Pediatric Perforated Eardrum

A tympanic membrane perforation (hole in the eardrum) can be caused by many different things. Traumatic tympanic membrane perforations are quite common. Sticking things in the ear (i.e. Q-tip, bobby pin, or pencil) or getting slapped on the ear are common causes of a hole in the eardrum. Ear infections are another common cause of tympanic membrane perforations. Even one really bad ear infection may lead to a perforation if the pressure of the pus behind the eardrum causes the eardrum to rupture. Repeated mild ear infections can also cause a perforation of the eardrum.

The tympanic membrane perforation can lead to a hearing loss (conductive hearing loss) and can lead to recurrent infections if the ear is not kept dry. The purpose of repairing a perforated ear drum that has not healed within 3 months would be to try and improve/eliminate the hearing loss and to allow one to swim and shower without the need to keep the ear dry.

Tympanic membrane perforations can be repaired by many approaches depending on the size and location of the perforation. Minor procedures using paper or fat may be indicated or a formal tympanoplasty may be recommended. A cholesteatoma should always be ruled out. Dr. Tamez has extensive experience repairing perforated eardrum with great results.

Possible Testing

• Audiogram
• Tympanogram
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)
• Computed tomography (CT) scan of the temporal bone

Possible Treatments

• Paper patch
• Fat plug Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty

Terms

• Conductive hearing loss
• Cholesteatoma

Fact Sheets

• Perforated Eardrum