Abstract
The concept of silent otitis media (OM) was introduced by Paparella in the decade of 1970. Silent otitis media refers to the presence of clinically intractable middle ear tissue changes behind an intact tympanic membrane, which contrasts with the definition that chronic otitis media requires the presence of a tympanic membrane perforation. Experimental and human temporal bone studies have consistently demonstrated these middle ear abnormalities in patients with intact tympanic membrane. Silent otitis media constitutes a clinical challenge for physicians: the absence of major tympanic membrane abnormalities might preclude general practitioners to adequately diagnose and treat this disease. Undiagnosed silent otitis media cases can result in multiple complication and sequelae, some of which are potentially fatal. In this chapter, we will discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms, the most frequent complications and sequelae, and diagnosis and treatment strategies.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Textbook of Otitis Media |
| Subtitle of host publication | The Basics and Beyond |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| Pages | 279-286 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9783031409493 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9783031409486 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 29 2023 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reserved.
Keywords
- Complications
- Hearing loss
- Otitis media
- Treatment
- Vestibular diseases