One-stage coclear implantation via a facial recess approach in children with otitis media with effusion

Objective:To investigate surgical indications, operative techniques, complications and auditory and speech rehabilitation for cochlear implant (CI) in children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Material and methods:This is a retrospective review of records of 24children with bilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss and OME who were implanted during January 2011 to November 2014 in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the PLA Hospital, using one-stage implantation via the facial recess approach and round window insertion. The incus was removed in 8 cases during the implantation procedure. Local infiltration of dexamethasone and adrenaline in the middle ear was also performed. Postoperative complications were examined. Preoperative and postoperative questionnaires including Categories of Auditory Performance (CAP), Speech Intelligibility Rating (SIR), and the Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS) were collected. Results: All electrodes were implanted successfully without any immediate or delayed complications. Inflammatory changes of middle ear mucosa with effusion were noted in all implanted ears. The scores of post-implant CAP and SIR increased significantly in all 24 cases (t ? ?25.95 and ?14.09, respectively for CAP and SIR, p<0.05). Conclusions:One-stage CI via the facial recess approach with round window insertion is safe and effective in cochlear implant candidates with OME, as seen in the 24 children in our study who achieved improved auditory performance and speech intelligibility after CI. Copyright ? 2015, PLA General Hospital Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. Production and hosting by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Management of Otitis Media with Effusion

Otitis media with effusion is one of the most common diseases in children. Its treatment remains controversial. Clinical practice guidelines of OME allow watchful waiting for 3 months before treatment if the child with OME is not at risk for speech/language/or learning problems. Tympanostomy tube insertion is the preferred initial procedure when a child becomes a surgical candidate. Complementary or alternative medicine is not recommended as a treatment for OME. This paper provides a systematic review of management of OME, which we hope will be helpful for clinicians.

Comparison of tympanostomy tubes for endoscopic placement in adults with otitis media with effusion

Objective:To compare the therapeutic effects of two types of tympanostomy tube,in terms of extrusion time and recurrence rate,after endoscopic ventilation tube placement in adults with otitis media with effusion.Materials and methods:The clinical data for 125 ears from 91 patients who underwent endoscopic ventilation tube placement was retrospectively reviewed.The ears included in the study were divided into groups A and B.The Shepard tube was used in all ears from group A.The T-tube was used in all ears from group B.Extrusion time and recurrence rate were recorded and statistically analyzed.Results:Group A included 103 ears(82.4%).Group B included 22 ears(17.6%).The average extrusion time for group A was significantly shorter than that for group B(160.5±106.6 days vs 274.1±120.5 days,p<0.05).No significant difference in recurrence rate was observed between groups A and B(72.8%vs 63.6%,p=0.44).Conclusion:Compared with the Shepard tube,the T-tube lasts longer in the ear drum in adult patients with otitis media with effusion.However,use of the Shepard tube,compared with use of the T-tube,does not significantly reduce the recurrence rate after extrusion.

Applicability of PCR-DGGE and 16S rDNA Sequencing for Microbiological Analysis of Otitis Media with Effusion

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the performance of PCR-DGGE based assay and its applicability as a tool for the identification of bacteria in the middle ear of children with otitis media with effusion (OME). Methods: The middle ear effusions from 20 children with OME were analyzed both by bacterial culture and by 16S rDNA-gene-targeted PCR assay, DGGE fingerprinting and sequencing analysis. Results: In bacterial culture assay, only three middle ear effusions (15%) showed bacterial growth. None of the samples were positive for anaerobic culture. The PCR assay with 16S rDNA-gene-targeted universal primers was positive in 10 (50%) cases. The subsequent DGGE fingerprinting and 16S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed that the most commonly encountered bacteria in the middle ear effusions of children with OME are Haemophilus influenzae, Alloiococcus otitidis and Bacteroides spp. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated the applicability of PCR-DGGE based assay and 16S rDNA sequencing for analyzing of bacterial diversity in the middle ear effusion of children OME. The results of our study may contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of OME.

