If left untreated, mastoiditis can cause serious, even life-threatening, health complications, including hearing loss, blood clot, meningitis, or a brain abscess. But with early and appropriate antibiotic treatment and drainage, these complications can usually be avoided and you can recover completely.

How serious is mastoiditis?

Mastoiditis is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mastoid bone behind the ear. It's more common in children. Most people with mastoiditis recover quickly and have no complications as long as the condition is diagnosed and treated quickly.

Why is mastoiditis an emergency?

Ear infections that people fail to treat cause most cases of mastoiditis. The condition is rare but can become life-threatening without treatment. Symptoms of mastoiditis include swelling behind the ear, pus coming out of the ear, throbbing pain, and difficulty hearing.