THE PERFORATED TYMPANIC MEMBRANE

Tympanic membrane perforations typically result from trauma or acute otitis media. Most perforations do not cause more than a mild conductive hearing loss, aural fullness and mild tinnitus. Blood, purulent secretions and other debris should be carefully suctioned out of the canal and the perforation size and location described. Irrigation and pneumatic otoscopy should be avoided. A history of vertigo, nausea and vomiting and an audiogram showing a conductive hearing loss of more than 30 dB suggest disruption of the ossicular chain. Profound sensorineural loss may signify inner ear nerve damage. Mastoid radiographs and computed tomographic scans may be useful in cases of significant trauma and infection. Most small perforations resolve spontaneously. The affected ear should be kept dry. Oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed for perforations related to acute otitis media. Otolaryngologic referral may be necessary to evaluate traumatic perforations associated with vertigo or significant hearing loss, perforations from chronic otitis media or perforations from acute otitis media that do not heal within one month.