What do monomeric spots resemble on the tympanic membrane?

Monomeric spots on the tympanic membrane are indicative of a healed perforation where the membrane has successfully sealed, leading to a characteristic appearance. They lack the texture of a perforation and exhibit a smooth, often shiny, mirror-like quality. This sheen results from the normal healing process and the absence of any significant structural anomalies present in other types of scarring or deformities. The mirror-like surface reflects light in a way that can be visually distinctive during examination, contrasting with other conditions like scars, which may appear dull or irregular, or bulging areas that suggest fluid or pressure. Thus, recognizing monomeric spots as resembling a mirror-like surface is essential for proper diagnosis and understanding the tympanic membrane's condition.