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Chronic Otitis Media Treatment in Gangnam, Seoul

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kim Yoo Suk, MD · Board-certified otolaryngologist · Former professor, Yonsei & Ajou University · Consultations in English

What is chronic otitis media?

Chronic otitis media (COM) is persistent or recurrent inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid lasting longer than about three months. The most common form, chronic suppurative otitis media, involves a hole in the eardrum (eardrum perforation) with repeated episodes of discharge. A more concerning form is cholesteatoma, an abnormal growth of skin within the middle ear that can slowly erode nearby bone.

Symptoms

• Recurrent or constant ear discharge (otorrhea), sometimes foul-smelling
• Gradual hearing loss on the affected side
• Usually little pain, unlike acute infection
• Ear fullness or tinnitus
• Flare-ups after colds or when water enters the ear

Causes

COM typically develops after repeated or poorly resolved acute middle ear infections, long-term Eustachian tube dysfunction, or an eardrum perforation from injury that never healed. Ongoing nasal and sinus disease can keep the Eustachian tube from ventilating the middle ear properly, which is why the nose is part of the evaluation.

How it's diagnosed at our Gangnam clinic

Dr. Kim cleans the ear canal and examines the eardrum under magnification to assess the size and location of any perforation and to look for cholesteatoma. A hearing test measures how much hearing has been affected and whether the loss is conductive (sound transmission) or sensorineural (inner ear). Tympanometry may provide additional information about middle ear function. If cholesteatoma or complications are suspected, a temporal bone CT scan is required, and samples of discharge may be cultured to choose the right drops.

Treatment options

Medical control

• Regular, careful ear cleaning(aural toilet) with suction
• Antibiotic ear drops safe for use with a perforated eardrum
• Strict water precautions to prevent new flare-ups
• Treating nasal allergies or sinus disease that affects the Eustachian tube

Surgery

Medication can dry the ear but does not close a long-standing hole or remove cholesteatoma. Surgical options include tympanoplasty to repair the eardrum and, where needed, mastoidectomy to clear disease from the mastoid bone. These are specialized otologic operations usually done under general anesthesia, and Dr. Kim can refer you to an appropriate hospital when surgery is indicated. For patients who are not candidates for surgery, hearing aids may help.

When to see an ENT

See an ENT for any ear discharge lasting more than a week or returning repeatedly, or for hearing loss in one ear. Seek urgent care if ear discharge is accompanied by severe headache, fever, dizziness, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear or confusion, which may signal complications.

Seeing Dr. Kim in English

Dr. Kim Yoo Suk is a board-certified otolaryngologist who held faculty posts at Yonsei University and Ajou University. Although his subspecialty is the nose and sinuses, he manages ear disease as part of comprehensive ENT care and understands how nasal problems affect the middle ear. He explains every step in English; read our foreign patient guide for visit tips.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chronic ear infection be cured with drops alone?

Drops and ear cleaning can control infection and dry the ear, often for long periods. However, they cannot close a long-standing eardrum hole or remove cholesteatoma. Surgery is the definitive treatment when the ear keeps flaring up or hearing is affected.

Is chronic otitis media dangerous?

Most cases cause discharge and hearing loss rather than serious harm. However, cholesteatoma can erode bone and, rarely, lead to complications affecting balance, the facial nerve or the brain. Regular follow-up and timely treatment reduce these risks.

Can I shower or swim with chronic otitis media?

Keep water out of the affected ear. Use a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly when showering, and avoid swimming unless your ENT approves well-fitted earplugs. Water entering the middle ear is a common trigger for flare-ups.

This page is general medical information written and reviewed by an ENT specialist. It is not a diagnosis. Symptoms differ between people — please see a doctor for an examination. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.