Perforated eardrum (2024)

FAQs

Perforated eardrum? ›

A ruptured eardrum (tympanic membrane perforation) is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates the ear canal from the middle ear (eardrum). A ruptured eardrum can result in hearing loss.

“A perforated eardrum disrupts normal sound amplification and sound transmission, which can lead to hearing loss,” Adams said. “If the hole in the eardrum is large enough, there is also a higher risk of getting an infection of the middle ear, especially if water gets into that area.”

Most ruptured (perforated) eardrums heal without treatment within a few weeks. Your provider may prescribe antibiotic drops if there's evidence of infection. If the tear or hole in the eardrum doesn't heal by itself, treatment will likely involve procedures to close the tear or hole.

A ruptured eardrum from an ear infection usually isn't an emergency. In fact, the rupture often relieves pressure and pain. It usually heals within hours or days. But you should have the ear looked at by a healthcare provider within 24 hours.

Most perforated eardrums heal on their own in a few weeks without treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease pain. To help prevent or treat an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. These might be a pill that your child swallows, but sometimes can be ear drops.

Does a ruptured eardrum feel like it's clogged? At the time your eardrum ruptures, you will likely feel a sharp pain in your ear that can be intense. Before your eardrum ruptures, you may have a feeling of pressure in your ear that may feel clogged.

If only one eardrum is ruptured, then they may feel more comfortable sleeping on their back or on the side of the opposite ear, with the ruptured ear facing up. Side sleeping in this way may also help ear drops to absorb, if they are prescribed or recommended by a doctor.

A perforated eardrum usually heals within a few weeks or months provided the ear is kept dry and there's no infection.

Although most perforations heal on their own over time, sometimes treatment is needed. Keep your ear dry. It's very important to keep your ear dry if the eardrum membrane has been ruptured, because any water that gets inside the ear could lead to infection.

How painful is a burst eardrum? ›

A ruptured eardrum may feel like a sudden sharp pain in your ear. This usually happens if your eardrum is torn or punctured by a sharp object or because something hit your ear very hard.

Custom-made Elacin Swim earplugs can help. If you have tubes or a perforated eardrum, it is important that no water enters the ear canal while swimming. Protect your ears with Elacin Swim. These custom-made earplugs do not have filters and completely seal the ear canal from water.

If your eardrum perforation was indeed caused by loud noise, it would be wise to try and avoid such environments in the future. It may not be possible, especially if it's a noisy work setting, but you could always use some ear protection to keep your precious ears and hearing safe from harm.

Comments. Antibiotic ear drops are acceptable even with a perforated eardrum, although there is a small risk of ototoxicity with certain medications (i.e., neomycin). Ofloxacin is the preferred fluoroquinolone ear drop for patients with perforation.

Signs and symptoms of a ruptured eardrum may include: Ear pain that may subside quickly. Mucuslike, pus-filled or bloody drainage from the ear. Hearing loss.

Many people experience clogged ears at some point. Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and changes in air pressure are common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days.

In most cases, the eardrum will heal by itself without any treatment within 6-8 weeks. Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are sometimes used to relieve ear discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection or if there is a high risk of an infection whilst the eardrum heals.

Is tympanoplasty surgery painful? You may have some moderate pain for the first few days after your surgery. Most people can manage any pain with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication.

A perforated eardrum can cause a lot of pain. It can also affect hearing, but this usually is temporary. A tear in the eardrum can allow bacteria and other things to get into the middle ear and inner ear. This could lead to an infection that might cause more permanent hearing damage.

The ear then drains cloudy fluid or pus. This small hole most often heals over in 2 or 3 days.