A ruptured eardrum, also known as a tympanic membrane perforation, is a hole or tear in the thin tissue separating the outer ear from the middle ear. This delicate membrane vibrates to transmit sound waves, playing a significant role in hearing. A tear disrupts sound transmission and leaves the middle ear vulnerable to infection.
Key Indicators of a Ruptured Eardrum
A sudden, sharp ear pain is often the first noticeable symptom. This pain might subside quickly, especially if caused by pressure buildup from an infection, as the rupture can relieve that pressure. Fluid draining from the ear may follow, appearing clear, pus-filled, or bloody.
Another common indicator is a change in hearing. Hearing loss can range from mild to significant, feeling like sounds are muffled or harder to discern. This occurs because the eardrum’s ability to vibrate and transmit sound is compromised. Tinnitus, a sensation of ringing, buzzing, or humming in the affected ear, is also common. Vertigo (a spinning sensation) or dizziness, occasionally leading to nausea or vomiting, may also occur. Less commonly, weakness in facial muscles can occur in severe cases.
Common Causes
Middle ear infections (otitis media) are a frequent cause. Fluid accumulation behind the eardrum during infection creates pressure that can tear the membrane, common in children.
Barotrauma, resulting from significant pressure differences between the ear’s inside and outside, is another cause. This can happen during activities like flying (especially takeoff or landing) or scuba diving, involving rapid altitude or depth changes. Physical trauma, such as inserting objects too deeply into the ear canal (e.g., cotton swabs, hairpins) or a forceful impact (e.g., a slap to the ear, head injury), can also lead to rupture. Less frequently, exposure to extremely loud noises, like an explosion or gunshot, can cause acoustic trauma severe enough to rupture the eardrum.
When to Get Medical Help and What to Expect
If a ruptured eardrum is suspected, prompt medical attention is advisable. While many small perforations heal naturally, a professional diagnosis helps prevent complications like ongoing infections or lasting hearing issues. During a medical visit, a healthcare provider will typically examine the ear using an otoscope, a lighted instrument that allows them to visualize the eardrum. This examination can reveal the presence of a hole or tear.
The doctor may also perform hearing tests to assess the extent of any hearing loss and evaluate how well the eardrum functions. These tests might include audiometry, which checks how well a person hears sounds at different volumes and pitches, and tympanometry, which measures the eardrum’s response to pressure changes. If there is fluid draining from the ear, a sample might be taken for laboratory testing to identify any bacterial infection.
Treatment Options and Healing Process
Small holes often begin to heal within a few days, though complete healing can take several weeks to a few months. During this period, it is often recommended to keep the ear dry to prevent infection. This might involve using a waterproof earplug or a cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly when showering or bathing.
If an infection is present or to prevent one, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics, either as oral medication or eardrops. For larger perforations or those that do not heal on their own after several months, surgical options may be considered. One procedure involves placing a patch, sometimes made of the patient’s own tissue, over the hole to encourage healing, a procedure known as tympanoplasty. This surgical repair helps restore the eardrum’s integrity and can improve hearing.
Preventative Measures
Managing ear infections promptly is an important preventative measure. Seeking medical care for symptoms like earache, fever, or reduced hearing can prevent pressure buildup that might lead to a rupture.
Practicing safe ear hygiene is also important. Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs, paper clips, or hairpins into the ear canal, as these can easily puncture the eardrum. Instead, clean the outer ear gently with a damp cloth. During air travel, especially with a cold or allergies that cause nasal congestion, take precautions to equalize ear pressure by yawning, chewing gum, or using pressure-equalizing earplugs. Protecting ears from extremely loud noises, such as those from explosions or gunfire, by using earplugs or earmuffs, can also prevent acoustic trauma.