A hole or rupture in the eardrum, a
thin membrane that separates the ear canal and the middle ear, is called a
perforated eardrum. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane. The
middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube, which equalizes
pressure in the middle ear.
A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by
decreased hearing and occasional discharge. Pain is usually not
persistent.
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