Cholesteatoma Care at University of Colorado Hospital

Why Choose Treatment for Cholesteatoma at University of Colorado Hospital?

University of Colorado Hospital provides services, resources, education and research to support the needs of hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals, as well as health care professionals involved in treatment. All activities center on helping patients and their families to choose the most appropriate ways to treat hearing loss, and strive to optimize the quality of life for all who are served.

What is Cholesteatoma?

A cholesteatoma is growth on the skin in the middle ear, behind the eardrum, often caused by repeated infection or poor drainage from the ear. Cholesteatomas often appear as small cysts or pouches. If they grow, they can destroy the bones surrounding the middle ear. This can cause hearing loss, dizziness or facial muscle paralysis.

A cholesteatoma can cause foul-smelling fluid to drain from the ear. The condition can also cause persistent earaches, pressure headaches, dizziness and weakness on one side of the face. Treatment includes ear cleanings, antibiotics or eardrops. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the growth.