Final answer:
A stiff tympanic membrane often indicates middle ear changes affecting a patient's hearing, possibly due to fluid buildup from infections such as acute otitis media, leading to conductive hearing loss. Antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is present, and special ear care during showering might be recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an ear-nose-and-throat healthcare professional documents that a patient has a stiff tympanic membrane, it may indicate the presence of middle ear changes that could be affecting the patient's hearing. This stiffness is often the result of increased pressure in the middle ear, which can arise from fluid buildup associated with an infection such as acute otitis media (AOM). AOM is characterized by pus accumulation due to infection, leading to inflammation and bulging of the tympanic membrane, which can cause ear pain and potential hearing impairment. Conductive hearing loss may occur if the stiffness prevents the tympanic membrane from vibrating properly in response to sound waves.
In this context, the correct interpretation of a stiff tympanic membrane would be that C. Middle ear changes are affecting the patient's hearing. It is important to assess each patient individually; while antibiotics might be prescribed if there is an infection present, progressive hearing loss is not inevitable, and special ear care during showering would be advised only if there is a risk of further aggravating the ear condition.