perforated tympanic membrane

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

--barotrauma of all sorts (pressure changes with airplanes, diving, etc)

--self-induced/foreign bodies (q-tips, paper clips, etc)

--otitis

WHAT DO I DO?:

--most heal on their own

--antibiotics only if infectious etiology

--antibiotic choice: oral + topical; avoid antiseptic/acidic drops with perf'd TM (e.g. ofloxacin ok, corticosporin NOT ok)

--pain meds

--no evidence for decongestants, antihistimines, steroids

Reference(s): uptodate.com: ear barotrauma, acute otitis media in adults, nice pics, picture