Perforated Tympanic Membranes

• A common cause of the perforated TM is water skiing in the summer months. Ear plugs should be a safety recommendation for all water skiers. Another common cause is being hit in the ear with an open hand.
• This is generally not an emergency unless the patient has severe ringing or hearing loss that does not improve after several hours.
• Perforated TMs can easily become infected with pseudomonas but antibiotics are only needed for a perforated TM that also shows signs of infection, such as drainage, and otherwise should not be prescribed.
• The patient should be instructed in water precautions (no water in the ear until healed).
• Check the TM monthly till healed. Wait 3-6 months for spontaneous healing before referring to ENT for tympanoplasty unless the perforation is unusually large.

Find ANY word Find ALL words  Find EXACT phrase    Help