Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation in Children: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Traumatic tympanic membrane perforation is a common pediatric condition presenting in otolaryngology clinics and emergency departments.
• Understanding the clinical presentation is crucial for effective management in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical characteristics of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation in pediatric patients.
• To identify common causes and symptoms associated with pediatric tympanic membrane perforations.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 384 children under 18 years old.
• Data collected included demographics, trauma mechanisms, and clinical findings of tympanic membrane perforation.
• Ethical approval was obtained, and data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel.

Main Results:

• The study included 384 children, with males comprising 69.53%.
• Physical assault was the leading cause (28.39%), followed by blunt force trauma.
• The most frequent symptom was ear blockage or hearing loss (54.16%), with conductive hearing loss noted in 55.73% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Traumatic tympanic membrane perforation in children predominantly results from blunt force trauma.
• Male children are more frequently affected, highlighting the importance of targeted prevention strategies.