Endoscopic Transcanal Cholesterol Granuloma Surgery: Advanced Minimally Invasive Ear Care A persistent feeling of fullness in one ear, fluctuating hearing loss, or a deep, dull earache can easily be mistaken for a standard Eustachian tube dysfunction or stubborn middle ear fluid. However, when these symptoms persist despite routine medical treatment, a closer clinical examination may reveal a dark, bluish discolouration glowing behind the eardrum. In many cases, this distinct visual sign points to a Cholesterol Granuloma —an inflammatory, fluid-filled cystic lesion packed with cholesterol crystals. While hearing the term "granuloma" can cause immediate anxiety, these lesions are non-cancerous, benign formations. Historically, accessing and draining a cholesterol granuloma required large incisions behind the ear and extensive bone removal (a mastoidectomy). Today, modern surgical advancements allow skilled otologists to access and drain these lesions using minimally invasive...
Hearing Reconstruction Surgery After Chronic Ear Disease: A Patient Guide Persistent ear infections and chronic ear disease can sometimes lead to long-term hearing problems. For some patients, damage to the delicate hearing structures inside the middle ear may occur gradually over many years. Modern ENT surgery can often improve hearing by repairing or reconstructing these damaged structures. Understanding the available treatment options helps patients make informed decisions about their care. This guide explains how chronic ear disease affects hearing, when reconstruction surgery may be considered, and what recovery involves. How does chronic ear disease cause hearing loss? The middle ear contains three tiny hearing bones, known as the ossicles, which help transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. Conditions such as: Recurrent ear infections Chronic perforated eardrum Cholesteatoma Previous ear surgery Long-standing inflammation can damage these delicate struc...