Cholesteatoma

Patients should be made aware of the risk of cholesteatoma recurrence, which may occur several years later. They should be instructed to seek specialist advice if ear discharge recurs or if there is worsening hearing loss. Patients with an open mastoid cavity may experience vertigo if water gets into the ears while swimming, due to the temperature changes transmitted to the bony labyrinth. If this occurs, swim plugs can be used to avoid these temperature changes.