TRANSFORMATION OF EFFUSION AND FORMATION OF GRANULATION TISSUE IN PATHOLOGIC PROCESS OF OTITIS MEDIA WITH EFFUSION

Objective To explore the diversity of stagnant effusions and the pathologic processes leading to granulation tissue formation in otitis media with effusion(OME). Methods Temporal bone slides from 306 ears with OME were studied histopathologically under the light microscope. Results Results of this study revealed a pathologic process in witch the type and the condition of stagnant effusion in the middle ear cleft was a variable in the dynamics of OME progression from an early stage to an advanced stage. The location of granulation tissue and retentive effusion were found to be closely related. Conclusion Early stage granulation tissue formation exhibited a pathologic process in which granulation tissue formation occurred only in areas where effusion had stagnated or was absorbed. The incidence of the retentive effusion and formation of granulation tissue was much higher and the pathologic changes most extensive in the area around the ossicular chain.

A Model of Spontaneous Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion in Mice with ENU Induced Mutations

Background Chronic otitis media(COM) is a significant clinical problem.Understanding the mechanisms of COM is critical for its control and treatment.However,little is known of the processes leading to COM as a result of lack of animal models of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea(ENU) induced mutations in otitis media with effusion(OME).Methods Otoscopy and auditory brain response(ABR) evaluation were carried out under sedation in Nmf391nmf/nmf mice of 2,4,6 and 8 months of age.The mice were killed for study of middle and inner ear pathology.Results Tympanic membrane visualization and ABR thresholds in 1-to 8-month-old Nmf391nmf/nmf mice showed spontaneous OME and inner ear diseases in approximately 100% of the animals.The significant elevation of ABR thresholds suggested a sensorineural component in hearing loss in addition to the conductive loss.Middle and inner ear histology showed various degrees of outer hair cells loss and middle ear inflammation in all the mice,but no inflammation cells in the inner ear.The ABR threshold at 32 kHz was significantly elevated.Conclusions This study shows histopathologic changes in the Nmf391nmf/nmf mouse model of COM with effusion that have not been reported in human COM.This ENU induced mutation model of COM will be valuable for the characterization of middle ear inflammation and inner ear disease processes that are induced by middle ear infections.We propose that COM with effusion in this ENU induced mutation model is the cause of the cochlea hair cells damage.

Otitis media with effusion in children: Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment.A review

Otitis media with effusion(OME)is a frequent paediatric disorder.The condition is often asymptomatic,and so can easily be missed.However,OME can lead to hearing loss that impairs the child's language and behavioural development.The diagnosis is essentially clinical,and is based on otoscopy and(in some cases)tympanometry.Nasal endoscopy is only indicated in cases of unilateral OME or when obstructive adenoid hypertrophy is suspected.Otitis media with effusion is defined as the observation of middle-ear effusion at consultations three months apart.Hearing must be evaluated(using an age-appropriate audiometry technique)before and after treatment,so as not to miss another underlying cause of deafness(e.g.perception deafness).Craniofacial dysmorphism,respiratory allergy and gastro-oesophageal reflux all favour the development of OME.Although a certain number of medications(antibiotics,corticoids,antihistamines,mucokinetic agents,and nasal decongestants)can be used to treat OME,they are not reliably effective and rarely provide long-term relief.The benchmark treatment for OME is placement of tympanostomy tubes(TTs)and(in some cases)adjunct adenoidectomy.The TTs rapidly normalize hearing and effectively prevent the development of cholesteatoma in the middle ear.In contrast,TTs do not prevent progression towards tympanic atrophy or a retraction pocket.Adenoidectomy enhances the effectiveness of TTs.In children with adenoid hypertrophy,adenoidectomy is indicated before the age of 4 but can be performed later when OME is identified by nasal endoscopy.Children must be followed up until OME has disappeared completely,so that any complications are not missed.

