The tympanic membrane (TM), or “ear drum,” is a thin, trilaminar barrier that separates the external auditory canal (EAC) from the middle ear. Along with the ossicles of the middle e...
Otorrhea/ear drainage (pus, blood, or clear fluid)
Otalgia or earache consistent with AOM (perhaps associated with sudden relief)
Tinnitus or buzzing
Self-audible whistling from the ear ...
Most TM perforations are nonurgent and do not require immediate evaluation by an otolaryngologist. Often, these can be managed with drops and pain control to decrease inflamm...
Follow-up should be done to confirm TM healing and to obtain an audiogram.
It is vital to reexamine the ear, especially after an episode of infec...
Jensen RG, Koch A, Homøe P. Long-term tympanic membrane pathology dynamics and spontaneous healing in chronic suppurative otitis media. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2012;31(2):139–14...
H72.90 Unsp perforation of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
H72.00 Central perforation of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear.
H72.2X9 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane, unsp ...
To evaluate a patient with a suspected TM perforation, history and physical exam will usually suffice and does not require imaging.
Most TM perforations do not require immediate evaluat...
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