investigations

Last reviewed 01/2018

The investigations of value in unsafe otitis media / cholesteatoma include:

• examination of the ear with auroscope or pnematic autoscope (1)
• audiometry
• balance tests (2)
• culture and sensitivity of discharge - usually, grows Pseudomonas aeruginosa and anaerobes
• x-rays of the mastoid (2)
• CT - assess extent of intracranial destruction

Reference:

• (1) Cholesteatomas: Virtual classroom of the american academy of paediatrics.
• (2) Medical contenet of the american academy of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery (AAO-HNS).2007