Medically reviewed by Meghan Maynard Harlan. Last updated on May 25, 2025
General Illness Information
Medical Term:
EARDRUM, RUPTURED
Common Name: Perforated eardrum
Description: A hole in the thin membrane (tympanic membrane) that separates the inner ear from the outer ear.
Causes: The eardrum may be perforated when a sharp object is inserted in the ear, such as: a cotton swab or paper clip to clean the ear or relieve an itch; or by an object accidentally entering the ear, such as an unseen low-hanging twig on a tree or a thrown pencil. The eardrum may also be perforated by a sudden increase in inward pressure in the ear, such as with a slap; a swimming or diving accident; a nearby explosion. Other causes of a perforated eardrum are – a middle ear infection ; a sudden outward pressure or suction, such as with a kiss over the ear.
Prevention:
- Perforation of the eardrum can be prevented by avoiding trauma to the ears, and that is by not putting any objects into the ear canal, such as Q-tips, hair clips etc.
- The other precautions are – 1)avoiding injuries that may cause a rupture (see causes) and 2) obtaining prompt medical treatment for middle-ear infections.
Signs & Symptoms
- Sudden pain in the ear.
- Bleeding or pus discharge from the ear.
- Partial hearing loss.
- Ringing in the ear.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Occasionally, perforation causes relief to earache (in cases of ear infection).
Risk Factors
- Recent middle-ear infection.
- Head injury.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Diagnosis is verified by otoscope examination of the ear. Also, culture of the fluid from the ear may be done.
General Measures:
- Treatment involves – medication to prevent or treat infection and supportive care for pain.
- Don’t blow your nose, if possible. If you must, blow gently.
- Keep the ear canal dry. Don’t swim, take showers or get caught in the rain
- Microsurgery (tympanoplasty) to repair the perforation if it doesn’t heal spontaneously. In most cases the eardrum heals spontaneously without further treatment. If it is not healed in 2 months, then tympanoplasty may be needed.
- If perforation of the eardrum is associated with persistent hearing loss and vertigo- then the patient should be hospitalized and be assessed by an otolaryngologist , as the patient may need emergency surgery.
Medications:
- Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections.
- Pain relievers. For minor pain, you may use non-prescription drugs such as acetaminophen.
Activity:
Resume your normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
Diet:
No special diet.
Possible Complications :
- Ear infection, with fever, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Significant blood loss (rare).
- Meningitis (rare).
- Mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone situated just behind the ear).
- Permanent hearing loss (rare).
Prognosis
If the ruptured eardrum does not become infected, it will usually repair itself in 2 months. If it becomes infected, the infection is curable with treatment, and hearing is usually not affected permanently.
If the perforation does not heal, surgery is needed.
Other
‘Nothing Specified’.
About Meghan Maynard Harlan