Eardrum Perforation

What is Eardrum Perforation?

Tympanic eardrum perforation is the medical name for a ruptured eardrum. The eardrum is the thin tissue that separates the outer ear from the middle ear and it acts as a barrier to infection. The membrane acts like a soundboard, producing vibrations from the sound waves that hit it to transmit the signal into the inner region of the ear. A hole or an opening in the eardrum could lead to hearing loss along with susceptibility to infections.

There are different types of tympanic membrane perforations based on the following factors:

1.Drainage

• Dry perforations – Absence of fluid (pus or blood) drainage
• Wet perforations – Presence of drainage

2.Duration of perforation

• Chronic – Perforation lasts for more than 3 months
• Acute – Perforation that lasts < 3 months

The type of perforation influences the healing rate. Eardrum perforations may heal in a few weeks if they are wet or acute. In certain cases, surgery may be required if the perforation does not heal within 6 months, i.e. in chronic cases.