Association of asymptomatic otitis media with effusion in patients with adenoid hypertrophy

Objective: Clinical symptoms of otitis media with effusion are rarely brought forward to the guardians of young children who the disease is most prevalent in. This often leads to poor scholastic performances and difficult social interactions. The objective of this study was to identify asymptomatic cases of otitis media with effusion present in individuals with adenoid hypertrophy. Material and Methods: In a cross sectional study advocated in Justice K.S.Hegde Hospital, Karnataka India we evaluated one hundred patients above the age of three from August 2016 to December 2017. Candidates who presented with an adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio of more than 0.5 were selected for the study. Individuals who complained of otological symptoms were not considered for the study. Patients cleared of other pathological otological conditions were underwent audiological evaluation with pure tone audiometry and tympanometry for evaluating the middle ear status and hearing loss. Results: The study showed a total of 36% of patients evaluated presented with asymptomatic otitis media with effusion. In candidates who presented with a bilateral B tympanogram, 40% had significant conductive hearing loss of more than 25dB. Conclusion: An objective test such as impedance audiometry in all patients with adenoid hypertrophy would aid in the diagnosis of fluid in the middle ear, so that timely intervention can be done and possible complications be averted.

Pathogenesis and Microbiology of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children

Objective: To detect different etiological factors of otitis media with effusion (OME) and different types of microorganisms in middle ear fluids. Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with otitis media with effusion diagnosed at the otorhinolaryngology (ENT) outpatient clinic with age ranged from 2 to 16 years, 36 males and 24 females. Results: Predisposing factors of OME were rhinosinusitis in 58.3% of cases, adenoid in 20% of cases, adenotonsillitis in 16.7% of cases and tonsillitis in 5% of cases. Microorganisms in middle ear fluids were negative in 70% of cases, isolation of streptococcus pneumonia in 16.7% of cases, Haemophilus influenzae 6.7% and Moraxella catarrhalis 6.7%. Conclusion: Rhinosinusitis was the most frequent predisposing factor of cases of OME. Positive bacterial culture was found in 30% of cases.

Risk Factors of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children

The aim of this study is to detect the risk factors associated with otitis media with effusion (OME) among children with age ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Materials and Methods: it is a cross-sectional study 500 children were selected from Assiut University Hospital clinics through multi-staged randomized sampling. Parents of these children were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. Clinical examination, including otoscopic examination and tympanometry was performed for each child. Results: There was no statistical significant relationship between OME and gender, age, mother job. There is statistical significant relationship between OME and breast feeding, using pacifier, mother education, sibling of children and exposure to passive smoking. Conclusion: There are multiple risk factors associated with OME in children between 6 months to 2 years of age.

Co-infection with Neisseria mucosa in a patient with tuberculous otitis media

Tuberculous otitis media(TOM) is a rare manifestation caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis with low incidence rates among extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases. Diagnosis is often delayed because of the presence of several clinical manifestations and the high prevalence of secondary bacterial infections. Few reports have attributed secondary bacterial infections in patients with TOM to commensal Neisseria. Thus, understanding the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical features of commensal Neisseria is important, considering its recent presentation as an infection-causing pathogen. Neisseria mucosa is a commensal inhabitant in humans and is generally considered non-pathogenic but can cause infection in rare cases. Here, we report an atypical secondary infection caused by Neisseria mucosa in an 81-year-old woman with TOM being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Direct purulent otorrhea smear microscopy revealed no acid-fast bacilli using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, whereas the phagocytosis of gram-negative cocci by white blood cells was confirmed using Gram staining. Otorrhea culture revealed the growth of N. mucosa. Subsequently, M. tuberculosis infection in the otorrhea was identified using a culture-based method. Vigilance is critical for the early detection of TOM to prevent further complications. This report raises awareness regarding TOM and provides insight into the pathogenicity of N. mucosa in otitis media.

Acute Otitis Media in Children Aged 0-5 Years, Epidemiological Aspects and Management in the Paediatrics Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry)

Introduction: Acute otitis media is an acute inflammation of the mucosa of the middle ear cavities. It is often secondary to nasopharyngitis, which favors the passage of infection through the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. The aim of our study was to improve the management of AOM in the Paediatric Department of the Hospital National Ignace Deen (Conakry). Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study lasting 6 months from 01 July to 31 December 2011;the study covered 525 cases out of a total of 6276 children, i.e. a frequency of 8.36%. Results: The most affected age group was 6 to 11 months. Males predominated (69.71%). 82.29% had a history of recurrent rhinopharyngitis. The most frequent reason for consultation was incessant crying (66.29%). Rhinopharyngitis and malaria were the most commonly associated pathologies (87.62% and 39.62% respectively). 72.19% of our patients were admitted with congestive AOM and received medical treatment. We recorded one case of otomastoiditis which was treated surgically. Conclusion: AOM is more common in children aged between 6 and 24 months. Good collaboration between paediatricians and ENT specialists is essential to reduce the morbidity of AOM.

