How does your eardrum rupture

With a significant rupture or tear, hearing is reduced. Plus, the risk for a middle ear infection increases since the membrane also helps keep bacteria out of the middle ear. One of the most common ways eardrums rupture is due to trauma. For example, people sometimes rupture this thin membrane when they stick something into their ear to clean it.

Infections can also weaken the eardrum and increase the risk of a tear or rupture. Another time an eardrum can rupture is with sudden changes in pressure, as when descending quickly in altitude in a plane or scuba diving. As the pressure increases, the eardrum may break open rupture. The health care provider will look in your ear with an instrument called an otoscope.

Sometimes they will need to use a microscope for a better view. If the eardrum is ruptured, the doctor will see an opening in it. The bones of the middle ear may also be visible. Pus draining from the ear may make it harder for the doctor to see the eardrum. If pus is present and blocking the view of the eardrum, the doctor may need to suction the ear to clear the pus.

Audiology testing can measure how much hearing has been lost. Repair of the eardrum might be needed for larger holes or ruptures or if the eardrum does not heal on its own. This can be done either in the office or under anesthesia. If your pain and symptoms improve after your eardrum ruptures, you may wait until the next day to see your provider.

DO NOT insert objects into the ear canal, even to clean it. Objects stuck in the ear should only be removed by a provider. Have ear infections treated right away. You can also experience tinnitus , a constant ringing or buzzing in the ears, or dizziness.

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist , or ENT, if you need more specialized examinations or treatment for a ruptured eardrum. Treatments for eardrum rupture are mainly designed to relieve pain and eliminate or prevent infection. If your ear does not heal on its own, your doctor may patch the eardrum.

Patching involves placing a medicated paper patch over the tear in the membrane. The patch encourages the membrane to grow back together. Antibiotics can clear up infections that might have led to your eardrum rupture.

They also protect you from developing new infections from the perforation. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics or medicated eardrops. You may also be told to use both forms of medication. In rare cases, surgery may be required to patch the hole in the eardrum.

A surgical repair of a perforated eardrum is called tympanoplasty. During tympanoplasty, your surgeon takes tissue from another area of your body and grafts it onto the hole in your eardrum. At home, you can ease the pain of a ruptured eardrum with heat and pain relievers. Placing a warm, dry compress on your ear several times daily can help. Promote healing by not blowing your nose any more than absolutely necessary.

Blowing your nose creates pressure in your ears. Trying to clear your ears by holding your breath, blocking your nose, and blowing also creates high pressure in your ears. If your eardrum is ruptured, fluid from these drops can get deep into your ear.

This can cause further issues. Eardrum ruptures can happen much more frequently in children because of their sensitive tissue and narrow ear canals. Any kind of small foreign object, such as a pencil or hairpin, can also damage or rupture their eardrum if inserted too far into their ear canal.

Ear infections are the most common cause of eardrum ruptures in children. Teach your child not to stick objects in their ear. A doctor will most likely: examine your ear canal with a lighted instrument called an otoscope do an audiology exam to see how well you hear at difference pitches and volumes take a sample of fluid from the ear to test for infection.

How Are Perforated Eardrums Treated? While the eardrum is healing, your doctor might suggest: taking over-the-counter pain relievers using antibiotics to prevent infections or treat any existing infections these could be given as a pill or as ear drops While your eardrum heals: Don't use over-the-counter ear drops unless your doctor tells you to.

If there is a hole in the eardrum, some kinds of ear drops can get into the middle ear or cochlea and cause problems. Avoid getting water inside the ear canal. Your doctor might recommend that you keep your ear dry during water activities to prevent infection. Gently place a waterproof earplug or cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in your ear when you shower or take a bath. Don't clean your ear or forcefully blow your nose. Wait until the tear in your eardrum is completely healed.

Can Perforated Eardrums Be Prevented? To make the chances of a rupture less likely: Try to avoid flying on airplanes if you have a cold or sinus infection. If you have to fly, chew gum during takeoff and landing.

You can also try to equalize the pressure in your ears by yawning or swallowing. Get lessons if you plan to go scuba diving. Make sure you learn how to equalize the pressure in your ears.

Don't scuba dive if you have an ear infection, sinus infection, or cold. Never stick anything in your ear, even to clean it.