Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/26/2009

Question
Hi

Could you tell me what Cholestoma is - I have a client awaiting surgical investigations to exclude it but his symptoms - popping noises, discharge etc are getting wporse by the day - don't know how serious it may be

Many thanks

Julian

Answer
Hi Julian,

When the ear drum is perforated, or retracted (pulled in due to negative pressure in the middle ear), the skin of the ear drum can grow into the middle ear. If infection is present, the skin will continue to grow into the middle ear and will become a tumor of the ear termed a cholesteatoma. Cholesteatomas are NOT a form of cancer. They are benign tumors. As they grow, they can look like an onion peel of white skin formed into a ball.

They can destroy the bones of hearing as they grow, especially when the ear is infected or if water gets into the middle ear with other infections.

Symptoms of cholesteatoma include hearing loss and recurring discharge from the ear. Pus or unpleasant smelling fluids coming from the ear are common. A surgical microscope is necessary to make a proper inspection and cleansing of the condition, especially when there is infection.

A history of recurring ear infections after colds, or the entrance of water into the ear from swimming, require the ear to be examined regularly for this condition.

Here is a great website for further information: http://www.aao-hns.org/HealthInformation/cholesteatoma.cfm

Hope this helps.

Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology