Eardrum - methods of diagnosing injuries, symptoms and treatment

The membranous formation, which is the border between the outer and middle ear, is called the tympanic membrane. In case of damage to this membrane, deafness may occur, as it performs functions of great importance in the formation of hearing. Along with the auditory ossicles, the tympanic membrane forms the transmission of sound vibrations through the perception of sound pressure. Further, these signals enter the brain, which interprets them according to their meaning - in words, sounds and so on.

Also, the tympanic membrane performs certain protective functions, protecting the middle ear from possible penetration of foreign bodies or microorganisms. Various injuries of this organ can occur due to direct exposure to the injuring object. It can be like metal fragments (for example, during an explosion), and rough manipulation of the instrument inside the ear (especially when the ears are cleaned with hooks, pins, needles). The air wave is also the reason why it is possible to get a damage to the tympanic membrane. Symptoms of this trauma are manifested by sharp pain and a feeling of stuffiness of the ear, as well as deafness. There are cases when the rupture of the membrane is provoked by a fracture of the base of the skull.

The first thing to do when the eardrum bursts is to insert a lump of sterile cotton wool into the external canal of the ear canal and apply a bandage. In order to protect the middle ear from the development of inflammatory processes, it is necessary to prescribe antibiotics and sulfanilamides (this is done by a doctor). You can not clean the ear of blood and dirt, it is contraindicated the introduction of medicinal substances into the ear canal. Having rendered first aid, the patient should be referred to a specialist-otolaryngologist.

Also, the tympanic membrane can become inflamed due to the influence of various kinds of thermal and chemical irritants on it. Because of burns, blisters and redness can form, in more serious cases, necrosis and complete destruction can develop. Severe pain from such traumas is soothed with anesthetics, and bubbles are opened. The main form of treatment for injuries of this body is to take measures to protect the middle ear from possible infection. With small ruptures, the membrane quickly heals, if there are no complications associated with the infection.

Often, various inflammatory processes lead to a fairly extensive perforation of the membrane, resulting in inevitable significant problems with hearing. In this regard, the likelihood of penetration of different infections into the tympanic cavity is also increased. Not so long ago with the purpose of prevention of similar consequences artificial materials for closing of perforation were widely used. But the primitive prosthesis often caused irritation in the middle ear, in addition, they often peeled off. To achieve better hearing, a cotton ball, previously soaked in oil, was used quite successfully. He was placed in a tympanum, which helped to correct the hearing (certainly not 100%). The main disadvantage of this prosthesis was the need for frequent replacement, otherwise there was a risk of suppuration. To date, the best result in this situation is achieved with the help of a plastic hearing-arresting operation.

To more accurately diagnose the presence of perforation of the membrane in doubtful cases, you need to give the patient a blow-up. In case of such damage, air will leave the ear, which gives grounds to diagnose perforation of the tympanic membrane. However, this test is recommended to be performed with great care and only under the supervision of a doctor, because of the high risk associated with infection in the ear cavity from the nasal passage.