Skip to main content

Featured post

Persistent Hoarseness & Voice Disorders Treatment London | Mr Gaurav Kumar

  Persistent Hoarseness: When Should You See a Voice Specialist? We all experience a "lost voice" or raspiness during a heavy cold or after cheering at a concert. Usually, these symptoms vanish within a few days of rest. However, when hoarseness or a change in your voice persists for more than 3 weeks, it is no longer a simple irritation—it requires an ENT specialist evaluation. Changes in the voice can range from minor strain to more serious underlying conditions. This guide explains the common causes of voice disorders and what happens during a private voice assessment. What is Hoarseness? Hoarseness is an umbrella term for abnormal voice changes. Your voice may sound: Breathy or weak. Raspy or strained. Lower or higher in pitch than usual. "Husky" or consistently dry. These changes occur when something interferes with the vibration of the vocal cords (vocal folds) located in the larynx (voice box). Common Causes of Voice Disorders There are many reasons why your ...

Cholesteatoma: Symptoms, Treatment and When to See an ENT Specialist

 

Cholesteatoma: What Patients Need to Know About This Chronic Ear Condition

Persistent ear infections or ongoing ear discharge are often dismissed as minor problems. However, in some cases, these symptoms may indicate a more serious condition called cholesteatoma.

Although cholesteatoma is not cancerous, it can gradually damage important structures inside the ear and lead to hearing loss or other complications if left untreated.

This guide explains the symptoms of cholesteatoma, how it is diagnosed, and the available treatment options.

What is cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma is an abnormal collection of skin cells that develops inside the middle ear or mastoid bone behind the ear.

Normally, skin cells shed naturally from the ear canal. In cholesteatoma, these cells become trapped and gradually accumulate.

As the cholesteatoma enlarges, it can damage nearby structures, including:

  • The eardrum
  • The hearing bones
  • The mastoid bone
  • Balance structures within the ear

Without treatment, complications can become increasingly serious.

What causes cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma often develops as a result of:

  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Long-term Eustachian tube dysfunction
  • Chronic negative pressure behind the eardrum
  • A retraction pocket in the eardrum
  • Previous ear surgery or trauma in some cases

It can occur in both adults and children.

Common symptoms of cholesteatoma

Symptoms may develop gradually and can sometimes be mistaken for repeated ear infections.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent ear discharge
  • Foul-smelling fluid from the ear
  • Hearing loss in one ear
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure
  • Recurrent infections
  • Ear discomfort or pain
  • Dizziness in some patients
  • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)

Many patients notice symptoms affecting only one ear.

Why is it important to diagnose a cholesteatoma early?

Although benign, cholesteatoma can continue to expand and damage nearby structures over time.

Potential complications include:

  • Progressive hearing loss
  • Destruction of the hearing bones
  • Balance problems
  • Persistent infection
  • Facial nerve weakness in rare cases
  • Spread of infection into surrounding areas

Early specialist assessment helps reduce the risk of long-term complications.

When should you see an ENT specialist?

You should consider ENT assessment if you experience:

  • Ongoing ear discharge lasting weeks or months
  • Repeated ear infections in the same ear
  • Hearing loss that is worsening
  • Previous ear surgery with recurring symptoms
  • Persistent unpleasant-smelling discharge
  • Dizziness associated with ear symptoms

Children with chronic ear discharge or hearing concerns should also be assessed promptly.

What happens during a cholesteatoma assessment?

During a consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar, assessment may include:

  • Detailed symptom history
  • Microscopic examination of the ear
  • Hearing tests (audiogram)
  • Nasal and throat assessment, where appropriate
  • CT imaging of the ear in selected cases

The purpose is to confirm the diagnosis, assess the extent of disease and plan treatment safely.

Can cholesteatoma be treated without surgery?

In most cases, surgery is recommended because cholesteatoma tends to continue growing over time.

Medications such as antibiotic ear drops may temporarily control infection, but they do not remove the cholesteatoma itself.

