Perforated eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal and the middle ear. The middle ear is connected to the nasal passage behind the nose via the 'Eustachian tube'. This tube equalizes middle ear pressure and air pressure. With a perforated eardrum, hearing often decreases and rarely, there is discharge. Pain is usually not found. Causes of Eardrum Perforation: Impact to the ear and inflammation are among the main causes. In the following cases, the eardrum may be ruptured. Severe slapping on the ear. Certain types of skull fractures. After a sudden explosion. Inserting objects such as needles or matchsticks into the ear canal. Excessively hot or acidic liquid leaking into the ear canal. Middle ear infections can cause pain, hearing loss and perforation of the eardrum. There may be an inflammatory or bloody discharge from the ear. This condition is inflammation of the middle eardrum with a perforated eardrum. In rare cases, a hole may remain in the eardrum after ventilation tubes are placed in the ear. Although some may take months to heal, most eardrum holes close on their own within a few weeks after being pierced. The ear should be protected from water and impact during their healing. Surgery may be required for membrane holes that do not close on their own. Hearing Effects of a Perforated Eardrum Generally, the larger the hole, the greater the hearing loss. The location of the hole in the eardrum also affects hearing. If the skull fracture has caused damage to the interconnected bones in the middle ear that transmit hearing to the inner ear, hearing loss may be severe. If the eardrum is pierced as a result of a sudden impact or explosion, hearing loss may be severe and tinnitus may be added to the complaints. In this case, hearing returns over time and tinnitus subsides within a few days. Continuous inflammation due to the eardrum hole can lead to severe hearing loss. Treatment of Perforated Eardrum: A hearing test should be performed before attempting the treatment of the perforation. The benefits of repairing the eardrum include preventing water leakage into the middle ear while showering, bathing or swimming, improving hearing and reducing tinnitus. 'Cholesteatoma (skin cyst in the middle ear)', which causes constant inflammation and melting of the structures in the middle ear. If the hole is very small, ear, nose and throat physicians You may choose to monitor it for a while to see if it will close on its own. Your doctor may stimulate the edges of the hole with a chemical substance under a microscope and place a piece of paper on it to allow it to close again. An improvement in hearing is usually felt as the eardrum closes. Patching may be required several times (three or four times) to completely close the hole. If your doctor decides that the hole in the membrane will not be closed completely and well with this patching process performed in the office, the operation is planned. There are many operation methods, but the basic principle in all of them is to patch the hole with a piece of tissue and leave it to heal. This procedure is called 'tympanoplasty' in medical language. The operation usually provides complete closure of the hole and recovery of hearing. Your physician will make the necessary recommendations for the correct treatment of your perforated eardrum.
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