Tissue-engineered Regeneration of Tympanic Membrane (Ear Drum) Perforations

This study is testing a treatment for chronic (long-lasting) holes in the eardrum (tympanic membrane perforations). The treatment uses a growth factor called bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) to try to help the eardrum heal itself. A scaffold material is also used to support the healing tissue. You may be eligible if: - You are aged between 5 and 95 years - You have a dry eardrum perforation (hole in the eardrum with no active infection) - The hole is 50% or less of the total eardrum surface You may NOT be eligible if: - You have an active middle ear infection - You have had ear discharge in the last 3 months - You have an allergy to bFGF or the scaffold material - You have problems with the tiny bones in the middle ear (ossicular chain pathology) Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.