The Role of Toll-Like Receptors and Nuclear Factor κB p65 Protein in the Pathogenesis of Otitis Media

The role of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media is explored. In recent years, the incidence of otitis media has been rising globally, becoming a significant threat to human health. More and more studies have found that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), as a member of the Toll-like receptor family, can promote the generation of inflammatory factors and is closely related to the body’s immune response and inflammatory response. Nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65) is a nuclear transcription factor that can interact with various cytokines, growth factors, and apoptotic factors, participating in processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in the body [1]. This article elaborates on the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TLR4 and NF-κB p65 proteins in the pathogenesis of otitis media, aiming to provide more precise targets and better therapeutic efficacy for the diagnosis and treatment of otitis media. The role of inflammation in disease.

Expression and Clinical Significance of Various Cytokines in Otitis Media

The expression and clinical significance of relevant cytokines in otitis media (OM) are discussed, and the alterations to the pathological state of the otitis media mucosa are further understood through the study of cytokine transduction pathways. More and more studies have shown that relevant cell proliferation and inflammation progression pathways play a role in the development of otitis media, such as the Jun amino-terminal protein kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the PI3K/AKT/PTEN pathway, which are involved in the proliferation of the middle ear mucosa during otitis media, which affects the mucosal cilia, motor function, Eustachian tube function, and the mucosal ciliary function. These studies provide new ideas for the treatment of otitis media and further explore the feasibility of immunotherapy in the future treatment of otitis media. In this paper, we present a review of the latest research progress on the expression of various cytokines in otitis media.

The Role of Fibrinolysis in Adhesive Otitis Media(AOM)

Objective To study the effects of Batroxobin on otitis media with effusion(OME), an early stage of Adhesive Otitis Media(AOM), for the purpose of expanding our understanding of the role of fibrinolysis in the pathogenesis of AOM. Method Forty cases of OME(45 ears) were randomly selected to receive intratympanic administration of Dexamethasone at 5 mg/ml(Group 1 or G1), Batroxobin at 1 BU/ml(Group 2 or G2) or Batroxobin at 2 BU/ml (Group 3 or G3). Pre-and post-treatment changes in clinical symptoms, the Air conduction Hearing Threshold (AHT) in pure tone audiometry and average AHT over 0.25 to 2 kHz were compared. Results Data from 31 cases(33 ears) were available for analysis. AHTs among three groups were similar prior to treatment(P > 0.05). The rate of normal hearing following treatment in G3 was 70% or 7 / 10, higher than in G1(41.7% or 5 / 12) and G2 (54.5% or 6 / 11)(P < 0.05). The rate of improvement following treatment was 81.8% or 9/11 and 80.0% or 8 / 10 in G2 and G3, respectively, higher than that in G1(50.0% or 6 / 12)(P < 0.05). Conclusions Therapeutic effects of intratympanic injection of Batroxobin on OME is superior to traditionally used Dexamethasone. In addition, higher concentration of Batroxobin appears to be superior to lower concentrations. These findings confirm that fibrinolysis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of middle ear adhesion and that fibrinolytic medicine can prevent or reduce adhesion development in the middle ear.

