What is an Eardrum Rupture
Eardrum rupture is a hole (perforation) in the eardrum. The eardrum is a thin, round tissue inside of the ear that separates the ear canal from the middle ear. The eardrum is also called the tympanic membrane.
It transfers sound vibrations through small bones in the middle ear to the hearing nerve in the inner ear. It also protects the middle ear from germs. An eardrum rupture can cause pain and hearing loss.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- An infection.
- A
sudden injury, such as from:
- Inserting a thin, sharp object into the ear.
- A hit to the side of the head, especially by an open hand.
- Falling onto water or a flat surface.
- A rapid change in pressure, such as from flying or scuba diving.
- A sudden increase in pressure against the eardrum, such as from an explosion or a very loud noise.
- Inserting a cotton-tipped swab in the ear.
- A long-term eustachian tube disorder. Eustachian tubes are parts of the body that connect each middle ear space to the back of the nose.
- A medical procedure or surgery, such as a procedure to remove wax from the ear canal.
- Removing a man-made pressure equalization tube(PE tube) that was placed through the eardrum.
- Having a PE tube fall out.
What increases the risk?
You are more likely to develop this condition if:
- You have had PE tubes inserted in your ears.
- You have an ear infection.
- You
play sports that:
- Involve balls or contact with other players.
- Take place in water, such as diving, scuba diving, or waterskiing.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Sudden pain at the time of the injury.
- Ear pain that suddenly improves.
- Ringing in the ear after the injury.
- Drainage from the ear. The drainage may be clear, cloudy or pus-like, or bloody.
- Hearing loss.
- Dizziness.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history as well as a physical exam. Your health care provider can usually see a perforation using an ear scope (otoscope). You may have tests, such as:
- A hearing test (audiogram) to check for hearing loss.
- A test in which a sample of ear drainage is tested for infection (culture).
How is this treated?
An eardrum typically heals on its own within a few weeks. If your eardrum does not heal, your health care provider may recommend a procedure to place a patch over your eardrum or surgery to repair your eardrum. Your health care provider may also prescribe antibiotic medicines to help prevent infection.
If the ear heals completely, any hearing loss should be temporary.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Keep your ear dry. This is very important. Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to keep your ear dry. You may need to wear waterproof earplugs when bathing and swimming.
- Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
- Return to sports and activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
- Wear headgear with ear protection when you play sports in which ear injuries are common.
- If
directed, apply heat to your affected ear as often as told by your health
care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider
recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad. This will help to
relieve pain.
- Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
- Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
- Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
- Talk to your health care provider before traveling by plane.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have mucus or blood draining from your ear.
- You have a fever.
- You have ear pain.
- You have hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing in your ear.
Get help right away if:
- You have sudden hearing loss.
- You are very dizzy.
- You have severe ear pain.
- Your face feels weak or becomes paralyzed.
Summary
- An eardrum rupture is a hole (perforation) in the eardrum that can cause pain and hearing loss. It is usually caused by a sudden injury to the ear.
- The eardrum will likely heal on its own within a few weeks. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
- After the injury, follow instructions from your health care provider about how to keep your ear dry as it heals.
