As a medical journalist, I recently visited the ENT department at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri West to meet Dr. Shama S Kovale — recognized widely for providing top-tier ear infection treatment in Mumbai. Walking into the hospital’s ENT wing, I carried with me patients’ stories of repeated earaches, chronic discharge, and hearing loss. My goal was to understand firsthand how a seasoned ENT surgeon approaches such ear conditions: diagnosis, treatment options, and patient care.
Dr. Shama S. Kovale — Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Environment
Dr. Shama S. Kovale is an accomplished ENT surgeon and laryngologist with a rich academic and professional background. She holds an MBBS, followed by DLO (Diploma in Otorhinolaryngology) and an MS (ENT) from B.Y.L. Nair Hospital / Topiwala National Medical College in Mumbai.
Over the past two decades, she has developed special expertise in ear, nose, throat, voice, swallowing, and neuro-otology disorders. At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital , she heads a well-equipped ENT department, supported by advanced microscopes, endoscopic systems, and surgical navigation tools — enabling treatment ranging from routine ear-wax removal to complex ear surgeries.
In conversation, Dr. Kovale emphasized that her approach is always patient-centric: she seeks to explain conditions clearly, offer evidence-based therapies, and choose treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. Her broad training — including fellowships in voice, swallowing, cochlear implant and microsurgeries — supports a wide spectrum of ENT care.
This depth of training and the hospital’s modern infrastructure make this setup a reliable choice for anyone seeking an ENT Specialist in Mumbai — including complex cases of chronic or recurring ear infections.
How Ear Infection Treatment Works — What I Observed
During my visit, I observed the process by which patients with ear complaints are evaluated and managed. For ear infections, the typical workflow involves:
- A comprehensive clinical evaluation: history of ear discharge, hearing loss, past infections or surgeries.
- Diagnostic audiology and ear-microscopy. At Kokilaben, audiology services (hearing tests, tympanometry) and microsurgical equipment are integrated within the ENT department.
- If the ear infection is of an acute or straightforward type, medical management with antibiotics/ear drops, along with advice on ear hygiene and follow-up.
- If there is a chronic ear infection — especially with eardrum perforation, repeated discharges, or hearing impairment — surgical options are discussed. One common procedure is Tympanoplasty (eardrum repair), which Dr. Kovale frequently performs.
- Post-operative follow-up, including hearing assessment, ear care education, and monitoring for complications.
This systematic, evidence-based approach is characteristic of what many refer to when searching for “the Best ENT Specialist in Mumbai” — combining medical insight with surgical precision and patient-sensitive care.
Benefits and Risks of Treatment
Benefits
- Effective resolution of chronic ear problems: For patients with recurrent ear discharge or persistent perforation, surgical repair (e.g., tympanoplasty) under expert hands can restore ear integrity, stop discharge, and improve hearing.
- Improved quality of life: Patients often report relief from pain, discomfort, social embarrassment of discharge or smell, and improved hearing — which impacts daily activities and wellbeing.
- Comprehensive, modern care: With access to advanced diagnostics, operating microscopes, endoscopic surgeries and a full ENT team, the clinic offers holistic treatment — from simple infections to complex ear, nose, throat, and skull-base issues.
- Patient-centered communication: Dr. Kovale’s philosophy emphasizes explaining diagnosis and treatment clearly, enabling patients to make informed decisions — especially important when considering surgery.
Risks & Possible Complications
- Surgical risk: As with any ear surgery, tympanoplasty carries potential risks — graft failure, residual perforation, hearing not improving as expected, infection, or need for revision. Although Dr. Kovale has a strong success record, patients must be aware that outcomes may vary.
- Postoperative care strictness: Success often depends on careful aftercare — avoiding water entry into the ear, following medications, and attending follow-up appointments. Non-compliance can jeopardize results.
- Not all conditions guarantee complete restoration: Chronic infections, damage to inner ear structures or longstanding hearing loss may limit full recovery — while surgery can stop discharge, hearing levels may not always return to “pre-disease” norms.
