What is bullous myringitis?

Bullous myringitis is specifically characterized as an infection of the tympanic membrane, which is the medical term for the eardrum. This condition is notable for the presence of blisters (bullae) on the tympanic membrane, resulting from a viral or bacterial infection. The formation of these blisters can lead to significant pain and discomfort, as well as possible hearing changes.

It's important to distinguish bullous myringitis from other ear-related conditions. For example, inflammation of the ear canal refers to swimmer's ear or otitis externa, which does not involve the tympanic membrane directly. Earwax buildup pertains to a different issue that affects the ear canal rather than the eardrum itself. A condition of the outer ear refers to other pathologies affecting the external structure of the ear, which again, does not involve the tympanic membrane and is separate from the infection described in bullous myringitis.

Hence, recognizing that bullous myringitis involves the tympanic membrane is fundamental to understanding this condition and differentiating it from other ear-related issues.