Otology: traumatic perforation: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

ENT · Otology: traumatic perforation

Sample item

A girl has sudden pain and hearing loss after a slap on the ear. A small dry linear perforation with clean edges is seen. What is the best management?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Keep the ear dry and observe

Most small traumatic perforations heal spontaneously within weeks if kept dry and uninfected. Syringing and routine drops are avoided, and water must not enter the ear. Surgery is considered if the perforation persists for several months.

Option by option

  • A. Syringe the ear

    Syringing can push water into the middle ear and cause infection.

  • B. Keep the ear dry and observe (correct)

    Correct. Dryness and observation allow most perforations to heal.

  • C. Immediate tympanoplasty

    Early surgery is not needed because spontaneous healing is common.

  • D. Instil antibiotic-steroid drops routinely

    Routine drops are unnecessary for a clean perforation.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is B, Keep the ear dry and observe. Most small traumatic perforations heal spontaneously within weeks if kept dry and uninfected.

Why is "Syringe the ear" not the answer?

Syringing can push water into the middle ear and cause infection.

Why is "Immediate tympanoplasty" not the answer?

Early surgery is not needed because spontaneous healing is common.

Why is "Instil antibiotic-steroid drops routinely" not the answer?

Routine drops are unnecessary for a clean perforation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Otology: traumatic perforation in ENT. Syringing and routine drops are avoided, and water must not enter the ear. Surgery is considered if the perforation persists for several months.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Otology: traumatic perforation?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.