Hole in the Ear Drum Outline

MEDICAL TERM
Tympanic Membrane Perforation

AGE
Any age group

SYMPTOMS

• No symptoms
• Hearing loss

Seen in the older child to young adult who has a history of trauma to the ear. Usually after a slap to the ear, high diving injury or water skiing injury. Perforation can also be the result of repeated ear infections.

PHYSICAL EXAM

• Ear drum with a hole in it
• Greenish or bloody drainage (purulent)

Most common complaint is a blocked feeling with decreased hearing

LAB

• Conductive hearing loss
• Tympanometry—Unable to get a seal

TREATMENT

• Usually no treatment needed, if not infected
• Antibiotic ear drops
• Antibiotics  by mouth
• Surgical closure

Most of the perforations heal without anything being done. The ones that don’t heal usually get infected first. The patient should be cautioned against getting any water in the ear.

REFERRAL
All patients with this problem need to be seen by their doctor.

PREVENTION
Taking precautions to protect the ears when diving.