- Need for long-term follow-up: Some patients might require ongoing monitoring for allergies, sinus issues, or Eustachian-tube dysfunction — factors that may contribute to recurrent ear problems even after surgery.
Approximate Cost Range — A Neutral Estimate
Dr. Kovale informed me during the interview that costs vary widely depending on the severity of the infection, the condition of the ear (e.g., simple infection vs. perforation needing surgery), and choice of treatment — medical or surgical. Because of this variability, it’s challenging to quote a fixed amount without a prior consultation.
Based on general industry standards for Mumbai ENT surgeries, a procedure like tympanoplasty at a premium hospital may run in the mid-to-upper rupees range — including surgeon fees, operating theatre charges, hospital stay if needed, and follow-up visits. For basic outpatient ear infection treatment (drops, medication, cleaning), costs are significantly lower and mostly limited to consultation and medication.
Dr. Kovale emphasized that the priority is correct treatment rather than cost — and that patients should first seek evaluation to understand what their condition truly requires.
Precautions and Aftercare Advice Shared by Dr. Kovale
From our conversation, and from post-operative guidelines provided by the clinic, the advice shared with patients includes:
- Keep the ear dry: Especially after surgery or when there is discharge — avoid water entering the ear while bathing or swimming, to prevent infection or graft failure.
- Avoid inserting ear-buds, cotton swabs or objects: These can injure the ear canal or drum, introduce infection, or interfere with healing.
- Follow medications and prescribed ear-drops exactly as directed: Even if symptoms improve — to ensure complete resolution of infection and prevent recurrence.
- Attend follow-up appointments and audiology tests: Hearing improvement must be monitored over weeks; any concerns — discomfort, discharge, dizziness — should be reported promptly.
- Protect ear from loud noise or sudden pressure changes: After surgery, it’s advisable to avoid loud environments or pressure-changing situations (like air travel) until healing is confirmed.
- Maintain nasal and sinus hygiene (if applicable): Since nose and sinus health impact ear function (via Eustachian tube), treating any sinus or allergy issues helps prevent future ear infections.
Dr. Kovale stressed that responsible aftercare — alongside surgical or medical treatment — is essential for long-term success. Her team provides detailed instructions and support to patients, ensuring that care continues beyond the procedure.
Who Should Consider Expert Ear Infection Treatment — And When to Seek It
Based on my observations and interview, the following individuals may benefit from consulting an ENT specialist like Dr. Kovale:
- People with recurrent ear discharge or chronic ear infections that do not resolve with standard antibiotic courses.
- Patients experiencing hearing loss, fullness, tinnitus, or repeated ear pain — especially if symptoms persist over months.
- Individuals with eardrum perforation or suspected middle-ear problems, needing evaluation for possible repair (tympanoplasty or other ear microsurgery).
- Children or adults with frequent ear infections or ear-wax problems where basic care hasn’t helped — as the hospital offers comprehensive ear-care services including microsurgery, hearing evaluation, and prevention advice.
- Anyone desiring evidence-based ENT care with a multidisciplinary setup and modern surgical and diagnostic tools, rather than fragmented or partial care.
If you or your family member have been struggling with ear problems that linger — it may be wise to consider seeking a specialist’s opinion sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts — Reflections from My Visit
Visiting Kokilaben Hospital and meeting Dr. Shama S. Kovale gave me a deeper understanding of what “ear infection treatment in Mumbai” can — and should — look like when managed by skilled hands. It’s not just about prescribing drops or antibiotics. It’s about comprehensive diagnosis, personalized treatment, professional surgical care if needed, and thoughtful aftercare — all wrapped in empathy and clear communication.
For patients grappling with persistent ear issues, chronic discharge, or hearing loss, expert ENT care at a facility such as this offers not only relief, but a real chance at restoring function and quality of life.
If you’ve been dealing with recurring ear problems, perhaps now is the time to seek a full evaluation — before complications escalate.
Let’s enhance your natural well-being and hearing strength — if you wish, you can reach out to:
📍 Clinic Address:
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
📞 Give Us a Ring: +91-91528 50769
📧 Email: drshamakovaleent@gmail.com