Herpetic tympanitis is a viral infection of the tympanic membrane in the ear that presents as a bloody blister on the tympanic membrane or adjacent outer ear canal skin, usually causing severe pain. It is mainly complicated by upper respiratory tract infections and can cause severe ear pain, hearing loss and low-grade fever. The main symptoms of herpetic tympanitis include ear pain, fever and hearing loss. Intense, unbearable ear pain occurs during the course of the disease, especially during the first 24-48 hours. Some people will experience varying degrees of hearing loss, accompanied by a feeling of stuffy ears and swelling. The blood blisters on the tympanic membrane, some can absorb on their own, some will rupture and manifest as bleeding from the external ear canal These blisters may rupture and inflammatory fluid will also appear bleeding from the ear canal, usually the pain will be relieved by the bleeding fluid. The diagnosis of herpetic tympanitis is made mainly by otoscopy which reveals characteristic blood blisters on the tympanic membrane. Treatment is mainly analgesic and prevention of secondary external ear infection, and requires avoiding water in the external ear canal and not digging the ear.