A clinical study of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation

Abstract

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Tympanic membrane (TM) which forms the partition between external auditory canal and middle ear may be ruptured by trauma. Traumatic TM perforation is a commonly observed condition. Though, several therapeutic interventions have been described, conservative follow-up until spontaneous complete recovery is the most common choice.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong> It was a prospective cohort study conducted during a period of 10 months from July 2020 to April 2021, carried out in 30 patients who presented to outpatient department of ENT and casualty of Hassan institute of medical sciences hospital with traumatic TM perforation. After taking informed consent, detailed history was taken, thorough examination of ear was performed and characteristics of perforation were noted. Pure tone audiometry (PTA) was conducted, data was statistically analysed.</p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Mean age group was 33.1 years and 73.3% were males. Ear pain was the commonest symptom with accidental trauma being the most common cause. 70% of them had left TM perforation and posteroinferior quadrant was mostly involved.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Traumatic TM perforation is commonly seen in young adults following accidental trauma and assault. Earache, sudden hearing loss and tinnitus are the common symptoms. Most of the cases heal spontaneously with conservative management.</p>