Bullous myringitis: A cause of hearing loss

• Main Authors: Ü. Kaldırım, S.K. Tuncer, M. Durusu, M. Eroğlu, M. Erkencigil*
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2013-12-01
• Series: African Journal of Emergency Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211419X13001663

Bullous myringitis is defined by the presence of blisters on the tympanic membrane which has generally a severe otalgia as a first symptom of presentation. This clinical picture sometimes may be accompanied by sensori-neural hearing loss. In this study, we aimed to share visual content of a patient with Bullous myringitis admitted to the emergency department. Case presentation: A 24-year-old male patient complained of a right severe pain in the right ear and hearing loss was admitted to the emergency department. On physical examination the right tympanic membrane was oedematous, hyperaemic and blisters were seen. The patient was referred to ENT department for evaluation of hearing loss. Bullous myringitis with sensori-neural hearing loss in the right ear was diagnosed. For treatment, pain control and warm compression was recommended. Antibiotic therapy has been also planned for middle ear infection. ENT follow-up were planned for the assessment of hearing loss. Results and discussion: Many microorganisms, especially viruses, m.pneumoniae, chlamydia may cause Bullous myringitis. In the literature bullous myringitis cases that admitted to ED with sensori-neural hearing loss have been reported. Diagnosis is made by clinical examination. Pain control and mild compression may be sufficient for treatment. If concomitant otitis media is present, antibiotics should be added to treatment.