Infection of the middle ear cavity of varying severity with its associated complications is one of the commonest ENT problem in tropical countries like ours. The chronicity of the disease and poor response to routine treatment prompted us to isolate and identify the causative organisms and study antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Two hundred patients examined over a period of two years were studied. Microbial aetiology could be made in 92% cases with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the predominant bacterium (41%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (26.5%). Mixed infection was seen only in 6% cases. Imipenem was found to be the most effective antibiotic against all the bacterial strains. However, in view of its cost, Amikacin seems to be a good alternative both for topical as well as systemic use. However, ototoxicity of Amikacin was observed clinically as well as any documentary evidence viz audiometry BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry) and OAE (Oto-Acoustic Emissions) in children. None of our cases studied in this study was found to have ototoxic effects.
