A prolonged process of otitis media can lead to complications. One of these is refractive pockets. They are formed by the retraction of the eardrum into the eardrum cavity, and keratin deposits accumulate within them. They are a form of hernia. They arise as a result of the weakening of the elements that make up the eardrum. Depending on their severity, there are three types: reversible, irreversible-controlled and a third type, uncontrolled, where the pocket does not empty properly.
Symptoms and course retraction pockets
During pocket formation, there is hearing loss and a feeling of fullness in the ear. If leakage from the ear occurs, this is indicative of perloma formation.
Treatment retraction pockets
In about 20 % of cases, spontaneous remission occurs. Management is conservative with periodic follow-up or surgical, with tympanoplasty. The most important aim of treatment is to prevent perloma formation and hearing damage. Sometimes treatment is supplemented by procedures that improve ventilation of the middle ear, such as correction of a crooked nasal septum or removal of the pharyngeal tonsil.
