What causes an ear cholesteatoma?

What causes an ear cholesteatoma?

There are many types, each with a different cause, including:

• Primary acquired cholesteatoma: Occurs when the ear doesn’t drain or doesn’t even equal out pressure properly (eustachian tube). This improper drainage and pressure pulls the eardrum into the middle ear, allowing cells to collect.
• Secondary acquired cholesteatoma: Develops when skin cells collect behind the eardrum after a rupture.
• Congenital cholesteatoma: Forms when skin cells become trapped in the middle ear before birth.