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This article defines silent otitis media and describes its continuum of signs and symptoms and its sequelae. Chronic silent otitis media and silent otitis media in children are also examined, and treatment principles are provided.

A combination of otologic techniques has been presented in the step-wise surgical rationale that we call the flexible approach. The sequence of steps involved in the flexible approach allows the surgeon to adjust his or her surgery to the individual patient's needs. Very often, in patients with chronic otitis media, a middle ear reconstructive procedure (ossiculoplasty including lateralization of the malleus, removal of pathological tissue, insertion of an implant of silicone rubber sheets, and use of ventilation tubes with or without tympanic grafts) will obviate mastoidectomy. When a mastoidectomy is indicated, the IBM is a suitable procedure that encompasses the advantages of both closed and open mastoidectomy techniques.