Perforated eardrum
Perforated eardrum | |
---|---|
Other names | Punctured eardrum |
otoscopy | |
Treatment | conservative or surgery |
A perforated eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a prick in the
Presentation
A perforated eardrum leads to conductive hearing loss, which is usually temporary. Other symptoms may include tinnitus, ear pain, vertigo, or a discharge of mucus.[1] Nausea and/or vomiting secondary to vertigo may occur.[2]
Causes
A perforated eardrum can have one of many causes, such as:
- infection (otitis media).[3] This infection may then spread through the middle ear and may reoccur.[3]
- surgical complications.[4]
- shockwave from an explosion).
- inappropriate ear clearing.
- flying with a severe cold, due to changes in air pressure and blocked Eustachian tubes resulting from the cold. This is especially true on landing.[medical citation needed][5]
Diagnosis
An otoscope can be used to look at the ear canal. This gives a view of the ear canal and eardrum, so that a perforated eardrum can be seen. Tympanometry may also be used.[6]
Treatment
Conservative management
A perforated eardrum often heals naturally.[2][7] It may heal in a few weeks or may take up to a few months.[2]
Surgery
Some perforations require surgical intervention.
- Traditional tympanoplasty, usually using the microscope and performed through a 10 cm incision behind the ear lobe. This technique was introduced by Wullstien and Zollner[8] and popularized by the Jim Sheehy at the House Ear Institute.[9]
- Endoscopic tympanoplasty, usually using the endoscope through the ear canal without the need for incision. This technique was introduced and popularized by Professor Tarabichi of TSESI: Tarabichi Stammberger Ear and Sinus Institute.[10]
The success of surgery is variable based on the cause of perforation and the technique being used. Predictors of success include traumatic perforation, dry ear, and central perforations. Predictors of failure includes young age and poor eustachian tube function.
References
- ^ "Perforated eardrum - Symptoms". National Health Service. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Ruptured eardrum (perforated eardrum) - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-443-10098-7.
- ISBN 978-1-4160-2527-6.
- ^ "Airplane Ear". Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
- ISBN 978-1-4160-3618-0, retrieved 2021-11-12
- ISBN 978-0-12-380920-9.
- PMID 13263770.
- ^ PMID 6041111.
- ^ PMID 27565395.