The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, cone-shaped tissue separating the outer and middle ear. It vibrates when sound waves reach it, transmitting these vibrations to tiny bones in the middle ear, which is crucial for hearing. Damage to the eardrum can disrupt this process.
Recognizing the Signs
A damaged eardrum can manifest through several symptoms. These include sudden, sharp ear pain, which may quickly subside as pressure is relieved. This pain can be steady or fluctuate.
Hearing loss, ranging from mild muffling to significant reduction, is also common. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear is another frequent complaint. Discharge from the ear, which can appear clear, pus-filled, or bloody, often signals a perforation. Other symptoms include ringing or buzzing in the ear (tinnitus), or dizziness (vertigo).
Common Reasons for Damage
Eardrum damage often stems from middle ear infections. When fluid and pus build up behind the eardrum, increased pressure can cause it to tear or rupture. This is common in children.
Sudden, loud noises, known as acoustic trauma, can also perforate the eardrum. Explosions or gunshots generate shock waves capable of rupturing it. Changes in air pressure, known as barotrauma, can cause damage during air travel, scuba diving, or even a forceful slap to the ear. Direct injury from inserting objects like cotton swabs or other foreign items into the ear is another common cause. Head trauma, such as severe skull fractures, may also damage the eardrum.
When Professional Medical Help is Needed
Seek prompt medical attention if eardrum damage is suspected. Significant ear pain, persistent hearing loss, or any ear discharge warrant a doctor’s visit. Dizziness or vertigo accompanying other symptoms also requires immediate consultation.
Ignoring these signs or delaying treatment can lead to complex issues. Complications like ongoing hearing loss, recurring ear infections, or a skin growth behind the eardrum (cholesteatoma) can occur if a perforation does not heal properly. Early consultation helps prevent these long-term problems.
Diagnosis and Initial Care
A physical examination is typically the first step for suspected eardrum damage. The doctor uses an otoscope, a specialized tool with a light, to inspect the eardrum for tears or holes.
In some instances, if hearing loss is a concern, additional tests might be performed. These include audiometry to measure hearing at various tones and volumes, or tympanometry, which assesses the eardrum’s response to air pressure changes. Many small perforations heal on their own within weeks to months. If an infection is present, antibiotics (oral or ear drops) may be prescribed. Over-the-counter medications can help alleviate discomfort during healing.
Recovery and Future Protection
Recovery from a damaged eardrum typically occurs within weeks to months, depending on the tear’s size and location. During this time, keep the ear dry to prevent infection. Avoid swimming and use waterproof earplugs or petroleum jelly-coated cotton balls when showering or bathing.
To protect the ear from future injury, avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs deep into the ear canal. In loud environments, like concerts or construction sites, wear earplugs or protective earmuffs to prevent acoustic trauma. During air travel, yawning, chewing gum, or using pressure-equalizing earplugs can help manage pressure changes and reduce barotrauma risk. Promptly addressing ear infections also prevents eardrum perforation.