Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Chronic ear infection

08/29/2008 07:20PM

Question:

I was diagnosed by an ENT with an ear infection in my right ear three months ago. I have been given six diff antibiotics, three diff RX eardrops, and had bloodwork done to check my immune system is working. Two cultures showed no bacteria growth. During the course of this treatment the infection has now spread to my left ear. I can not hear out of either ear. I get headaches, throat pain,and tire easily. I have a tube in my right ear and my left eardrum just ruptured two days ago and is draining. Dr. says he has not seen this in his 26 yrs of practice. What should be my course of treatment now as he says he is not sure what to do next.

Answer:

I recommend that you see an ear specialist (otologist). You will need a hearing test. You will probably need a CT scan (or maybe even an MRI scan). I wonder if you have an autoimmune disease (which won't respond to antibiotics but will instead respond to steroids). Some specific lab studies may shed further light on a possible etiology. In any event, it is difficult to comment further without the opportunity to examine your ears, and so I suggest you seek another opinion.

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Response by:

Ravi N Samy, MD, FACS
Assistant Professor
Department of Otolaryngology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati