A ruptured eardrum, a tear or hole in the thin tissue separating the ear canal from the middle ear, is essential for hearing. It vibrates when sound waves strike it, transmitting signals to the inner ear. Proper care during healing, including sleeping positions, prevents complications like infection and hearing impairment.
The Ideal Sleeping Position
When dealing with a ruptured eardrum, sleeping on the unaffected side is recommended. This position allows the injured ear to face upwards, promoting natural drainage of fluid or discharge. This helps prevent fluid accumulation and potential infection within the middle ear. Minimizing direct pressure on the affected ear also reduces pain and discomfort, contributing to more restful sleep and an uninterrupted healing environment. If prescribed, sleeping with the affected ear facing up can also aid in the absorption of ear drops, allowing the medication to remain in contact with the ear canal.
Sleeping Positions to Avoid
Avoid sleeping directly on the side of the ruptured eardrum. Placing pressure on the affected ear can impede natural drainage, potentially trapping fluid and increasing pressure within the middle ear. This can exacerbate pain, delay healing, and increase the risk of infection. Sleeping on your back is an option, especially if both eardrums are affected, though it may not offer the same drainage benefits as sleeping on the unaffected side. Elevating your head slightly with an extra pillow when sleeping on your back can help reduce overall pressure and encourage some fluid drainage.
Supporting Eardrum Healing at Home
Beyond sleeping positions, several at-home measures support the healing of a ruptured eardrum. Keeping the ear dry is important to prevent infection. This includes avoiding swimming and using a waterproof silicone earplug or cotton ball coated with petroleum jelly in the outer ear during showers or baths. Refrain from inserting any objects, such as cotton swabs, into the ear canal, as this can cause further damage or introduce bacteria. Blowing your nose gently is advised, as forceful blowing can create pressure changes that hinder healing. Protecting the ear from loud noises and sudden pressure changes, such as those experienced during air travel or scuba diving, is also recommended.
Understanding the Healing Process and When to Seek Help
Most minor eardrum perforations heal on their own without specific treatment, often within a few weeks to two or three months, with some small holes beginning to heal within one to two days. Healing time varies based on the hole’s size and whether an infection is present. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen, new symptoms appear, or if the eardrum does not heal within the expected timeframe. Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, fever, dizziness, significant or worsening hearing loss, or any unusual discharge from the ear. These signs could indicate a complication, such as an infection, that requires medical intervention.