Definition
A tympanic effusion is a non-physiological accumulation of fluid that is located in the middle ear and leads to increased pressure. There, there is an air-filled cavity between the eardrum and the inner ear, which is partly responsible for healthy hearing. Serous fluids or blood and pus can accumulate here for a variety of reasons and form a tympanic effusion. There are acute and chronic forms. Timpani effusion is the most common concomitant symptom of childhood colds, but the causes can be many and varied.
Causes
The most frequent cause of acute tympanic effusion is the simple cold, in which the mucous membranes produce increased secretion. Likewise, the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and balances the pressure in the middle ear, plays a decisive role in the development of tympanic effusion. If it is misplaced, the negative pressure in the middle ear can cause a tympanic effusion. In children in particular, enlarged pharyngeal tonsils (adenoids) or polyps are the cause of tympanic effusion in this context. In addition, inflammation of the middle ear can cause a tympanic effusion, which can become chronic if left untreated.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of tympanic effusion is relatively easy to establish. It starts with an otoscopy in which the appearance and curvature of the eardrum can be assessed. The tympanic effusion can shimmer through the eardrum and show different colors depending on the type of fluid.
In addition, a tympanometry can facilitate the diagnosis of tympanic effusion by examining the mobility of the eardrum. A hearing test is naturally part of almost every examination of the ear and reveals conductive hearing loss. If the tympanic effusion is confirmed, the diagnosis should be extended by further research into the causes, e.g. to detect adenoids.
Symptoms
A tympanic effusion causes a number of symptoms. The patient notices a dull, oppressive feeling on the affected side, as if absorbent cotton is stuck in the ear canal. Pain usually occurs only after a pronounced, prolonged tympanic effusion or in the context of an inflammation of the middle ear. Other symptoms include reduced hearing and, in some patients, varying degrees of dizziness.
