Hi, my daughter has a perforated ear drum and I'm finding out as much as possible on possible treatments and care.
She had an ear ache, we saw a doctor who prescribed amoxycillin for 7 days. At the 9 day mark we had her ear checked and the perforation was discovered.
What is the best treatment for this? She has never had ear problems before. Her hearing is marginally impaired.
Thanks
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Reply: -----------------
Most likely your daughter suffered a spontaneous tympanic membrane
perforation caused by acute otitis media (middle ear infection). In
certain cases of otitis media with particularly virulent organisms, the
infection develops rapidly causing in essence an abscess behind the ear
drum. You can consider a spontaneous rupture of the ear drum in this
situation as a function of the body's natural defense mechanism. With
rupture of the ear drum, the abscess is effectively drained thereby
aiding in the resolution of the infection. Antibiotics help ensure
complete eradication of the infection. The rupture of the ear drum also
helps to prevent serious complications of middle ear infections.
Typically, rupture of the ear drum is associated with diminished ear
pain and fever. Spontaneous tympanic membrane ruptures that occur with
acute otitis media typically heal rapidly without any specific treatment
outside of antibiotics prescribed for the inciting infection. Water
precautions are often recommended to avoid introducing bacteria or other
organisms into the middle ear during the healing period. Such
perforations often heal within a few weeks. A follow-up observation 4-6
weeks following resolution of the initial ear infection is recommended.
Rarely, tympanic membrane perforations of this nature will not heal and
surgery known as tympanoplasty may be recommended. However, if chronic
tympanic membrane perforations occur in young children, many
otolaryngolgists advise delaying surgical closure until the later
elementary school age if possible to allow for complete maturation of
the eustachian tube, although there is some debate regarding this latter
issue.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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