[Reversible inner ear hearing loss in middle ear tuberculosis].

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Context:

• Tuberculosis (TB) can affect the middle ear, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Middle ear TB is rare, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing complications.

Purpose:

• To report a rare case of middle ear tuberculosis in a young adult female.
• To highlight the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings.
• To discuss the treatment outcome and the patient's recovery.

Summary:

• A 29-year-old female teacher presented with symptoms suggestive of middle ear pathology.
• Physical examination revealed white necrotic areas on the tympanic membrane and auditory meatus.
• The patient experienced inner ear deafness, which resolved after antituberculous therapy.
• This specific clinical course and recovery pattern is not well-documented in existing literature.

Impact:

• This case contributes to the understanding of middle ear tuberculosis manifestations.
• It underscores the importance of considering TB in the differential diagnosis of ear infections, even in atypical presentations.
• The successful treatment outcome emphasizes the efficacy of prompt antituberculous therapy in preserving auditory function.