Repeated or hard slaps to the ear can damage the eardrum. However, the presence of scars in the tympanic membrane (ear drum) could also be attributed to childhood infections.
Trauma to the ears, especially rupture of the tympanic membrane, is a frequent consequence of harsh beatings. The ear canals and tympanic membranes should be examined with an otoscope and injuries described. A common form of torture, known in Latin America as teléfono, is a hard slap of the palm to one or both ears, rapidly increasing pressure in the ear canal, thus rupturing the tympanic membrane. This type of impact may also cause ipsilateral subdural bleeding, which may need to be explored by CT scan. Prompt examination is necessary to detect tympanic membrane ruptures, which may heal within 10 days, although healing may be delayed. Fluid may be observed in the middle or external ear. The presence of hearing loss should be investigated. Beating is the type of torture that carries a high risk of damaging the hearing functions, particularly in the form of “teléfono”, in which both ears are beaten simultaneously with the flat of the hand.
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