MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Eardrum repair

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Eardrum repair - series: Indication

Eardrum repair - series
Illustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indication

Procedure

Aftercare

Ruptured or perforated eardrums are usually caused by middle-ear infections or trauma (for example, an object in the ear, a slap on the ear, explosions, or repeated, excessive ear pressure from flying or diving).

If healing does not occur with antibiotics or other non-operative treatment, surgery may be necessary.

Chronic middle ear infections are described as:

5 or more ear infections in a year, or
3 or more ear infections a year over a two-year period

Signs of chronic ear infections include persistent ear pain, ear drainage, or hearing loss (over a 3-month period).

Update Date: 7/15/2008

Updated by: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolargyngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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