The primary goals of treatment are to:

  • Remove disease safely
  • Create a dry, healthy ear
  • Prevent complications
  • Preserve or improve hearing where possible

What surgery is performed for cholesteatoma?

The exact procedure depends on the extent of the disease.

Common operations include:

Mastoid surgery

This involves removing cholesteatoma from the mastoid bone behind the ear.

Tympanoplasty

Repair of the eardrum if damage or perforation is present.

Hearing reconstruction surgery

If the tiny hearing bones are damaged, reconstruction (ossiculoplasty) may sometimes be performed during the same operation or at a later stage.

Is hearing always restored after surgery?

Not always.

The outcome depends on:

  • The size and location of the cholesteatoma
  • The extent of hearing bone damage
  • Previous infection or surgery
  • Inner ear function

Some patients experience significant hearing improvement, while others may still require hearing aids after treatment.

The main priority is often to create a safe and infection-free ear.

What is recovery like after cholesteatoma surgery?

Recovery varies depending on the complexity of surgery.

Patients commonly experience:

  • Mild discomfort around the ear
  • Temporary dizziness
  • Ear packing is causing muffled hearing initially
  • Fatigue for several days
  • Temporary changes in taste, in some cases

Patients are usually advised to:

  • Keep the ear dry
  • Avoid strenuous activity initially
  • Avoid flying until advised
  • Attend follow-up appointments carefully

Healing and hearing recovery may continue over several weeks or months.

Can cholesteatoma come back?

Yes. Cholesteatoma can occasionally recur, even after successful surgery.

Long-term follow-up is therefore important, particularly in children and younger adults.

Some patients require:

  • Repeat examinations
  • Follow-up imaging
  • Further surgery in selected cases

Regular monitoring helps detect recurrence early.

Safety-Netting: When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention

Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

  • Sudden severe hearing loss
  • New facial weakness
  • Severe dizziness or vomiting
  • Spreading redness or swelling around the ear
  • Severe headache with fever
  • Confusion or drowsiness
  • Heavy bleeding from the ear

If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, attend the nearest Emergency Department immediately.

Why choose Mr Gaurav Kumar?

Mr Gaurav Kumar is a Consultant ENT Surgeon experienced in the management of:

  • Chronic ear disease
  • Cholesteatoma
  • Hearing reconstruction surgery
  • Adult and paediatric ear conditions
  • Tympanoplasty and mastoid surgery

Patients seeking private ENT care in London and Essex benefit from consultant-led assessment, detailed hearing evaluation and evidence-based surgical management tailored to their condition.

Book a private ENT consultation in London or Essex

If persistent ear discharge, hearing loss or recurrent infections are affecting your quality of life, a specialist ENT assessment may help identify the cause and discuss suitable treatment options.

To arrange a consultation with Mr Gaurav Kumar, please contact the practice team or use the online booking system.

This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you are concerned about worsening ear symptoms or sudden hearing changes, seek prompt medical attention.


Call 07494914140
Book Online




Popular Post

Coblation Tonsillectomy

Hi Guys, Let us talk about your tonsils and adenoids. Tonsils and adenoids are part of the immune system and help fight germs. Sometimes these tissues become infected and is called tonsillitis. When you have tonsillitis, you can feel sore to eat and drink, have the temperature, and can even have difficulty in breathing. This can be treated by a procedure called Tonsillectomy. Mr Kumar may advise you to have your tonsils removed if you have tonsil stones, if your airway is blocked due to large tonsils making you choke at night ie sleep apnoea or one tonsil is bigger than other. Tonsillectomy can be done by the traditional techniques using cold steel, electrocautery or coblation.  Cold steel and elctrocautery has moderate to severe pain in postoperative period. With new coblation technique, post operative pain is very low leading to quicker recovery.  Coblation is an advanced technology that combines gentle radiofrequency energy with natural saline — to quickly, and safely r...
Read more

