Otitis Media Treatment Cost in India

Otitis media is commonly known as middle ear infection. The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the bone that creates sound waves while vibrating. Children are more susceptible to having otitis media than others. In the initial stages, otitis media can clear up on its own. In some cases, treatment may be required for pain management and preventing the infection from growing. 

Antibiotics may sometimes be prescribed to treat the infection. The chances of getting multiple ear infections are higher for some people. In such cases, severe complications may occur, including hearing loss.

When ear infection becomes severe, it can develop into chronic otitis media and may lead to cholesteatoma. A cholesteatoma is a skin cyst behind the tympanic membrane (eardrum). Eventually, the cholesteatoma enlarges and destroys the delicate bones in the middle ear. 

The inner ear can be affected by chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. As a result, you may lose your hearing, and experience dizziness and facial paralysis. Other serious health complications can occur if the disease spreads to the brain.

A surgery called tympanoplasty with mastoidectomy is the surgical method for treating chronic otitis media and cholesteatoma. 

It is common for ear infections to clear up on their own. However, when the infection refuses to go away, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication. Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic if the ear infection has turned worse. The treatment of ear infections in children that are 2 years old or younger usually involves antibiotics.

See your healthcare provider when pain or discomfort persists, or the ear infection has not healed. When fluid builds up behind the eardrum, ongoing ear infections and frequent infections can cause hearing loss and other serious complications.

There are several factors that affect the final cost of otitis media treatment in India, including:

• The severity of the condition

The severity of a patient’s condition determines the final cost of treatment. The treatment cost may be higher if the patient has had otitis media for more than 4 to 5 weeks and medications are not working. 

• Choice of hospital

Like all surgeries, hospital charges are based on the amenities and facilities provided by them. Hospitals in metro cities are far more expensive than in other cities. Also, private hospitals charge more compared to government hospitals.

• Surgeon’s experience 

Usually, a more experienced surgeon charges higher than a less experienced one, which ultimately impacts the cost of treatment . 

• Additional costs due to complications, if there are any. 

The surgeon may have to extend the procedure if complications arise, which may increase the final cost.

• Type of treatment 

The type of treatment you receive- medical or surgical can also bring a difference in the cost.

• Cost of diagnostic tests 

Diagnostic tests may be prescribed by the surgeon in order to diagnose the severity of the patient’s condition. These tests can also increase the cost of the treatment. 

The cost of some diagnostic tests performed before otitis media treatment are as follows:

• X-ray: Rs. 250- Rs. 500
• Imaging tests: Rs. 1500 – Rs. 4000
• Swab test/tissue culture: Rs. 400 – Rs. 1000
• Nasal Endoscopy: Rs. 1500 – Rs 2000

• Your choice of treatment city

The cost of otitis media treatment can vary, depending on the city you’re in. Metropolitan cities offer the most advanced healthcare facilities, so their treatment costs tend to be higher compared to tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Yes. Surgical management of otitis media is covered under insurance. The majority of health insurance policies cover ENT procedures, including tympanoplasty and myringoplasty. There are some situations where your coverage isn’t guaranteed, such as where your policy has a deductible, sublimit, age limit, co-payment, or cashless facility.

Pristyn Care’s insurance team can help you understand your health insurance policy and even help you with the claim process.