Role of interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor beta 1 in otitis media with effusion

Background Otitis media with effusion （OME） is a disease with complicated pathogeneses which are not clearly known Increasing interest has been focused on immunological cells, cytokines and their roles in chronic inflammatory states. This study was designed to disclose the existence and roles of interleukin-10 （IL-10） and transforming growth factor beta1 （TGF-β1） in the cause of OME in adults, and to investigate the probable role of Foxp3^＋CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells in OME. Methods The concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in the middle ear effusions （MEEs） and plasmas of 36 adults （45 ears） with OME were measured by means of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. As contrast, the concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-131 in the plasma of 30 normal volunteers were measured using the same method. Furthermore, the proportion of Foxp3^＋CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells in CD4^＋ T cells of blood was tested by flow cytometry. Results （1） The concentrations of IL-10 in all MEEs and plasmas of the chronic OME patients were higher than those in patients with acute OME （both P 〈0.05）, so was TGF-131 （both P 〈0.01）. The concentration of IL-10 in MEEs was significantly higher than that in plasmas, not only in acute OME （P〈0.01）, but also in chronic OME （P〈0.01）. In chronic OME, the concentration of TGF-β1 in MEEs had no statistical difference with those in plasmas of the same patients. However, the concentration of TGF-β1 in plasmas of patients with chronic OME was significantly higher than that in plasmas of normal volunteers （P 〈0.01）. （2） The concentrations of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in MEEs of the patients who had been treated more than once were higher than those MEEs of the patients who were treated for the first time, respectively （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The level of TGF-β1 in plasmas of the patients who had been treated more than once was higher than in those of the patients who were treated firstly （P 〈0.05）, while the level of IL-10 in plasmas had no difference. The concentration of IL-10 in mucoid MEEs was higher than those in serous ones （P〈0.05）, while TGF-β1 had no statistical difference between mucoid and serous MEEs （P〉0.05）. The concentration of IL-10 in MEEs had a strong correlation with the duration of the illness （r=0.547, P〈0.01）. The same correlation was also found between the concentration of TGF-β1 in MEEs and the times patients being treated （r=0.579, P 〈0.01）. （3） The proportion of Foxp3^＋CD4^＋CD25^＋T/CD4^＋ T cells in the blood of chronic OME was not only significantly higher than that in the acute OME （P〈0.01）, but also higher than that in normal volunteers （P 〈0.01）. In chronic OME, there was a correlation between the proportion of Foxp3^＋CD4^＋CD25^＋ T/CD4^＋ T cells in the blood and the concentration of IL-10 in the plasmas （r=0.602, P 〈0.05）. Conclusions IL-10 and TGF-β1, as two important immunoregulatory mediators, participate in middle ear inflammatory response, especially in chronic course of OME in adults. Foxp3^＋CD4^＋CD25^＋ T cells may play some immunoregulatory roles in the course of this disease.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of recurrent otitis media with effusion in children in Upper Egypt

Objective:We conducted this study to determine the associations of possible risk factors and prevalence of recurrent otitis media with effusion(OME)in a cohort of children in Upper Egypt.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study undertaken in two tertiary referral centers in Upper Egypt.Associations of possible risk factors with prevalence of recurrent OME were studied.Multi-factor logistic regression analysis was done to recognize the statistically significant risk factors associated with recurrent OME.Results:We collected the data of 2003 pediatric patients,of which 1016 were males(50.7%).A total number of 310 children have OME,including 159 males(51.3%).The prevalence rate of OME in our cohort was 15.5%.Multi-factor logistic regression analysis of the risk factors related to recurrent OME showed it was strongly associated with adenoid hypertrophy(P<0.0001),tonsil hypertrophy(P<0.0001),sinusitis(P<0.0001),posterior nostril polyps(P =0.009),allergic rhinitis(P<0.0001),recurrent URTIs(P=0.029)and gastroesophageal reflux(P=0.031).Conclusions: Our study showed that recurrent OME in children in Upper Egypt is a common multifactorial problem, especially in young age. In our locality, allergic rhinitis, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, gastroesophageal reflux, adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy were the most important associated factors related to the etiopathogenesis of OME.

