Tomography of the middle ear

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) of the middle ear should be performed when a detailed 3D visualization of the middle ear and its structures is crucial for diagnosis, treatment planning, or post-treatment evaluation. Here are specific scenarios when a CBCT scan of the middle ear might be recommended:

1. Chronic Otitis Media: If there's persistent or recurrent middle ear infection, especially when there are complications or when treatment isn't effective.
2. Cholesteatoma Identification: When there's suspicion or evidence of cholesteatomas, which are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the middle ear and cause complications.
3. Ossicular Chain Assessment: In cases of suspected disruption, damage, or malformation of the ossicles (tiny bones in the middle ear).
4. Traumatic Injuries:Following trauma or injury to the ear or surrounding structures to assess damage to the middle ear components.
5. Pre-surgical Planning: Before surgical interventions involving the middle ear, such as stapedectomy, tympanoplasty, or mastoidectomy, to understand the anatomy and any pathologies in detail.
6. Post-surgical Evaluation: After surgeries involving the middle ear, to evaluate the outcomes and check for potential complications.
7. Congenital or Developmental Abnormalities: When there's a suspicion of anatomical anomalies in the middle ear, which might affect hearing or predispose the patient to certain conditions.
8. Hearing Loss Evaluation: When there's unexplained hearing loss, and there's a need to check the condition of the middle ear structures.
9. Tumor or Growth Evaluation: For patients with a suspected tumor or growth within the middle ear or surrounding structures.
10. Persistent Ear Symptoms: For unexplained symptoms such as pain, pressure, tinnitus, or vertigo, when other diagnostic measures haven't provided a clear diagnosis.

The procedure is non-invasive and painless:

• The patient is asked to remove anything that may interfere with the imaging, including metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses or hearing aids.
• The patient either sits or stands in the CBCT machine.
• The patient must remain still during the scan to ensure image clarity. As the scanner rotates around the patient's head, it captures multiple images from various angles, which are then reconstructed into a 3D model.

No, there isn't an age-specific limit. Computed Tomography can be beneficial for both children and adults, depending on the medical concern.

Always consult with your doctor for specific details and any further queries related to Tomography of the middle ear or any other medical procedure.