After your Epley manoeuvre — patient information leaflet

  What this leaflet tells you This leaflet explains what to expect after the Epley (canalith repositioning) manoeuvre for posterior-canal BPPV, what you should and shouldn’t do, and when to seek help.   1. Quick summary — what the Epley did The manoeuvre moves tiny particles (otoconia) out of the balance canal of your inner ear and back into a place where they don’t cause spinning (vertigo). Most people feel much better after one or a few treatments. However BPPV can come back (recurrence is common).   2. How you may feel immediately afterwards You may feel dizzy or off-balance for a few minutes to a few hours; nausea is possible.   Some people feel better straightaway; others get gradual improvement over days.   Rarely ,you may have brief recurrences of vertigo — this does not always mean the manoeuvre failed.   3. Activity and posture — what the evidence says Good news: High-quality studies and recent guidelines show that strict he...
Read more

Earbuds vs Over-Ears: Which One Is Silently Damaging Your Hearing?

Headphones are no longer an occasional accessory—they’re part of daily life. From early-morning podcasts to late-night playlists, our ears are spending more time under acoustic load than ever before. But a question keeps coming up in clinics, classrooms, and conversations around ear health: Are earbuds worse for your hearing than over-ear headphones? Let’s move beyond opinion and aesthetics. By looking at sound pressure levels , hygiene , and long-term listening behaviour , we can reach a clear, evidence-informed conclusion. 1. Sound Pressure Levels: Distance Matters More Than You Think The single most important factor in headphone-related hearing risk is the amount of sound energy that  reaches the inner ear . Earbuds (In-Ear Headphones) Sit millimetres from the eardrum Deliver sound directly into the ear canal Require lower absolute power , but often result in higher sound pressure at the cochlea Users tend to increase volume in noisy environments (commuting, g...
Read more

"Naseptin: Powerful Defence Against Nasal Bacteria!"

  Everything You Need to Know About Using Naseptin Nasal Cream   If you've been dealing with nasal issues, you may have come across Naseptin nasal cream as a potential solution. Whether you suffer from recurrent nasal infections (vestibulitis), nose bleeds or simply need some relief from nasal dryness, Naseptin can be a valuable aid. In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about using Naseptin nasal cream to ensure you get the best results from this trusted product.   Unlocking the Power of Naseptin Nasal Cream: A Guide to Its Versatile Uses   Naseptin nasal cream, a powerful ally in nasal health, holds the key to treating infections caused by staphylococcal bacteria. This versatile cream offers much more than meets the eye, and we're here to shed light on its incredible benefits! 🌟 👃 Kicking Nose Infections to the Curb: Say goodbye to those troublesome nose infections! Naseptin comes to the rescue, targeting staphylococcal bacteria and...
Read more

Is Ear Wax Removal Safe?

  What is ear wax? The ear canal has two zones, outer ear canal lined by skin having hair and sweat glands and inner ear canal containing only skin covering bone next to eardrum. Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a mixture of sweat, secretions from the sebaceous gland and dead cells. Therefore, the amount of secretions you have in your ear wax can be of two major types, wet ear wax and dry ear wax. Why do some people have more ear wax problems/ build-up? The first thing to know is everyone makes wax, and some naturally more and some less. Secondly, the shape of the ear canal can predispose you to have more earwax problems. You may have a hairy ear canal or narrow ear canal, which can trap more than the usual amount of ear wax you produce. Thirdly, if produce ear wax which gets stuck to the ear canal, it becomes difficult to fall out. Some people may push ear wax in if they are using insert headphones, i.e. earpods, earplugs for noise reduction or swimming/hearing aids. What ar...
Read more

