Pronunciation: [hˈiːmətˌɪmpanəm] (IPA) 
Hemotympanum is a medical term that refers to the presence of blood in the middle ear. The spelling of hemotympanum can be broken down as follows: "hemo" means blood, "tympan" refers to the middle ear, and "um" is a common ending for medical terms. The correct pronunciation of hemotympanum is /hiː.məʊ.tɪmˈpæn.əm/. The stress is on the second syllable (tym), and the "tym" sounds like "tim" with the "a" pronounced as "æ".
Hemotympanum is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of blood in the middle ear, resulting in a reddish or dark coloring of the tympanic membrane, which separates the middle ear from the outer ear. This condition typically occurs as a result of trauma or injury to the head or ear.
When a forceful impact or injury is applied to the head, such as a blow, fall, or strong air pressure, the blood vessels within the middle ear can rupture, leading to the leakage of blood into the space behind the eardrum. This causes the buildup of blood, resulting in a hemotympanum. Symptoms of hemotympanum may include hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and ear pain or discomfort.
Diagnosing hemotympanum usually involves a physical examination of the ear, where a healthcare provider will examine the eardrum for signs of blood accumulation. In some cases, imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be performed to assess the extent of the injury or to rule out other possible complications.
Treatment of hemotympanum typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition. This may involve conducting additional tests or treatments to manage any associated injuries or bleeding. In some cases, a procedure known as myringotomy may be performed, where a small incision is made in the eardrum to drain the accumulated blood. This procedure can help relieve symptoms and promote healing.
The presence of blood in the middle ear.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "hemotympanum" is mainly derived from two components: "hemo-" and "tympanum".
1. "Hemo-" comes from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood". It is commonly used as a prefix in medical terms related to blood or bleeding.
2. "Tympanum" is derived from the Latin word "tympanum", meaning "drum". In anatomy, it refers to the eardrum, a thin membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
Combining these two components, "hemotympanum" refers to the presence of blood in the middle ear. It is often used in medical contexts to describe a condition where blood collects behind the eardrum due to trauma or injury.
