Cholesteatoma of the ear.

Cholesteatoma is a hazardous condition because of the erosion and tissue destruction, which result in deafness, and the complications which threaten life. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best opportunity for eradication of the disease and preservation of hearing. The patient usually complains of intermittent or persistent ear drainage and of diminished hearing acuity. Close examination of the tympanic membrane reveals a perforation, which at times may be quite small, with epithelial extension into the middle ear space. In most instances surgical intervention is necessary for eradication of the disease.