Perforation of the tympanic membrane. Definition. Symptomatology. Treatment. Prevention

Perforation of the tympanic membrane is, in other words, a rupture of the film separating the middle and outer ear. It is common knowledge that the middle ear is between the outer ear (the one we see) and the inner ear. In the composition of this organ there are three small bones, which are called a hammer, an anvil and stapes. It is these small bones that provide the auditory function in the body. As a result of colds and infections, inflammation occurs, which causes the formation of fluid, and often pus. Perforation of the tympanic membrane occurs when this pus "finds an outlet" outward. This is accompanied by secretions from the ear, as well as a decrease (and in some cases, loss) of hearing.

Also, the eardrum can be perforated (torn) because of injuries. The cause of such an injury in many cases is the ingress of sharp objects into the ear (for example, when playing with children or when cleaning the ears with improper means in adults) or sudden pressure drops (explosions, blows to the head, jumps in water). Perforation of the tympanic membrane in children may be a consequence of the complication of infectious diseases.

Basic symptoms

This disease is very dangerous, because it can lead to hearing impairment (in some cases irreversible). With the diagnosis of "perforation of the tympanic membrane" the symptoms will be as follows:

• Sudden, sudden pain accompanied by bleeding;
• dizziness;
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears;
• Hearing loss;
• Discharge from the ear (most often purulent).

Treatment

If you find yourself with all or some of these signs, it is recommended that you go to the doctor, and as soon as possible. The specialist with the help of otoscopy (special examination) will give you a specific diagnosis. In case the doctor has confirmed that you really have a perforation of the tympanic membrane, the treatment will take place according to a certain scheme. If the injured ear "flows", then the excreta is collected, and the doctor checks to see if they contain pus or, less often, cerebrospinal fluid. If the doctor is unable to determine this on his own, the discharges are sent to the laboratory to study their composition.

In the ear, of course external, a sterile bandage is applied. If the membrane is seriously injured, its treatment may include immediate surgery. The purpose of this operation is to connect the film to eliminate significant damage to it. Such an operation is called tympanoplasty, or myringoplasty. It passes under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision above the ear, from which he takes a small piece of skin, with which he then sews up the damage in the ear membrane. This operation is performed with a microscope, after which you will have to walk with a cotton swab in your ear for several weeks. This doctor inserts the tampon immediately after the operation.

If the gap is small, you can do without surgery, then the membrane will heal within a period of 8 to 10 days. At this time should be under the supervision of ENT. But in some cases even minor damages do not overgrow naturally, and their treatment requires compulsory surgery. Of medications usually prescribed painkillers, sedatives. In some cases, antibiotics taken orally are used.

Prevention

In order to speed up the treatment process and reduce the likelihood of complications, you should remember that before full healing of the membrane, do not blow your nose, clenching your nostrils, and also make sure that your ears do not get liquid (when bathing cover them with cotton wool soaked in oil or Cream). To avoid this disease, use such prevention and prevention measures:

• Urgent treatment of any ear infections, since delayed treatment of diseases of the middle ear often leads to accumulation of fluid that causes the aforementioned disease;
• During flights on airplanes, it is recommended to chew gum or eat (suck) a candy to protect the eardrums. This provides protection against sudden pressure drops. With a cold accompanied by a runny nose, it is better to refuse flights, or, in extreme cases, take advantage of vasoconstrictive drops before nose;
• Do not use sharp objects (hooks, hairpins, needles) to clean the ears;
• Avoid excessively long stays in noisy places.