Ruptured Eardrum
Overview
Causes
Eardrums may rupture due to:
- Ear infections
- A puncture from inserting an object like a cotton swab in the ear canal
- Trauma to the ear, such as being slapped over the ear or an explosion
- Pressure buildup in the middle ear, which can happen during activities like scuba diving
- A complication from treatments like ear irrigation or foreign body removal
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Some people may not have symptoms. Others may have:
- Severe ear pain that gradually gets worse over time
- Ear pain that is severe, gets better, and then is followed by leakage from the ear
- Blood or pus leaking from the ear
- Problems hearing
- Buzzing or other noise in the ear
People who have a ruptured eardrum are at higher risk for an ear infection. This is because the opening in the membrane allows bacteria to enter the middle ear and cause infection.
Treatments
Treatment
Most ruptured eardrums heal on their own with time. Pain relievers can help to manage symptoms during this time.
Treatment will be needed to help an eardrum that does not heal on its own. This can be done with surgery to patch the tear or hole.
Prevention
The risk of a ruptured eardrum may be lowered by:
- Not sticking objects like cotton swabs inside the ear
- Getting treatment right away for any symptoms that point to an ear infection
- Using ear protection when around sudden loud noises, such as explosives
- Protecting the ear from sudden changes in pressure, such as when scuba diving
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.