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Audiology/Otolaryngology/does ear drum perforation = deafness?
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Question
My 3yo son has a hole in his right ear drum that is half the size of his ear drum, and another in his left ear that takes up 100% of his left ear drum. He is going in for tympanoplasty surgeries over the next 6mo to close the holes. His last hearing test in June showed a mild hearing loss. Since then the holes have enlarged to their current sizes. My friend said that he has to be deaf, however he is not deaf since he still reacts to environmental sounds, as well as my voice and the tv. Are his holes smaller than I was informed or is it possible to still retain hearing with holes of these size?
Hi Jenn,
Your friend is mistaken. The middle ear, of which the ear drum is part, accounts for approximately 30-60 dB of hearing. Thus, someone can have no eardrums yet still have hearing. What your son has lost is loudness, thus, if sounds and speech are loud enough, he should hear them just fine.
Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology
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Answers by Expert:
Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.
Expertise
I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.
Experience
I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.
Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, -
American Speech Language Hearing Association, -
Hearing Loss Association of America
Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000.
Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology)
Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
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