Tympanic membrane perforations from water sports: treatment and outcome.

A study of 15 patients with 17 tympanic membrane perforations resulting from water sports was carried out. Most small perforations healed spontaneously. Perforations that persisted after 8 weeks were treated surgically, usually with the office paper patch procedure. A frequent history of middle ear problems in these patients suggests that middle ear dysfunction may play a role in the occurrence and delayed healing of traumatic perforations.