Trommelfellriss

Trommelfellriss, also known as a perforated eardrum or tympanic membrane perforation, refers to a tear or hole in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. This membrane, the tympanic membrane, plays a crucial role in hearing by vibrating in response to sound waves and transmitting these vibrations to the ossicles in the middle ear.

Causes of a trommelfellriss can vary. Direct trauma to the ear, such as a blow to the head or an object inserted into the ear canal, is a common cause. Sudden changes in air pressure, like those experienced during airplane takeoffs and landings or scuba diving, can also lead to a rupture. Infections of the middle ear, known as otitis media, can cause pressure buildup that may result in perforation. Additionally, very loud noises can cause a traumatic perforation.

Symptoms of a trommelfellriss typically include sudden hearing loss, ear pain, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), dizziness, and sometimes a clear or bloody discharge from the ear. The severity of symptoms often depends on the size and cause of the perforation.

Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination using an otoscope to visualize the eardrum. Audiometric testing may also be performed to assess the extent of hearing loss.

Treatment for a trommelfellriss depends on the cause and size of the perforation. Small perforations often heal spontaneously within a few weeks or months without intervention. If the perforation is larger or does not heal on its own, medical treatment may be necessary. This can involve antibiotics to prevent infection, ear drops, or in some cases, surgical repair of the eardrum, a procedure known as tympanoplasty. It is important to keep the ear dry during the healing process to prevent infection.