When otitis media occurs, it may lead to rupture of the tympanic membrane, such as in chronic suppurative otitis media, where rupture of the tense part of the tympanic membrane can occur. When a patient suffers from otitis media and experiences ear pain, ear congestion and hearing loss, it is recommended that an otoscopic examination be performed at a hospital in a timely manner to determine if the eardrum has ruptured.