{"id":151,"date":"2020-01-08T16:37:08","date_gmt":"2020-01-08T22:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mwhearing.fm1.dev\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/"},"modified":"2020-10-16T13:45:47","modified_gmt":"2020-10-16T18:45:47","slug":"eardrum-perforation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mwent.net\/ent\/ear\/eardrum-perforation\/","title":{"rendered":"Eardrum Perforation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

An eardrum perforation is defined as a hole or rupture in the eardrum. Known medically as a tympanic membrane rupture, this tear occurs in the membrane separating your outer ear from your inner ear. A perforation can lead to a middle ear infection and possible hearing loss, though in many cases it will heal on its own without medical treatment.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The eardrum helps us hear sound by vibrating when sound waves hit it, and it protects the middle ear from bacteria, moisture and other foreign objects. A perforation can disrupt both important functions, allowing bacteria to enter the ear and cause an ear infection (otitis media) or contribute to a loss of hearing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What Can Cause Eardrum Perforations?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

Eardrum perforations are most often caused by infection, injury or Eustachian tube disorders. Middle ear infections cause a buildup of pressure that may result in a ruptured eardrum.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Injury or trauma to the ear or head can cause a perforation, as can a skull fracture or sudden loud noise, such as an explosion.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inserting objects like bobby pins or Q-tips in the ear to clean wax can inadvertently cause a rupture as well. And chronic Eustachian tube problems can weaken the eardrum, making it more prone to perforation.  <\/p>\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Eardrum Perforation?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

Some people are completely unaware of a ruptured eardrum; there may be a complete lack of symptoms or only a feeling of general discomfort. Other times, people will experience either a sudden sharp pain in the ear; a discharge of fluid that may be bloody, clear or pus-like; a buzzing or ringing in the ear; partial or complete hearing loss in the affected ear; ear infection; facial weakness or dizziness.  <\/p>\n\n\n

How Are\u00a0Eardrum Perforations Treated?\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n

A doctor will examine your ears with an otoscope to visually identify a hole or tear in the eardrum. Because the majority of perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few months, no treatment may be needed other than antibiotics to prevent or treat infection. Nonprescription pain medication and a warm compress can help. Large perforations may require surgery. While the rupture is healing you\u2019ll need to keep the ear dry, avoiding water as much as possible.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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