Tympanic Membrane (ear drum)

Timothy C. Hain, MD Page last modified: February 6, 2010

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The tympanic membrane (TM), also known as the ear drum, is located between the ear canal and the middle ear. Normally it completely separates these two spaces, preventing air or fluid from moving across these two spaces. As long as the TM is intact, it is impossible from fluid from the middle ear to "drain" from the ear canal. Usually when this is observed in persons with an intact TM, it is due to shower or bath water.

Disorders of the TM include

• Perforation
• Retraction, usually associated with eustachian tube malfunction (ETD)
• Bulging
• Tympanosclerosis (scarring)

As a general rule, TM problems are not associated with dizziness.