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Audiology/Otolaryngology/Ruptured ear drum and fungal ear infection

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 2/26/2009


Question
My mother is 63 and has been dealing with ear problems for about a month.  Initially, she was diagnosed with an ear infection and treated with antibiotics and ear drops.  She was then diagnosed as being allergic to the ear drops so they gave her more antibiotics.  Her ear drum then burst.  They suctioned out her ear, gave her MORE antibiotics and ear drops.  She then developed a fungal infection in her ear.  She went to the doctor, again, yesterday and they told her that because of the fungal infection, her ear drum would probably never close up and there wasn't anything they could do.  She is having serious hearing issues with that ear.  Is there really no hope?

Answer
Hi Lisa,
Who treated your mother?  Was she treated by an ENT? Without seeing your mother and knowing the specifics, I do not know why the doctor said there was nothing they could do.  I personally have seen patients with large perforations who have tympanoplasties - the rebuilding of an eardrum from a graft. You would need to seek out an ENT who has done a lot of these and discuss this option and whether or not it is appropriate for your mother.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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