What color can a healthy tympanic membrane (TM) be?

A healthy tympanic membrane (TM) typically appears in shades of pearly gray to amber. This coloration indicates that the membrane is intact, with no signs of infection or fluid accumulation behind it, which could manifest in abnormal colors. The pearly gray color reflects a normal, healthy ear state, while an amber hue may suggest the presence of some fluid, but not necessarily an infection.

Other colors mentioned in the other answer choices may signify pathology. For instance, pale white could suggest fluid buildup or other conditions, blue might indicate trauma or a serious underlying condition, and bright red to brown could be associated with infection or bleeding. Clear to yellow does not correlate with the typical appearance of a healthy TM either; while some cerumen (earwax) can appear yellow, this should not be confused with the tympanic membrane itself.