Item Brochure

2928
Common Pathologies of the Ear
TYMPANOSTOMY TUBE (RIGHT EAR)
A tympanostomy tube is often inserted into the tympanic
membrane to ventilate the middle ear in cases of chronic serous
otitis media. These tubes come in a variety of sizes, shapes and
materials. The tympanostomy tube should be seen to be in place
in the tympanic membrane with its lumen patent and free of any
exudate or debris.
CENTRAL PERFORATION OF THE
TYMPANIC MEMBRANE (LEFT EAR)
Perforations of the pars tensa of the tympanic membrane can
result from infection or trauma. In this case the large central
perforation resulted from repeated middle ear infections.
HEALED CENTRAL PERFORATION
(RIGHT EAR)
When a large perforation heals, the middle fibrous layer of
the tympanic membrane remains deficient so that a thin semi-
transparent pseudomembrane resembling an open perforation
may be seen. Gentle use of the pneumatic otoscope will, however,
demonstrate that the drum is intact. This thinned segment of a
healed tympanic membrane lacks the strength of a normal drum
and forceful syringing may result in reperforation.
CHRONIC SUPPURATIVE OTITIS MEDIA
(LEFT EAR)
Chronic suppurative otitis media is characterized by recurrent
painless otorrhea. The discharge may vary from mucoid to
frankly purulent. Pseudomonas, Proteus, and Coliforms are
the three most commonly isolated bacteria; however, fungal
organisms can also coexist.
TYMPANOSCLEROSIS (RIGHT EAR)
Tympanosclerotic plaques of varying sizes are seen as chalky
white deposits in the tympanic membrane. They occur as a
result of a postinflammatory deposition of thickened hyalinized
collagen fibrils in the middle fibrous layer of the tympanic
membrane and indicate that the patient has had a previous
significant ear infection.
TYMPANOSCLEROSIS INVOLVING
THE OSSICLES (LEFT EAR)
Tympanosclerotic plaques may also occur within the middle
ear cavity. This photograph shows tympanosclerotic deposits
enveloping the incudostapedial joint. A few plaques are also
present on the promontory. Partial or total fixation of the
ossicular chain by tympanosclerosis is responsible for some
cases of acquired conductive hearing loss.