Extratympanic

/ˌɛkstrətɪmˈpænɪk/ adjective

Definition

Located or occurring outside the tympanum, which is the eardrum or the middle ear cavity.

Etymology

From Latin 'extra' (outside) + 'tympanum' (eardrum, from Greek 'tympanon' meaning drum), used in medical anatomy to describe structures beyond the ear's tympanic membrane.

Kelly Says

This term helps doctors pinpoint where ear infections or other problems are happening—is the infection in the middle ear or outside it? That location matters hugely for treatment decisions.

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