Q: Which doctor should I consult for mastoiditis?
A: An ENT specialist, or otolaryngologist, can help in treatment and management of mastoiditis.
Q: What are the chances that my mastoiditis will be treated fully?
A: Prognosis of mastoiditis is usually excellent in acute mastoiditis and is treatable with antibiotics. Chronic mastoiditis may require further management with surgery. However, if the infection has spread to other areas like the brain, further treatments are required.
Q: If my mastoid bone is removed, how will it affect my life?
A: Initially, post-operative pain or numbness may be present. Some symptoms like vertigo, changes in taste sensations and tinnitus may be present for a few days and subside spontaneously.
Depending on the type of mastoidectomy performed, hearing loss can occur which may be lifelong. Further management of hearing loss can be done with hearing aids.
Q: If I have sinusitis, do I have a risk of developing mastoiditis?
A: It is possible. Acute sinusitis may be treated fully with antibiotics while chronics sinusitis may cause the infection to spread to the middle ear and the mastoid bone.
Q: Are CT scan and MRI scan necessary for the diagnosis of mastoiditis?
A: CT scan and MRI procedures reveal the extent of spread of the disease, the opacity of the mastoid air cells and the extent of erosion of the mastoid bone tissue. So, these procedures are recommended.
