Which procedure is commonly used to treat otitis media?

The procedure that is commonly used to treat otitis media is PE Tube Insertion, also known as Pressure Equalization Tube insertion. This treatment is typically indicated for patients, particularly children, who experience recurrent episodes of otitis media or for those with persistent fluid in the middle ear that does not respond to conventional treatments such as antibiotics.

By placing the PE tubes in the eardrum, ventilation of the middle ear is improved, and fluid drainage is facilitated. This allows for better hearing and reduces the risk of further infections. The tubes help maintain normal air pressure in the ear, thereby alleviating discomfort and promoting healing.

Other procedures mentioned, such as myringotomy, mastoidectomy, and stapedectomy, serve different purposes. Myringotomy involves making an incision in the eardrum to relieve pressure or drain fluid, which can be a part of the intervention prior to tube insertion but is typically a more immediate and temporary solution. Mastoidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove infected air cells in the mastoid bone, usually in more severe cases of ear infection. Stapedectomy focuses on the inner ear and is performed to improve hearing, often related to conditions like otosclerosis, and does not directly address the issues related to otitis