Q Will my hearing fully recover after otitis media treatment?
A Hearing loss from acute or effusion-type otitis media usually recovers completely once the effusion drains. Chronic otitis media with damaged eardrum or ossicles may leave some permanent loss.
Detailed Answer
Outlook for Hearing Recovery
Hearing loss caused by otitis media is mostly conductive (a problem with sound transmission), so hearing recovers once the cause is resolved.
- Acute otitis media — Hearing normalizes within a few weeks once the inflammation is treated.
- Otitis media with effusion — Mostly fully recovers after the effusion is absorbed. The longer the effusion has been present, the more time recovery may take.
- Chronic otitis media and eardrum perforation — Depending on the degree of ossicular damage, some permanent conductive hearing loss may remain, and surgery (eardrum reconstruction or ossicular reconstruction) may be required in some cases.
The Role of Korean Medicine
Herbal medicine that clears the Lung and transforms phlegm (cheongpye-hwadam) lowers effusion viscosity and promotes absorption. Acupuncture and bloodletting around the eustachian tube and ear improve local blood flow and aid recovery of the lining. If hearing loss persists beyond 3 months, we combine treatment with an ENT examination.
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