Traumatic tympanic membrane perforation

GGC - Primary Care
NHS GGC

Background: Traumatic perforations can occur with instrumentation of the ear canal (cotton buds), barotrauma (including slap injury to ear) or as part of a skull base fracture. Most cases heal spontaneously.

How to manage:

Arrange repeat GP review in 6 weeks’ time to assess hearing and re-examine ear

Referral guidance:

If not healed after 6 weeks and persistent hearing loss, refer to ENT on routine basis

Suspected skull base fracture is normally managed via ED with referral on to the appropriate specialty

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 07/05/2025

Next review date: 07/05/2028

Author(s): Consultant ENT Surgeon and ENT Clinical Lead; ENT Consultant; and ST7, ENT .

Version: 1.0

Approved By: ENT, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Reviewer name(s): Clinical Director ENT / Head and Neck Surgery.