Timpano drilling: causes and symptoms

The rupture of the eardrum may be due to infections, pressure changes or trauma. Sometimes it cures alone, but in severe cases it may require surgery (tympanoplasty). Avoid wetting your ear and do not use drops without prescription. Consult a specialist if you suspect a break!

The eardrum drilling is the rupture or tear of the tympanic membrane. It is considered a small perforation if it affects less than 25% of the membrane, and extensive when it affects more than 50%.

The drilling or breakage of the eardrum can affect the audition and Increase the risk of middle ear infections.

About the eardrum …

The eardrum, or tympanic membrane, is a thin elastic and semi -transparent membrane which separates the external auditory channel from the middle ear. Its function is to vibrate upon receiving the sound waves and transmit this vibration to the middle ear bones (hammer, anvil and stirrup). These vibrations become signs that the brain interprets as sound.

The eardrum also acts as a protective barrier, preventing bacteria and foreign bodies enter the middle ear.

Most frequent causes of drilling

The most common causes of a eardrum drilling include:

• Otitis media (Middle ear infection): Liquid accumulation increases pressure and can break the eardrum.
• Barotraumatism: Sudden pressure changes break the membrane. This occurs especially during diving, for ascents or descents too fast, or on flights.
• Sound trauma: Exposure to an explosion or very intense sounds.
• Trauma: direct hits to the ear or head trauma.
• Strange objects on the auditory channel: The introduction of foreign objects or rods in the auditory channel can break the eardrum.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a eardrum drilling are:

• Intense and sudden ear pain that decreases sharply
• Hearing loss
• Buzz (tinnitus)
• Heard of the ear (sometimes with pus or blood).
• Dizziness or dizziness.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is through the direct visual inspection of the eardrum, which It is done with an instrument called otoscope. In serious perforations or if the auditory loss is severe or accompanied by vertigo, the assessment by an otolaryngologist is necessary.

The diagnosis with an audiometry can be completed to evaluate the degree of hearing loss. In Mapfre’s health insurance you will find great grant specialists who will help you with the diagnosis of these and other conditions.

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Possible treatments

In general, most perforations are mild and cure without treatment, since the membrane is regenerated alone. It is advisable to keep the ear dry and avoid swimming. If the ear is infected, antibiotic treatment is necessary.

In cases of chronic otitis or in serious perforations, repair surgery may be necessary, which is tympanoplasty. It is about the placement of a patch or graft that repairs the eardrum, normally with tissue of the patient itself. Sometimes the review and repair of the middle ear hose chain is required.

What to do if tympanic perforation is suspected?

• Avoid introducing objects into the earkeep it dry and go to the doctor.
• Self -medication is not advised or use otic drops without medical prescription.

What you should know …

• Typanic drilling is a rupture of the eardrum, the most frequent cause being the average otitis.
• The symptoms it produces are pain in the ear that decreases sharply and hearing loss on that side. Do not manipulate an ear if a tympanic breakage is suspected.
• Mild perforations are cured without requiring intervention, but the most serious perforations may require surgery, tympanoplasty. Prevention, how to avoid introducing objects in the ear and treating infections on time, is key.