Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Development of a Laser-Induced Shock Wave Animal Model Without Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Published on: March 1, 2024
Traumatic Hearing Loss in the Context of Blast-Related Tympanic Membrane Perforation
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, 8901 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20889-5600.
Objective:
Identify associated clinical factors and characterize the various forms of hearing loss in the context of blast-related traumatic tympanic membrane (TM) perforation sustained in the combat setting.
Methods:
A prospective study of 41 patients who sustained a TM perforation secondary to blast injury between 2010 and 2012 while serving in combat. Clinical examinations and audiograms were obtained for all patients by a single-institution Otolaryngology service with comparative data generated from review of pre and post-trauma hearing screens. Follow-up clinical and audiogram data were obtained on all available subjects.
Results:
59 TM perforations were documented with audiograms. A conductive hearing loss of 14.8, 22.4, 20.3, and 18.9 dB and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of 18.0, 13.5, 19.9, and 22.0 dB at 500, 1,000, 3,000, and 4,000 Hz, respectively, were observed. 49% of all hearing loss was SNHL. Clinical factors did not correlate statically to hearing loss (p > 0.05). On average, patients demonstrated a 51% improvement in SNHL at time of follow-up.
Conclusion:
In the subacute setting, patients with traumatic TM perforations secondary to combat blast injury demonstrate both a conductive hearing loss and SNHL, with 49% of all loss being sensorineural. An average SNHL improvement of 51% was seen at follow-up.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus....
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract III: Percussion
Percussion in Respiratory Assessment
Percussion evaluates underlying tissue composition with audible and tactile vibrations,...
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
Anatomy of the Ear

