=Etiology.=—Chronic suppurative otitis media usually results from an
unsuccessfully treated acute otitis media. If in acute otitis media
there has been bone erosion or extensive destruction of the mucous
membrane by a virulent infection, chronic suppuration is likely to
result. A persistent mastoid infection following otitis media is likely
to result in chronic otitis media and this is strong argument for early
mastoid operation.
1. Otitis media resulting from some virulent infection such as the
recent influenza pandemic or scarlet fever is always more likely to
result in mastoiditis and chronic suppuration of the middle ear.
2. Such infectious agents as streptococcus, staphylococcus, long-chain
pneumococcus or bacillus influenzæ are likely to result in chronic
suppurations.