additional problems should also be evident from available information and should also be assessed as separate entities.

Amended April 2008