ENT conditions (Mr Gaurav Kumar)

Cholesteatoma: Why Persistent Ear Discharge Requires Specialist Investigation An occasional ear infection or fluid buildup is a common complaint that usually clears up quickly with targeted drops. However, when an ear continuously leaks a foul-smelling fluid or when a deep-seated pressure is accompanied by progressive hearing loss, it may point to a more complex condition known as a cholesteatoma . Despite its name, a cholesteatoma is not a tumour or a cancer. Instead, it is an abnormal accumulation of skin cells deep within the middle ear. Left untreated, it can act like an expanding cyst, gradually eroding the delicate structures around it. This guide explains how to recognise the signs of a cholesteatoma and why early surgical intervention is essential. What is a Cholesteatoma? A cholesteatoma typically develops from long-term pressure issues in the ear, often linked to poor Eustachian tube function—the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. If this tube...

  Stapes Surgery: Restoring Hearing Loss Caused by Otosclerosis If you have noticed a gradual decline in your hearing, particularly difficulty hearing low-pitched sounds or whispers, you may be experiencing otosclerosis . This condition occurs when the smallest bone in the human body—the stapes (stirrup) bone in the middle ear—becomes "fixed" or stuck in place, preventing sound vibrations from reaching the inner ear. Stapes surgery , or stapedotomy, is a delicate and highly successful procedure designed to bypass this blockage and restore natural hearing. This guide explains the symptoms of otosclerosis and what to expect from a specialist surgical assessment. What is Otosclerosis? Otosclerosis is an abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear. It primarily affects the stapes bone, which must vibrate freely for you to hear clearly. When this bone becomes fixed, it creates "conductive hearing loss." It often begins in one ear but frequently progresses to affect both. S...

  Ear Infections: When Should You Seek Care from a Private ENT Specialist? Ear infections are a frequent cause of discomfort, affecting people of all ages. While many mild infections resolve with basic care, others can become persistent, painful, or lead to temporary hearing loss. If you are dealing with an infection that isn't clearing up or keeps returning, a specialist assessment is essential to prevent long-term damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Types of Ear Infections Not all ear infections are the same. Understanding where the infection is located is the first step in effective treatment: Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): An infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water trapped in the ear or irritation from cotton buds. Otitis Media: An infection of the middle ear, common in children, where fluid builds up behind the eardrum. Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media: A persistent infection involving a perforated eardrum and ongoing discharge. Signs You Should See an ENT ...