What are the Symptoms and Signs of Cholesteatoma?
Initial symptoms and signs of cholesteatoma may include:
- Smelly ear discharge
- Gradual hearing loss in one ear
- Pain in ear
- Feeling of pressure inside one ear
- One-sided headaches
Other serious complications due to untreated cholesteatoma which require immediate medical attention and treatment include:
- Dizziness (possible inner ear involvement)
- Numbness on one side of face
- Muscle weakness on one side of the face (due to nerve damage)
- Redness and tenderness behind the ear may indicate spread of infection to the mastoid process.
- Persistent ear discharge and high fever (due to chronic ear infection)
- Confusion and fever (due to possible brain involvement)
- Permanent loss of hearing due to damage to bones in the middle ear
