Ear Bone Infection (Mastoiditis)

Ear health is an important part of your overall well-being. Mastoiditis is a serious ear condition that can develop when an infection spreads to the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help prevent complications and protect hearing.

What Is Mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is an infection or inflammation of the mastoid bone, which is part of the temporal bone located behind the ear. It most often develops as a complication of a middle ear infection, also known as otitis media. Although children are more likely to develop mastoiditis because they are more prone to ear infections, adults can also be affected.

What Causes Mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis usually begins when a middle ear infection spreads into the air cells of the mastoid bone. Recurrent ear infections, delayed treatment, or severe infection can increase the risk of this condition. In many cases, prompt treatment of ear infections with appropriate medical care can reduce the chance of mastoiditis developing.

Symptoms of Mastoiditis

Mastoiditis symptoms may vary depending on age and severity of infection. Common signs include:

• Pain behind the ear
• Redness or swelling behind the ear
• Ear discharge
• Fever
• Irritability in children
• Recent history of ear infection
• Hearing problems
• Persistent ear pain

Because these symptoms can overlap with other ear conditions, an evaluation by an ENT specialist is important for an accurate diagnosis.

Possible Complications of Mastoiditis

If mastoiditis is not treated properly, it can lead to serious complications. These may include the spread of infection to nearby structures, hearing loss, meningitis, or in rare cases, a brain abscess. Prompt medical care is essential to lower these risks.

How Mastoiditis Is Diagnosed

Our team begins with a detailed medical history and a careful ear examination. Using an otoscope, we evaluate the ear canal and eardrum for signs of infection or fluid buildup. Tympanometry may also be used to assess middle ear function.

Depending on the case, additional testing may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging such as X-rays or other scans when needed
• Ear drainage culture testing

Treatment for Mastoiditis

Treatment depends on the severity of the infection, the patient’s age, and overall health. In many cases, mastoiditis requires close monitoring and treatment by an ENT specialist. Intravenous antibiotics may be needed, especially for more advanced infections.

In some patients, procedures such as a myringotomy may be recommended to help drain infected fluid from the middle ear. In pediatric cases or recurrent infections, tympanostomy tubes may also be considered to improve drainage and reduce future fluid buildup.

When to Seek Care

Mastoiditis requires prompt medical attention. If you or your child has pain behind the ear, fever, swelling, ear drainage, or ongoing symptoms after an ear infection, it is important to seek evaluation as soon as possible.

Contact ENT, Sinus & Hearing Care Center to schedule an appointment for expert evaluation and treatment.