HEARING FUNCTION IN TRAUMATIC TYMPANIC MEMBRANE PERFORATION: A REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE

Traumatic tympanic membrane perforation (TTMP) remains one of the most common causes of acute hearing loss encountered in otorhinolaryngological practice. Mechanical, blast-related, or iatrogenic injury to the tympanic membrane disrupts the transmission of acoustic energy through the middle ear and, in some cases, is accompanied by damage to the inner ear structures, resulting in a wide spectrum of clinical and audiological manifestations and variable hearing recovery outcomes.

A literature review was conducted using the UpToDate database as well as peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus published between 2012 and 2026. The analysis included prospective and retrospective clinical studies, systematic reviews, and experimental investigations focusing on the clinical and audiological characteristics of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation.

Spontaneous closure of the perforation occurs in 80–94% of cases within 4–12 weeks. Early surgical intervention has been shown to provide statistically significant superior functional outcomes compared with delayed treatment.

Comprehensive audiological assessment, including pure-tone audiometry, impedance audiometry (tympanometry), and, when indicated, otoacoustic emission testing, should be performed throughout all stages of patient management. These diagnostic methods allow differentiation between conductive and sensorineural components of hearing loss, facilitate evidence-based selection of the optimal timing and surgical technique, and provide objective evaluation of the functional prognosis.