Tympanic perforation, often in the central part of the pars tensa causes tubotympanic, chronic otitis media. Though it may be small and difficult to see, the defect allows mucosal infection and irritation, causing increased mucus production and tympanic membrane discharge. There may also be an underlying nasal or pharyngeal sepsis.
Typically there is hearing impairment. The condition does not usually give rise to serious complications but, if untreated, it may lead to permanent deafness.
Unlike the unsafe form of chronic otitis media, this condition may become quiescent from time to time, and the perforation may heal without surgical intervention.
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