International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What issue can result from scarring of the tympanic membrane?

1. Fluid accumulation

2. Acute infection

3. Conductive hearing loss

4. Mastoiditis

The correct answer is: Conductive hearing loss

Scarring of the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, can lead to conductive hearing loss primarily because the eardrum plays a crucial role in sound transmission. When the tympanic membrane becomes scarred, its ability to vibrate freely in response to sound is impaired. This reduced mobility can hinder the efficient transfer of sound waves to the middle ear ossicles, which can ultimately affect auditory perception. Conductive hearing loss specifically refers to issues in the outer or middle ear that prevent sound from being conducted effectively. Since the tympanic membrane is vital for this process, any scarring or structural damage can lead to a significant decrease in hearing sensitivity. This is particularly relevant in cases where the scarring results from previous infections or trauma, thus directly impacting the functionality of the eardrum. The other options, while related to ear pathology, do not directly stem from tympanic membrane scarring in the same way conductive hearing loss does. Fluid accumulation typically arises from Eustachian tube dysfunction, acute infections are often caused by microbes rather than as a result of scarring, and mastoiditis is an inflammation of the mastoid bone that can occur following middle ear infections but is not a direct consequence of tympanic membrane scarring.