The eardrum is a membranous structure that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and may also be referred to as the tympanic membrane. Most tympanic membrane perforations are caused by trauma or inflammation resulting in a rupture or defect of the tympanic membrane.
1. Traumatic perforation of the eardrum: Commonly seen in palm strike injuries and boxing injuries to the face, the auricle and external auditory canal can be damaged. It is mostly seen in young and middle-aged males, with the left ear being the most common. There is blood or cerebrospinal fluid in the tympanic membrane and external auditory canal. Mostly fissure-like perforations with irregular edges, rarely round-like. Most heal within a month with no or mild hearing loss.
2. Inflammatory tympanic membrane perforation: there is pus or pus odor in the tympanic membrane and external ear canal. The perforation can be either in the flaccid part or in the tense part, but it is most common in the lower posterior limit of the tense part. Mostly large perforations with neat edges and round-like changes. It rarely heals on its own and most have mild to moderate hearing loss. Chronic simple inflammatory perforations are predominant and other pathologic changes of otitis media may be detected.
When tympanic membrane perforation occurs, it is recommended to consult the doctor in time and follow the doctor’s instructions to standardize the treatment.