Rare case of ballooning herniation of the tympanic membrane.

Herniation of the tympanic membrane is a rare benign malformation of the tympanic membrane into the external auditory canal. It may be asymptomatic or associated with symptoms such as aural fullness, tinnitus, otalgia or hearing loss. We present a case of a symptomatic herniation of the tympanic membrane and its surgical therapy with hernia excision and tympanoplasty. An internal review board exemption was obtained.