title: Pattern of tympanic membrane perforation in ibadan: a retrospective study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tympanic membrane perforations vary in size, shape and position. The degree of conductive deafness varies with the size and position of the tympanic membrane perforation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study is to determine the pattern and causes of tympanic membrane perforation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital based study at the ENT Clinic, UCH, Ibadan. Consecutive patients seen during the period of study with ear symptoms were interviewed and examined by ENT surgeons. This information was entered into computer and analyzed using SPSS v 11.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-three (13.5%) of the 244 patients were found to have tympanic membrane perforation. Fifteen (45.5%) patients were new while 18 (54.5%) were follow up patients. There were 13 (39.4%) males and 20 (60.6%) females. The type of perforation seen were central 57.6%, subtotal 33.3%, total 6.1%, marginal 3.0%. The sides affected were left ear 45.5%, right ear 15.2%, and both ears 39.4%. The causes found were chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) 90.9%, acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) 6.1%, and trauma to the affected ear 3.0%. CSOM was the cause of tympanic membrane perforation seen in children.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is need for early diagnosis and treatment of all cases of tympanic membrane perforation and proper education of parents and guardians on proper method of ear care and early referral. There is also need to train all healthcare workers especially primary health care providers on how to manage these cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo, Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Olowookere
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo, Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Ibekwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo, Department of Medicine,State Hospital, Osogbo.
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Adeosun
keywords: Pattern; diseases of the ear.; tympanic membrane perforation