See Pressure Equalization tube.

A permanent worsening of hearing due to noise exposure.

An eardrum that has ruptured or has a hole in it. The fancy term is tympanic membrane perforation. This is commonly a result of a middle ear infection, and is often indicated by pain, bleeding or discharge.

Around the time of acquiring language.

A tear in the oval or round windows separating the middle ear from the inner ear allowing perilymph to drain into the middle ear. This can cause hearing and balance problems sometimes similar to Meniere’s disease.

See Physicians’ Desk Reference.