What is Eardrum Perforation
The eardrum is a thin, round tissue inside the ear. It allows you to hear. The eardrum can get torn (perforated). Eardrums often heal on their own. There is often little or no long-term hearing loss.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Keep your ear dry while it heals. Do notlet your head go under water. Do notswim or dive until your doctor says it is okay.
- Before
you take a bath or shower, do one of these things to keep water out of
your ear:
- Put a waterproof earplug in your ear.
- Put petroleum jelly all over a cotton ball. Put the cotton ball in your ear.
- Take medicines only as told by your doctor.
- Avoid blowing your nose if you can. If you blow your nose, do it gently.
- Continue your normal activities after your eardrum heals. Your doctor will tell you when your eardrum has healed.
- Talk to your doctor before you fly on an airplane.
- Keep all doctor follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.
Contact a doctor if:
- You have a fever.
Get help right away if:
- You have blood or yellowish-white fluid (pus) coming from your ear.
- You feel dizzy or off balance.
- You feel sick to your stomach (nauseous), or you throw up (vomit).
- You have more pain.
