Cholesteatoma, the cause of deafness, which symptoms should be considered

Ears are very important for human life. Not only as a sense of hearing, but ears also play a role in maintaining balance in the body. One of the disorders that causes decreased ear ability, even permanent damage is cholesteatoma. What, really, is cholesteatoma? Come on, find out more about these ear diseases in the following review.

What is cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma or cholesteatoma is the growth of a benign tumor in the middle ear area or behind the eardrum. This condition may occur due to birth defects, but it generally occurs in people who have recurrent middle ear infections.

The formation of benign tumors is caused by growing cysts accompanied by a buildup of dead skin cells, mucus, or earwax. The buildup then gets bigger and can destroy the bony structure in the middle ear. If it occurs, this disease can interfere with the function of the ears, body balance, and also the muscles around the face.

What causes the growth of benign tumors in the middle ear?

Apart from recurring ear infections, cholesteatoma can also occur due to disruption of the function of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is the canal that connects the middle ear to the nasal passages.

Normally, the eustachian tube opens and closes to equalize the air pressure between the outer and inner ear. However, its function can be impaired due to infection.

Some conditions that cause the eustachian tube not to function properly and are at risk of causing cholesteatoma are:

• Flu or bad cold
• Sinusitis
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Allergy

All of the above conditions can cause more mucus production in the respiratory tract. Extra mucus can spread to the area of ​​the middle ear canal through the ostia, accumulate in the eustachian tube, attract bacteria to multiply and cause ear infections.

What are the symptoms if cholesteatoma occurs?

The main symptom you need to watch out for from cholesteatoma is the presence of mucus in the ear. This indicates that the tumor is getting bigger.

If the tumor has attacked the middle ear, you may feel the following symptoms:

• The smelly mucus will flow out of the ear
• Feeling there is pressure around the ear
• It's hard to hear very well
• Itching sensation in the inner ear area
• Dizzy
• Pain behind the ear
• In some cases, this condition can cause stiffness of the facial muscles.

If you experience early symptoms and don't know the cause, see a doctor immediately. Do not underestimate your symptoms and delay treatment as this can worsen your condition.

What are the complications if this condition is not treated?

Untreated cholesteatoma will continue to enlarge and build up mucus in the ear. This dirty environment is a place for bacteria and fungi to breed properly so that it is easy to infect the ear.

Repeated inflammation can destroy the bony structures that make up the middle ear and damage the eardrum. This condition makes the inner ear swell and will eventually lead to permanent deafness.

In addition, complications that can result from untreated conditions are:

• The infection damages the nerves around the face
• The infection spreads to areas of the brain causing meningitis
• The formation of a pus-filled lump in the brain
• Feeling of spinning (vertigo)
• Dead

How to treat cholesteatoma?

There is no definite medical test to diagnose cholesteatoma. So, the patient has to do imaging tests and a physical examination. If the patient has been diagnosed, the only treatment a cholesteatoma patient should do is surgical removal of the tumor. Here's the explanation:

Cholesteatoma surgery

Quoted from Mount Sinai, surgery to treat cholesteatoma usually involves:

• Mastoidectomy, to remove disease from the bone
• Tympanoplasty, to repair the eardrum

The right type of surgery is determined based on the stage of the disease you are experiencing. Cholesteatoma surgery is a small procedure that is performed under a microscope, usually taking 2 to 3 hours. You can go home the same day.

It is important to completely eliminate the disease, as this condition may develop on its own. The risk of regrowth is higher in children than in adults.

In some cases, surgical procedures can completely remove the cholesteatoma. Hearing loss can often be reversed. This operation is generally safe. However, as with any surgery, risks remain, including:

• Recurrent cholesteatoma
• Hearing loss or hearing improvement failing
• The need to perform more than one operation

Second operation

You need to have regular checkups because this disease is progressive or long-term. Sometimes, you need surgery a second time.

Quoted from ENT Health, the second operation will usually be done six to 12 months after your first operation. Your hearing may deteriorate temporarily after the first surgery if your hearing bones are remodeling.

Can cholesteatoma be prevented?

Although the impact is to reduce the quality of life, this disease cannot be prevented. So, you have to really be aware of the signs and symptoms. Here are tips you can do to reduce the risk of this disease:

• Take appropriate medication and complete it if you have or frequently experience ear infections.
• Prevent ear infections and their risk factors such as flu, colds, sinusitis, or allergies by keeping your ears clean, boosting your immune system, and avoiding allergy triggers.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap, keep your house clean, and eat nutritious foods.