Tympanic-Membrane Perforation

Tympanic-membrane perforation is a hole in the eardrum, from acute otitis media, trauma, or barotrauma, presenting with conductive hearing loss and otorrhea (especially when water enters). Most small perforations heal spontaneously. Treatment: keep the ear dry; topical antibiotic drops for infection; surgical tympanoplasty/myringoplasty if the perforation persists >3-6 months or causes significant hearing loss/recurrent infection.

Common Symptoms

Conductive hearing loss; otorrhea (with water); visible hole on otoscopy; by cause (otitis/trauma)

Causes and Pathogenesis

Infection/trauma/barotrauma creates a perforation, impairing sound conduction.

Treatment

Keep dry; topical antibiotics; most heal; tympanoplasty if persistent >3-6 months

Preventive Measures

Keep perforated ear dry; avoid diving/forceful nose-blowing.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Otolaryngology (ENT) department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.