Perforated Eardrum
- Perforated Eardrum Overview
- Perforated Eardrum Causes
- Perforated Eardrum Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Perforated Eardrum Treatment
- Surgery
- Next Steps
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Perforated Eardrum Overview
The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a thin, oval layer of tissue deep in the ear canal. It helps protect the delicate middle and inner ear from the outside.
It is called an eardrum because it looks and acts like a drum. The eardrum receives vibrations from the outer ear and transmits them to the small hearing bones (ossicles), of the middle ear.
Because it is so thin, the eardrum can be ruptured or punctured. The hole exposes the middle and inner ear to damage or infection.
Picture of the inner and outer structures of the ear
Next: Perforated Eardrum Causes »
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Perforated Eardrum
Earwax Overview
Earwax, medically referred to as cerumen, is produced by glands in the outer ear canal. Its purpose is to trap dust and other small particles and prevent them from reaching, and potentially damaging the eardrum. Normally, the wax dries up and falls out of the ear, along with any trapped dust or debris.
Picture of the ear and earwax build-up
Earwax Causes
Blockage, or impaction, occurs when the wax gets pushed deep within the ear canal. Earwax blockage affects about 6% of people and is the most common ear problem doctors see.
- The most common cause of this is the use of Q-tips (and other objects such as bobby pins and rolled napkin corners), which pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal.
- Hearing aid and earplug users are also more prone to earwax blockage.
Earwax Symptoms
- Decreased hearing
- Dizzine...
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Middle Ear, Tympanic Membrane, Perforations »
Tympanic membrane perforation (TMP) is a condition as old as the human species.
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