Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a long-standing middle ear infection that causes persistent ear discharge and hearing loss. Learn about symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and advanced treatment options at Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik.
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) is a long-term infection of the middle ear characterized by a persistent perforation (hole) in the eardrum and continuous or recurrent ear discharge lasting more than 6 weeks. If left untreated, CSOM can lead to hearing loss, recurrent infections, and serious complications affecting the surrounding structures of the ear. Early diagnosis and treatment by an experienced ENT specialist are essential to preserve hearing and prevent complications. (MSD Manuals)
What is Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media?
CSOM is a chronic inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid cavity in which the eardrum remains perforated, allowing repeated infections and persistent discharge. It often develops after untreated or recurrent acute ear infections or due to poor Eustachian tube function. (MSD Manuals)
Symptoms of CSOM
- Persistent or recurrent ear discharge (pus)
- Hearing loss
- Perforated eardrum
- Ear fullness or blockage
- Occasional ear pain
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Dizziness in some patients
- Foul-smelling ear discharge
Causes
- Recurrent acute middle ear infections
- Untreated eardrum perforation
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Upper respiratory infections
- Poor ear hygiene
- Water entering the infected ear
- Previous ear trauma
Risk Factors
- Childhood ear infections
- Frequent colds and sinus infections
- Allergies
- Smoking exposure
- Poor immunity
- Overcrowded living conditions
Diagnosis
At Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik, diagnosis includes:
- Detailed ENT examination
- Otoscopic and microscopic ear examination
- Endoscopic ear evaluation
- Hearing test (Pure Tone Audiometry)
- Tympanometry
- Ear discharge culture (when required)
- CT Scan of Temporal Bone in complicated cases
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of infection and the condition of the eardrum.
Medical Treatment
- Professional ear cleaning (Aural Toilet)
- Antibiotic ear drops
- Oral antibiotics (when indicated)
- Pain relief medications
- Keeping the ear dry
Surgical Treatment
If infection persists or hearing loss is significant, surgery may be recommended:
- Tympanoplasty – Repair of the perforated eardrum
- Mastoidectomy – Removal of infected mastoid bone when disease has spread
- Combined Tympanoplasty with Mastoid Surgery for advanced disease
Modern ear surgery helps eliminate infection and improve hearing in suitable patients. (MSD Manuals)
Possible Complications
Without treatment, CSOM may cause:
- Permanent hearing loss
- Cholesteatoma
- Mastoid infection
- Facial nerve weakness
- Balance problems
- Rarely, spread of infection to surrounding tissues or the brain (MSD Manuals)
Prevention
- Treat ear infections early
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear
- Keep ears dry while bathing or swimming
- Complete prescribed medications
- Visit an ENT specialist for persistent ear discharge
Why Choose Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik?
Patil ENT Hospital offers comprehensive ear care using advanced diagnostic equipment and modern surgical techniques, including:
- Experienced ENT Specialist
- Endoscopic Ear Examination
- Hearing Assessment
- Microscope-Assisted Ear Surgery
- Tympanoplasty
- Mastoid Surgery
- Personalized treatment and follow-up care.
Cashless Insurance & TPA Facility Available
Patil ENT Hospital, Nashik provides cashless hospitalization through a wide network of leading health insurance companies and Third-Party Administrators (TPAs), making quality ENT treatment convenient and hassle-free. Our dedicated insurance desk assists patients with insurance verification, pre-authorization, documentation, and claim processing for a smooth admission and discharge experience.
Cashless Insurance Partners Include:
- Star Health Insurance
- Niva Bupa Health Insurance
- HDFC ERGO Health Insurance
- ICICI Lombard General Insurance
- Care Health Insurance
- Aditya Birla Health Insurance
- Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
- Reliance General Insurance
- Tata AIG General Insurance
- SBI General Insurance
- Future Generali Insurance
- Liberty General Insurance
- Royal Sundaram General Insurance
- Cholamandalam MS General Insurance
- Kotak Mahindra General Insurance
- Go Digit General Insurance
- National Insurance Company
- New India Assurance
- Oriental Insurance Company
- United India Insurance
- ACKO General Insurance (subject to policy eligibility)
Major TPA Partners
- Medi Assist TPA
- MDIndia Healthcare Services
- Paramount Health Services
- Vidal Health TPA
- Health India TPA
- FHPL (Family Health Plan Insurance TPA)
- Genins India TPA
- Raksha TPA
- Heritage Health TPA
- East West Assist TPA
- Good Health TPA
- Safeway TPA
- Park Mediclaim TPA
- United Healthcare Parekh TPA
- Ericson TPA
- Medicare TPA
- MedSave Healthcare TPA
Our Cashless Services Include:
- Cashless ENT surgeries
- Cashless hospitalization
- Insurance pre-authorization assistance
- TPA claim processing support
- Dedicated insurance help desk
- Fast documentation and claim coordination
Note: Cashless approval is subject to your insurance policy terms, eligibility, and authorization by your insurance company or TPA. Please carry your health insurance card, valid ID proof, and previous medical records during admission.
Contact Patil ENT Hospital
Patil ENT Hospital
5th Floor, Business Plaza, A Wing, Opp. Panchavati Bus Depot, Near Go Gas Pump, Adgaon Naka, Panchavati, Nashik – 422003
Phone: 8983388659
