Perforated Tympanic Membrane

Aetiology

  • Mainly seen in the younger population associated with acute otitis media
  • Can be caused by trauma e.g. sudden negative pressure, insertion of objects into the ear

Clinical presentation

  • Sudden severe pain sometimes followed by bleeding from the ear, hearing loss, and tinnitus

Investigations

Otoscopy

  • Perforation visible
notion image

Audiometry

  • Conductive hearing loss

Management

  • Usually heals spontaneously
  • Surgical repair is only indicated if the patient is symptomatic with recurrent discharge