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Ear cartilage meatoplasty

  Ear cartilage meatoplasty (conchal cartilage reduction) for external ear canal stenosis — an operation to widen the entrance (outer/cartilaginous part) of the ear canal by reshaping/removing the obstructing conchal cartilage and associated soft tissue, so the canal stays open and can ventilate, drain, and be cleaned.  Why is this being recommended? Your ear canal is narrowed because the conchal cartilage (the bowl-shaped cartilage at the ear opening) is bulky or positioned in a way that crowds the canal entrance. This can lead to a cycle of wax trapping, recurrent otitis externa/inflammation, discharge, blocked hearing, difficulty examining the eardrum , and repeated need for microsuction. Meatoplasty aims to restore a stable, self-cleaning canal opening and reduce recurrent problems.  What benefit can you reasonably expect? The intended benefits are: easier ear toilet/cleaning, fewer blockages and infections, improved access for drops and examination, and (i...

Vertigo and Dizziness..





Are labyrinthitis and vertigo the same?
The ear has three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, with small bones of hearing, and the inner ear, consisting of the labyrinth. The labyrinth has two parts as well, hearing processing part and balance part. When you get an infection in the inner ear, it is often called labyrinthitis. Common symptoms for Labyrinthitis are hearing loss or vertigo, however, there are also other causes for vertigo as well.




What is the most important thing to remember when you have labyrinthitis symptoms?
In the first few hours of symptoms, it is difficult to know between stroke and labyrinthitis. If you have vertigo and notice one side of your face becoming droopy, your arms or leg become weak and speech becomes slurred, you should call for urgent help.




What is the difference between labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis?
If you only have vertigo symptoms, then it is due to vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis occurs due to viral infection.


When should you call for help for labyrinthitis?
If you have ear discharge, high temperature, severe headache and ear pain, you should call for urgent advice.


How do we treat labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis symptoms usually will resolve within two to three weeks. Acute symptoms are best managed by bed rest, proper rehydration and using the anti-sickness medication if required. 
If you have associated hearing loss with vertigo, you may need antibiotics to clear the infection. Balance rehabilitation exercises can help with early recovery from symptoms. These can be started once acute symptoms have subsided.


When do we need MRI scan for labyrinthitis patients?
Patients with severe one-sided hearing loss, headaches and persistent vertigo need to be scanned to rule out acoustic neuroma.
Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is rare benign non-cancer tumour arising from balance nerve. Most of these tumours are very slow-growing, and yearly MRI scans generally monitor all small non-growing tumours.


Mr Gaurav Kumar
Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

To Make An Appointment

Book Online

07494914140

info@entsugeonclinic.co.uk


Helping patients with Specialist Expertise and Kindness

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant.





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