Perforated eardrum

it consists in the laceration of the thin tympanic membrane that separates the external auditory canal from the middle ear. This rupture leads to a reduction in hearing capacity (hypoacusis) and, if it occurs suddenly, triggers acute pain in the affected ear.
Several causes can lead to a perforation of an eardrum. The most common etiology is associated with an "otitis media, but the laceration can also be caused by exposure to a loud noise or by direct or indirect trauma to the ear (as occurs in the case of the introduction of foreign objects into the ear canal, barotrauma from non-compensation, etc.).
A perforated eardrum can cause a lot of discomfort, but if the lesion is small, it heals spontaneously, without specific treatment, within a couple of months. If an infection is present, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, while pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can relieve pain. The hearing loss is usually temporary and depends on the location and size of the perforation. If the injury is very severe or does not heal, surgery to repair the tympanic membrane (myringoplasty) may be required. Complications associated with surgery are rare but can include infections, hearing loss and dizziness.

and other foreign substances. Perforation of the eardrum makes the middle and inner ear vulnerable to infection or other damage.

. In general, however, hearing loss resulting from tympanic perforation is only temporary and hearing is restored once the eardrum has healed.
In addition to hearing loss, a perforated eardrum can cause the following symptoms:

• Sudden acute pain in the ear (if onset is immediate);
• Ear infections, with bleeding or purulent or serous discharge from the ear canal;
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus or tinnitus)
• Facial weakness or dizziness.

and bacteria from entering the middle ear. Therefore, having a perforated eardrum increases the risk of developing an infection.
Symptoms of "middle ear otitis" can include:

• Severe pain in the ear, due to the pressure exerted by the fluids on the eardrum;
• Fever (38 ° C or higher);
• Mild hearing loss.

, such as vomiting, increased body temperature, and lack of energy.
Other signs of an "ear infection" in children and babies are:

• Repeated rubbing of the ear;
• Fever (38 ° C or higher);
• Irritability;
• Lack of appetite;
• Restlessness at night
• Cough;
• A runny nose;
• Lack of response to less intense sounds;
• Loss of balance.

it is one of the most common causes of tympanic perforation. An "otitis media (acute relapsing, effusive or serum-mucosal) can cause an accumulation of fluids inside the ear. If the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the pharynx, is closed due to inflammation," it can result in the reflux of infected secretions from the nasopharynx into the middle ear. The purulent or serous material that stagnates here can exert pressure on the eardrum, up to perforating it; sometimes, the amount of fluid is so high that it causes secretions to leak from the external ear canal.

Direct traumatic event. The perforation of the eardrum can be caused by a violent trauma to the ear (for example, from a sports injury, a powerful slap, the impact of an air bag or the accidental penetration of foreign bodies) or from the improper use of an object introduced into the ear canal (such as the forced and deep insertion of cotton swabs). Even severe head trauma can cause damage to structures in the inner ear, including the eardrum.

Loud noises. A perforated eardrum can be caused by a sudden and very loud noise; for example, the shock waves from a loud explosion can damage sensitive parts of the ear, including the eardrum. Often, perforation of the tympanic membrane caused by loud noise results in severe hearing loss and persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Changes in air pressure (barotrauma). A "sudden change in pressure often causes ear pain, as occurs, for example, from a change in altitude during an airplane trip. Occasionally, failure to compensate for" middle ear compared to the pressure of the external environment can cause rupture of the eardrum. This can also occur during a "diving" or in other situations where there is a large difference between the pressure of the surrounding air and the pressure inside the " middle ear.

, the doctor uses an instrument, the otoscope, equipped with a light and a lens; in this way he can examine the inside of the ear and highlight any perforation of the eardrum, the site of the lesion and its dimensions . The audiometric test can instead assess the extent of the hearing loss.

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