Perforated eardrum
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	H72.
ICD-9	384.2
DiseasesDB	13473
eMedicine	ent/206
MeSH	C09.218.903

Perforated eardrum is a rupture or perforation (hole) of the eardrum which can occur as a result of infection, trauma (e.g. by trying to clean the ear with sharp instruments), explosion, loud noise or surgery (accidental creation of a rupture). Flying with a severe cold can also cause perforation due to changes in air pressure and blocked eustachian tubes resulting from the cold. This is especially true on landing.[1]

Perforation of the eardrum leads to conductive hearing loss.

[edit] Treatment

The perforation may heal in a few weeks, or up to a few months.[2] Some perforations require intervention - this may use a paper patch to promote healing (simple procedure in the office of an ear, nose and throat specialist), or surgery (tympanoplasty).[3][4] However, in some cases, the perforation can last several years and will be unable to heal naturally - usually a result of a perforation being surgically induced during an operation involving the ear.

Hearing is usually recovered fully, but chronic infection over a long period may lead to permanent hearing loss. Those with more severe ruptures may need to wear an ear plug to avoid water making contact with the ear drum.

[edit] External links

• 19-220b. at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Home Edition
• PERFORATIONS AND HEARING LOSS - Ear Surgery Information Center
• Ruptured eardrum - MayoClinic.com
• Perforated Eardrum - InteliHealth
• Should a Person With an Ear Infection, Sinusitis or a Cold Fly in an Airplane?- Purple Medical Blog
• Perforated Eardrum article on NHS Direct

• drtbalu otolaryngology online

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v • d • e Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H99, 380-389) External ear Otitis externa Middle ear and mastoid Otitis media · Mastoiditis (Bezold's abscess, Gradenigo's syndrome) Cholesteatoma · Perforated eardrum Inner ear and central pathways Common pathway Labyrinthitis/Otitis interna Equilibrioception Vertigo/Balance disorder: peripheral (Ménière's disease, BPPV, Vestibular neuronitis, Perilymph fistula) · central (Central positional nystagmus) Hearing Hearing impairment Conductive hearing loss (Otosclerosis, Superior canal dehiscence) · Sensorineural hearing loss (Presbycusis, Central hearing loss) Excessive response Tinnitus · Hyperacusis/Phonophobia Deafblindness Wolfram syndrome · Usher syndrome Other Acquired auditory processing disorder ear navs: anat/pathways/physio/dev, noncongen/congen, eponymous signs, proc