A comparative study of sequential vs.simultaneous type Ⅰ tympanoplasty in patients with bilateral chronic otitis media-Mucosal type

Background:Patients with bilateral chronic otitis media-mucosal type have been conventionally treated with sequential tympanoplasty.Bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty is usually not preferred because of the theoretical risk of iatrogenic sensorineural hearing loss.With the advent of modern surgical instruments and surgical techniques,the risk is expected to be lower.This study compares the clinical outcomes in typeⅠtympanoplasty performed simultaneously and sequentially.Materials&methods:This randomized prospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital between August 2015 and July 2017.A total of 30 patients were divided into two groups of 15 each.This study analyzed the graft uptake,pure tone audiogram findings pre-and post-operatively,duration of surgery and number of hospital visit for each patient and the outco mes were co mpared between both the groups.Result:Patients undergoing bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty had significantly lesser mean duration of surgery and number of hospital visits than the patients undergoing sequential tympanoplasty.Graft uptake and postoperative wound infections were similar in both the groups.Postoperative hearing improvement was significantly better in the bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty group.However,further studies are needed to authenticate this observation.None of the patients had a postoperative deterioration of hearing or sensorineural hearing loss.Conclusion:Bilateral simultaneous tympanoplasty is not only feasible but also better than sequential tympanoplasty,especially in terms of operating time,follow-up and overall financial implications on the patient.

Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Qingqiao Capsule (清窍胶囊) in Treating Patients with Secretory Otitis Media

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of Qingqiao Capsule （清窍胶囊, QQC） in treating patients with secretory otitis media （SOM）. Methods： A total of 90 patients were randomly assigned into the treated group （n：45） and the control group （n=45）. Patients in the treated group were administrated with QQC, 5 capsules each time, 3 times a day for totally 10-14 days, and those in the control group were given per os cefaclor capsules 0.5g each time for adult, 3 times a day, or 20mg/（kg·d） for children, for 10-14 days. The therapeutic efficacy of treatment on the patients was observed and compared after treatment and followed up for 3-6 months. Results： （1） The clinical efficacy in the treated group was superior to that in the control group with significant statistical difference （P〈0.01）; （2） Comparison of the efficacies in patients of three different TCM syndrome types （the external pathogenic wind invasion caused auditory orifice stuffiness type, the Gan-Dan damp-heat steaming up auditory orifice type and the Pi-deficiency dysfunction induced dirty dampness blocking ear type） showed no statistically significant difference（P〉0.05）; （3） The vanishing rate and time needed of the main symptoms and signs in the treated group were superior to those in the control group on ear muffle, tinnitus, hearing impairment, hydrotypanum, pure tone threshold and abnormal tongue figure, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, only those of earache, otopiesis and abnornal pulse figure were insignificantly different between the two groups （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： QQC is an effective Chinese composite medicine on patients with SOM, and shows no obvious adverse reaction.

Tuberculous otitis media eseries of 10 cases

Background:Tuberculosis(TB)of the middle ear cleft(MEC)is a rare extra-pulmonary manifestation.Signs and symptoms of tuberculous otitis media are indistinguishable from that of non-tuberculous otitis media making early diagnosis difficult.Objectives:To study the clinical presentations,complications and effective diagnostic modalities in tuberculosis of middle ear cleft.Methods:We retrospectively studied 10 patients diagnosed with chronic otitis media,unresponsive to 2 months conventional treatment.Pure tone audiogram,High resolution computed tomography(HRCT)of temporal bone,and AFB staining of ear discharge were done.All patients underwent mastoid surgery.AFB staining and histopathological examination of granulation tissue removed from the middle ear and mastoid were also done.Results:Clinical findings were mastoid swelling,facial palsy and post-aural fistula 3,4&2 patients respectively.All patients had persistent ear discharge and three had vertigo.Hearing loss was of moderate conductive type in five,sensorineural type in three and mixed type in two.HRCT of temporal bone revealed soft tissue density in MEC in 9 and evidence of bone destruction in 6 cases.Diagnosis of TB was confirmed either by(a)demonstration of AFB in ear discharge(4 patients)/tissue removed during surgery(4 patients)or(b)by demonstration of tuberculous granulomas with necrosis on histopathological examination of tissue from MEC(8 patients).Conclusion:Tuberculosis should be suspected in all cases of chronic otitis media unresponsive to conventional treatment particularly in endemic areas.Histopathological examination and AFB staining of tissue removed during mastoid surgery are reliable diagnostic methods.