Otitis Externa and Otinova

  Otitis Externa and Otinova: A Practical, No-Nonsense Guide If your ear suddenly feels itchy, sore, blocked, or painful after swimming or showering, you may be dealing with otitis externa —often called “swimmer’s ear.” The good news: most cases are very treatable with the right early steps. This guide explains what otitis externa is, why it happens, where Otinova fits in, and when to escalate quickly. What is otitis externa? Otitis externa is inflammation (and sometimes infection) of the skin lining the external ear canal. It commonly presents with: Ear pain (often worse when touching or pulling the outer ear) Itching Fullness/blockage Reduced hearing from swelling/debris Sometimes watery discharge Otinova’s own instruction documents describe it as treatment for ear canal inflammation/eczema (swimmer’s ear). Why does it happen? The ear canal is protected by a mildly acidic environment and a skin barrier. Otitis externa tends to flare ...
Read more

Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS)

🔍 Unlocking the Mystery of Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SCDS) 🌀✨ It's a rare condition that affects the inner ear, and here's the lowdown:   Cause: SCDS occurs when one of the bony canals in the inner ear, particularly the uppermost semicircular canal, doesn't close or thicken properly during fetal development.   Symptoms:   Hearing Loss: It's a common symptom of SCDS. Sound Distortion: Ever feel like sounds aren't quite right? That could be SCDS at play. Balance Problems: SCDS can throw your balance off, making you feel unsteady. Autophony: Imagine hearing your own heartbeat or breathing louder than usual. That's autophony. World Tumbling Sensation: Loud noises or pressure changes might make you feel like the world is spinning. Diagnosis and Treatment:   CT Scans: A specialist might use these to spot SCDS, but other tests are crucial too. Hearing Tests: Essential for accurate diagnosis. Treatment: Surgery may be necessary for severe symptoms. ...
Read more

Do I need nasal valve collapse surgery?

  What is the nasal valve area in the nose? The nose is a non-uniform tubular structure from the inside. The narrowest points are the entry point, the nostrils, and the exit point at the nose's back. As the nasal valve is the narrowest point, it plays a critical role in how we breathe. The nasal valve area is the internal nose area we can view without instruments when we look in the mirror with the head tilted back. Why is the nasal valve important in breathing through the nose? Airflow in the nasal valve area follows Bernoulli's principle. When the airflow increases, the pressure falls and pulls the side walls with it. This is very similar to when a fast train pulls the air around it with it. As a result, people on the platform are advised to stand clear because there is a risk of getting pulled in. How do I test if I have nasal valve collapse? Nasal valve problems can be due to bent septum or weak cartilages in the nose's sidewall. Using Breathe Easy Strips can give you a...
Read more

“Where Are Your Tonsils? Your Health’s First Line of Defence!”

  Where Are Your Tonsils Located?   Learn About Their Position and Importance for Your Health Have you ever wondered where your tonsils are and why their location is significant for your health? Let's explore the fascinating world of tonsils and understand their crucial role in your body's defence system. What Are Tonsils? Tonsils are two oval-shaped masses of lymphoid tissue located at the back of your throat. They are part of your immune system, which is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against harmful invaders. The tonsils are vital in protecting your body from infections. They are often referred to as the "first line of defence" because they are strategically positioned to catch and filter out germs that enter through your mouth or nose. Where Exactly Are They Located? Your tonsils are situated in the pharynx, just behind the soft palate. There are two tonsils, one on each side of your throat. If you open your ...
Read more

Hoarseness or change in voice...

When should I get worried about my change in voice? Change in voice can be due to so many causes. It can be due to simple things like acid reflux, chronic cough, flu, post nasal drip leading to frequent throat clearing or due to cancer on the voice box.  "IF YOU HAVE CHANGE IN VOICE WHICH IS GETTING WORSE FOR MORE THAN 3 WEEKS, YOU NEED TO SEE AN ENT SURGEON." Other symptoms which can be present with a change in voice in cases of laryngeal cancer be weight loss when you are not dieting, a lump in the throat, earache, shortness of breath, throat pain. How does the ENT surgeon diagnose what is causing my hoarseness? Change is voice can be due to both non-cancer and cancerous reasons. On a visit to ENT voice specialist, he or she will take a full detailed history, access how your profession is affecting your voice and how voice change is affecting your job. After recording your quality of sound, an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera attached) is used to ...
Read more