Tympanic membrane perforation refers to a tear or hole in the eardrum, often resulting from an infection in the middle ear where accumulated fluids exert pressure until the eardrum ruptures. Alternatively, it can occur due to trauma, such as the insertion of a foreign object, a forceful impact, exposure to extremely loud noises like explosions, or a sudden change in pressure affecting both sides of the membrane.
This injury, typically accompanied by pain, leads to disruptions in the auditory system. The eardrum acts like a drumhead, vibrating in response to sound waves. However, when it sustains any form of damage, these vibrations no longer accurately correspond to sound stimuli due to the lack of necessary tension in the membrane.