[The Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation - Aetiology and Therapy]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic tympanic membrane perforation is frequently caused by cotton swab use and other factors.
• A comprehensive description of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation etiology and therapy is lacking in Germany.
• Current treatment involves tympanic membrane perforation readaptation and splinting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causes and treatment outcomes of traumatic tympanic membrane perforations in Germany.
• To compare the efficacy of different tympanic membrane splinting materials.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 238 patients with acute tympanic membrane perforation treated between 2005 and 2010.
• Analysis of perforation causes, including open-hand slaps, cotton swab use, and high diving.
• Tympanic membrane splinting using paper sheets or silicone foils.

Main Results:

• The primary causes were open-hand slaps (37.4%), cotton swabs (19.3%), and high diving (13.0%).
• Complete wound closure rates were comparable between paper sheets (71.9%) and silicone foils (81.8%).
• Treatment resulted in low rates of side effects.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first overview of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation etiology in Germany.
• No significant statistical difference was observed between paper and silicone materials for tympanic membrane splinting.
• Treatment of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation is recommended to improve air conduction thresholds.