Middle ear disease

Middle Ear Disease at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

Middle ear disease encompasses a range of conditions that affect the middle ear cavity, the eustachian tube, and associated structures. At Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC), our ENT service offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for middle ear disorders.

What is Middle Ear Disease?

The middle ear lies between the outer ear and the inner ear; diseases can include otitis media (acute or chronic), eustachian-tube dysfunction, cholesteatoma, tympanic membrane perforation, ossicular chain problems, and other disorders.

Symptoms

Common symptoms may include:

• Ear pain or discomfort
• Hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Ear fullness or pressure
• Tinnitus (ear ringing)
• Recurrent infections or ear discharge
• Balance problems (in certain cases)

Diagnosis

At SSMC, middle ear conditions are assessed via:

• Detailed patient history and ear examination using otoscopy
• Audiological testing (hearing assessments)
• Imaging (CT scan of the temporal bone) when structural disease is suspected
• Middle-ear endoscopic evaluation, if required

Treatment

Treatment is tailored according to the condition:

• Medical management: antibiotics for infection, ear-tube insertion for persistent effusion, hearing rescue for eustachian-tube issues
• Surgical intervention: tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, ossicular reconstruction, cholesteatoma removal
• Minimally invasive ear surgery and endoscopic approaches offered by ENT experts at SSMC

Why Choose SSMC?

• Experienced otolaryngologists practising advanced ear surgery
• Access to audiology, speech-language therapy, and rehabilitation for holistic care
• Patient-centred pathway with focus on hearing preservation and quality of life

Advice for Patients and Families

If you experience persistent ear symptoms, reduced hearing, or recurrent ear infections, please consult our ENT team at SSMC. Early assessment may prevent long-term hearing loss or complications.